Steelers RB Jaylen Warren on his way to proving Pro Bowl comparison correct
The talent is absolutely in the picture for the Pittsburgh Steelers' running back room. Najee Harris is a fine starter to build around, and the presence of Jaylen Warren can't be understated. As a rookie in 2022, Warren averaged just under five yards per carry in 77 attempts, and his two best games came at […]
The talent is absolutely in the picture for the Pittsburgh Steelers' running back room. Najee Harris is a fine starter to build around, and the presence of Jaylen Warren can't be understated.
As a rookie in 2022, Warren averaged just under five yards per carry in 77 attempts, and his two best games came at the end of the season against the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
The sample size may've been on the smaller side, as is Warren himself, but the high-end upside the 24-year old back possesses can make the Steelers' offense noticeably much better.
What's a good comparison for the 5'8" scat back? Sports Illustrated's Conor Orr named Warren as the most underrated player on the Steelers' roster, and sees some Austin Ekeler in his game.
"Over 77 carries last year, Warren flashed a bit of young Austin Ekeler. He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, nabbing 28 of his 33 catch opportunities." – SI's Conor Orr
Ekeler is now a seven-year veteran with Pro Bowls to his name, but he was also an undrafted rookie with a limited role. Their first-year stats are pretty similar when looking at rushing and receiving.
Austin Ekeler vs. Jaylen Warren Rookie Stats
| PLAYER | CARRIES | YARDS (AVG) | TOUCHDOWNS | RECEPTIONS | YARDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Austin Ekeler | 47 | 260 (4.5) | 2 | 27 | 279 |
Jaylen Warren | 77 | 379 (4.9) | 1 | 28 | 214 |
Running style and height are also two noticeable traits Warren and Ekeler share, but Warren has also built up his muscle mass this offseason. Ekeler is known for being well built for his size, and others are taking notice of Warren.
“It’s kinda crazy because I didn’t really notice it until others told me,” Warren said of his physique last month. “I know I feel great and my body fat percentage is the lowest it’s ever been. I didn’t do anything different, I just did it more often.”
The second-year leap comes standard for most NFL players. For Warren, he's doing what he can to make it a guarantee.
Steelers’ offense may have a simple solution to its complex problem
If it only it was as simple as it seems
Featured image via © Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK
