Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada Hypes Up Jaylen Warren's "Elite" Blocking Skills

The Pittsburgh Steelers have significantly boosted the running back room with 2022 undrafted free agent, Jaylen Warren. The Oklahoma State product has provided a spark to the offense when he has come in for starter Najee Harris, so much so that there are predictions that Harris, a former first-round pick, will lose his job to Warren. While the second-year back had a limited role in his rookie season in 2022, his running ability and utility as a pass catcher were highlighted, but he's starting to get recognized for his contributions as a pass blocker too. 

Warren had told Mark Kaboly of The Athletic that coming into the league, scouts had questions about his capability as a blocker. He wasn't even sure of how he would do at it. He's managed to do pretty well. Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada complimented the 25-year-old running back on how quickly he has picked up the skill at a high level. 

"His ability to pick up blitzes is elite," Canada said during his regular Thursday press conference. "We are very fortunate to have it. Then he gets the ball and is showing he can be an explosive guy with the ball in his hands as well." 

So far in the 2023 regular season, Warren hasn't really had a chance to show off that explosiveness as a runner. His longest run through three weeks was an 11-yard gain in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders. Warren's impressive speed was on full display in Week 2 of the preseason against the Buffalo Bills, when he broke away for a 62-yard touchdown on his lone carry in the contest. 

While Harris continues to try and find his form, Warren has shown he is more than capable of filling the void and helping the Steelers running game find its way forward in 2023. 

Steelers' Warren Made Incredibly Impactful Play On Long Touchdown To Calvin Austin III        

The Steelers needed a big play from the offense in Week 3 against the Raiders to get going down 7-0 after two consecutive punts to start the game. They found it on a third and seven from their own 27-yard line when Kenny Pickett threw a deep ball to speedster Calvin Austin III. He ran the rest of the way down the field untouched for a 72-yard touchdown. 

After the game, Pickett said that the attention George Pickens drew from a Raiders safety was the reason for Austin being open. Warren also made a key play that Canada praised on Thursday. 

On the play, Raiders premiere pass rusher Maxx Crosby had what looked like an open lane to get the sack on Pickett. Warren however, stepped into the hole and was able to get a block on him that allowed his quarterback the time to find Austin open down the middle of the field.

Canada said that Warren stopping Crosby when he got loose was not a surprise to the coaching staff. He added that it's the kind of play that they've come to expect from him. 

Warren is already over 100 yards receiving in three games through 2023. He's averaging 8.4 yards per reception on 12 catches. He set a new career high for his longest reception with a 30-yard catch and run in the second half against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. 

He has taken a real step up in the passing game averaging 33.7 yards per game through three weeks versus the 13.4 yards he had in 2022 as a rookie. With his skillset as a receiver in addition to his blocking skills, he's showing off how important he can be on passing downs with or without getting the ball. Harris continues to play an important role for the team on offense, but with his wide-ranging skillset, Warren is proving to be more than just a backup. 

Do you think Warren should keep eating into Harris' playtime? What have you observed of Warren's blocking skills? Comment below!

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