"Mark My Words" Steelers Running Back Jaylen Warren Will Absolutely Be Starting "By Halloween" According To Radio Host

It is currently an open race for the Pittsburgh Steelers third-string running back job. Some believe that the team may only keep two ball carriers (Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren) on the 53-main roster to begin the 2023 season, but it appears as if Anthony McFarland Jr. is emerging as a legitimate candidate to hold the third spot on the depth chart. There will be a better idea of how this position battle shapes up as the 2023 preseason continues, but after a strong rookie season for Warren, could it be possible that he takes over for Harris at some point?

Harris has been the team's workhorse since being drafted in the first round of 2021 NFL Draft. He has started all 34 regular season games since coming to town and is the unquestioned starter in his third year. After accumulating over 2,200 yards on the ground in his first two campaigns, he will look to build on that success behind a revamped offensive line.

Warren could earn himself in the conversation of best backups in the entire league. He averaged nearly five yards per carry in his rookie season and is a perfect compliment to Harris. The one-two punch could have the opportunity to rush over over 2,000 yards combined in 2023 if the strategy on offense is to run the ball down defense's throats.

One Steelers analyst, Andrew Fillipponi from 93.7 The Fan, has been critical of Harris since Warren came onto the scene in 2022. The radio host is known for some outlandish takes from time to time and continued with his thoughts about the two running backs and who should be the lead back in 2023. He thinks Warren will be the guy before November.

It will be extremely difficult for Warren to outrun Harris. The 2023 season is the biggest of Harris's career as the Steelers need to decide whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2025 after the season. He entered the 2022 regular season with a Lisfranc injury and didn't quite seem himself until the latter half of the year. He has a clean bill. of health entering 2023.

Steelers Dealing With A Great Problem To Have At Running Back

The Steelers may not look to have Warren overtake Harris on the depth chart, but it would be extremely wise to mix both into the offense consistently. Not many NFL teams have two ball carriers who could start for the majority of teams in the league. The combination of an offensive line that could turn into a top 10 unit in the league with two downhill runners could be a lethal one.

Harris may and should remain as the top guy on the depth chart, but there has been plenty of talking surrounding the value of running backs recently. If the Steelers want to reward Harris with a second contract in the future, giving Warren 10 or more carries per game moving forward would be a smart way to preserve the body of Harris and advance the growth of Warren.

Fillipponi is right to show excitement for Warren, but writing Harris off is not the right approach. The third-year back will have his best offensive line in front of him in 2023 and has the potential to have a career year. There's no doubt that signing Warren as an undrafted free agent can already be considered a win, but Harris is undoubtedly still the leader in the room.

Do you think the Steelers top running back by Halloween could be Warren? Let us know in the comments below!

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