Steelers' Jaylen Warren Has Revealing Take On How Some Players Are Practice Studs But Don't Show Up In Stadiums

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally ready to play their first 2023 preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and no one is more excited for it than running back, Jaylen Warren. Warren is a second-year running back out of Oklahoma State. He impressed early in the 2022 season, although he didn't get many reps as the Steelers have a clear-cut RB1 in Najee Harris. Warren continues to turn heads in 2023, and he is greatly looking forward to the 2023 preseason. 

Now in his second year, Warren has some experience and knows what to expect in preseason games. He recognizes that practice play doesn't always directly transfer to on-field play for some players. Whether it's nerves, increased competition, or just playing against a different team, some players can get tripped up in the preseason, and Warren is prepared for that. 

"There can be people that do good on the practice field, but when it comes to stadiums, they kind of shake up."

Warren knows all about performing well on the practice field as well. He has really improved his game during 2023 training camp, still brandishing his admirable grit. After going undrafted in 2022, Warren was picked up by the Steelers. He's proven that he is worthy of a roster spot, but still keeps himself humble and knows that he needs to earn every opportunity he's given. Warren is a powerful, downhill runner, like his counterpart Harris and looks to get the RB2 nod heading into the regular season. 

All Eyes on Steelers Rookies

As Warren said, not every player who does well on the practice field will do well in a stadium or live game. Rookies are always a prime example of that idea. Since they have the least amount of experience playing with an NFL team, the preseason is a great way to test teams' young players and see if they're up to the task of being their best in a live game. The Steelers have some big rookies this year that hope to impress in their preseason debuts, including Joey Porter Jr., Darnell Washington, Nick Herbig, and Broderick Jones. 

Jones was the Steelers' first-round pick, taken 14th overall out of Georgia. He has had a decent camp, showing flashes of greatness, but not completely impressing everyone. Jones is also losing the battle for the starting left tackle position to Dan Moore Jr. That isn't any reason for concern, however, Moore Jr. is a solid player and it takes time for rookies to earn a starting nod. Jones will definitely get a good amount of snaps in the preseason, and he hopes to prove he can move up and make the starting position a bigger competition. 

Porter Jr. was drafted out of Penn State with the 32nd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. He comes to an already solid Steelers secondary, with Minkah Fitzpatrick and Patrick Peterson. Porter Jr. has had a turbulent training camp. He's looked solid in coverage, aside from a few spectacular catches covering George Pickens, and has struggled in 1-on-1 tackling drills. He has been quiet and determined so far, and he's looking to prove his worth against the Buccaneers. 

Herbig is a very interesting rookie for the Steelers. He was drafted out of Wisconsin in the fourth round. All Steelers fans know how well Wisconsin is at developing linebackers, with TJ Watt coming from the same alma mater. Herbig and Watt already have a bond from both playing for Wisconsin, and it seems like the tandem of Watt and Herbig coming off the edges together could be lethal for NFL defenses. Herbig has even more reason to love Pittsburgh, as his brother Nate Herbig plays as an offensive lineman. Herbig has shown tremendous promise so far in camp and has an exceptional mentor in Watt. He definitely wants to build off his training camp hype in the preseason. 

Can Everyone Else Keep Up?

The Steelers offense has looked solid during training camp, with the headlines raving about how special the Kenny Pickett-Pickens connection is. Former and current players have boasted that the connection Pickett and Pickens have is mirrored by the connection Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown had during their careers with the Steelers. Those are big shoes to fill for the young duo, but if they continue performing the same way they have in camp, they might just be able to turn those rumors into reality. 

The defense also looks to solidify in the preseason. Veterans like Cam Heyward and Peterson will look to lead the trenches and the skies, and superstars Watt and Fitzpatrick will provide the electricity to the defense. All cylinders need to be firing for the Steelers this season, especially since there are some big expectations this year. Only time will tell how this reinvigorated Steelers team will perform. 

How do you think the Steelers will perform in their first preseason game? What players will stand out and who will disappoint? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

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