Pittsburgh Veteran Jaylen Warren has much to prove at St. Vincent College, but rookie running back Caleb Johnson may be the center of attention at Steelers training camp. Warren is once again struggling to hold onto his position in a crowded backfield, despite having established himself as one of the NFL’s best pass-blocking backs and a furious runner.
However, I believe I’ve spoken to Jaylen plenty this spring and summer, Warren. This year, he has a grievance against him. In a recent episode of the Steelers Breakdown podcast, Nick Farabaugh disclosed that he is once again being questioned. That’s just Jaylen’s personality. He feels as though he is constantly overlooked and underappreciated.
Warren’s career has been characterized by such drive. Despite his little size, he has continuously exceeded expectations and established himself as one of the league’s most fierce blockers. He was not selected in the draft out of Oklahoma State.
“Man, that’s where he wins,” Farabaugh said. He is an outstanding pass protector. Jaylen Warren has never asked that question. This guy can knock players off their whistle with such ferocity for his size. Like, seriously. We do see males twice his size, after all. His fury and physical strength appear to knock you back.
With Aaron Rodgers now at center, Warren’s blocking ability becomes even more important. Given the offensive line’s worries about Broderick Jones’ early camp troubles, protecting the 40-year-old quarterback becomes crucial.
The talent complementarity of Warren, Johnson, and veteran newcomer Kenneth Gainwell is what makes the Steelers’ backfield situation so exciting.
Their backfield is composed of a variety of skill sets. Each of them is a unique kind of gamer. “They’re all going to play, so nobody will be overburdened,” Farabaugh said. Of course, this club needs it to relieve some of the burden on Aaron Rodgers, so you hope they can sort of work together to form a really dynamic backfield that produces an effective rushing assault.
While Gainwell provides third-down receiving skills and Johnson, a natural zone runner with breakaway speed, offers the possibility for home runs, Warren’s all-around skill set, especially his pass protection, gives him a big advantage when padded sessions get underway.
Warren is going to feel most comfortable during the padded sessions. Both as a runner and a blocker, his physical style of play is built for contact. Warren was enjoying donning those pads and engaging in his specialty, which is essentially blocking the hell out of anyone, regardless of size, as John Luciew noted on the podcast.
The adaptability of the backfield gives Pittsburgh’s offensive coaching staff a tactical edge. Depending on the circumstance, the opponent, and the strategy, they can use a variety of backs, adding a degree of unpredictability that was occasionally absent in prior seasons.
Warren’s success during camp and the start of the season could compel the Steelers to make a decision, even if he enters the final year of his deal without an extension in sight. “I think he’s a winning football player,” Farabaugh said. He is a guy that you win with in this league, in my opinion, and he is incredibly underappreciated.
Don’t be shocked if Warren—rather than youngster Johnson—becomes Pittsburgh’s go-to backfield leader once the games start to count as the pads come on and the hitting gets more intense.
Here is the podcast for today:
