The Pittsburgh Steelers signed running back Jaylen Warren as an undrafted free agent after he went undrafted in 2022. Warren impressed the organization during training camp and preseason, ultimately making the final roster. As a rookie, he carried the football 77 times for 379 rushing yards and one touchdown. He also caught 28 passes for 214 receiving yards.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren working out during 2022 training camp.
In the 2023 season, Warren took on a greater role, seizing every opportunity when called upon to relieve Najee Harris. That year, he carried the ball 149 times for 784 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Fans are excited about the Harris-Warren duo in 2024 under new Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith. Smith favors a ground-and-pound offensive strategy, and with Harris and Warren, he has the perfect personnel to implement it.
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers signed another undrafted free agent running back, Daijun Edwards, from the Georgia Bulldogs, one of college football's best teams. Edwards played a crucial role in leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships. He is considered an under-the-radar running back. After Organized Team Activities, Warren spoke to the media, admitting he sees a lot of himself in Edwards.
"I was in that same situation. We're gonna come out here and make mistakes. I made my mistakes when I first came. I told him how my first pass to me here, I dropped it in the end zone, and then, I forgot his name, but he told me, 'Don't drop passes,’ because he was an undrafted free agent, too. And I took that to heart. You really can't mess up, so I share what I know with him, what l've gone through. I do see a lot of me in him.”
Warren understands the challenge of joining an NFL roster as an undrafted free agent and fighting to make the team. It’s a difficult journey, but it's possible. Edwards is fortunate to have someone like Warren, who faced the same struggle just a few seasons ago, to guide him. If Edwards was effective in the Bulldogs' offense, he must be a talented back. The Steelers recognized this potential and signed him. Now, Edwards will work hard to follow in Warren's footsteps and make the final roster.
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Former Georgia running back Daijun Edwards scores a touchdown.
In college, Edwards played four seasons for the Bulldogs. Over his career, he carried the football 390 times for 2,083 rushing yards, averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and scored 24 touchdowns. His best season came in 2023, his final year, when he carried the ball 164 times for 881 rushing yards and scored 13 touchdowns. Despite being part of a very competitive running back room, Edwards was incredibly productive.
Steelers' Daijun Edwards Has A Little Bit Of Le'Veon Bell In Him
Edwards is a talented back who went undrafted because some scouts believe he lacks the consistent speed to outpace NFL defenders. He is a patient runner who likes to allow plays to develop before making his moves. You could even say he has a little bit of Le'Veon Bell in him; the Steelers' former running back who dominated during his short career in Pittsburgh. In the Bulldogs' system, he was a reliable player, stepping up when needed most.
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Former Steelers running back, Le'Veon Bell (26) gets ready to take the handoff from Ben Roethlisberger.
With Warren helping him navigate the challenges of being an undrafted free agent, there is growing excitement about Edwards' potential. If he manages to beat the odds and make the final roster, Edwards may not have a significant role in the Steelers' offense but could be a valuable addition to the special teams unit. Steelers fans will certainly be keeping an eye on their undrafted free agent running back, Edwards.
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