Analyst Has Superstar Comparison for Steelers RB Jaylen Warren
PITTSBURGH -- Jaylen Warren burst onto the scene last season, working his was from undrafted free agent to backup running back and important contributor for the Pittsburgh Steelers in key spots.
In limited action during his first season as a Steeler, Warren dazzled with his combination of speed, short-range quickness and power. As he accounted for 593 yards from scrimmage over 105 touches last season, Sports Illustrated's Connor Orr saw shades of another NFL superstar.
"Over 77 carries last year, Warren flashed a bit of young Austin Ekeler," Orr wrote about Warren, who he believes is the Steelers' most underrated player. "He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, nabbing 28 of his 33 catch opportunities. And while Harris is clearly the better pass protector, there is a value in having a second dual-threat option out of the backfield who, at 5'8", provides a drastically different sight line for defenders. Pittsburgh’s backfield is almost like facing a baseball team that is allowed to change pitchers on a batter-to-batter basis."
Warren has a long way to go before he can compare to Ekeler, who's lead the league in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns and tallied more than 1,500 total yards in consecutive seasons, but he can still keep improving.
Orr expects Warren's role to continue to grow in year two as the team tries to take some heat off of Najee Harriss' massive role. And Warren's different playing style can help the offense keep opponents honest.
"Former editor and MMQB podcast head honcho Gary Gramling used to love the phrase 'stylistic complement,' and it’s something I think a lot about when a team is crafting its own identity," Orr said. "If you are the Steelers, and the beating heart of your offense is theoretically whatever Najee Harris is providing on the ground supplemented by your brilliant young wide receivers, then it is a very good idea to have someone like Jaylen Warren. ... It wouldn’t surprise me to see Warren’s workload increase."
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