Steelers' Jaylen Warren Believes Key Position In New System Will Unlock Never Before Seen Production

The Pittsburgh Steelers will likely be running a run-heavy style offense in 2024, as they have built the team to fit that scheme. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren were very dominant in 2023, and they will be expected to have the same level of performance. The Steelers brought in Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, who has plenty of experience with running high-end rushing offenses. Nearly every move made on the offensive side of the ball was made to boost the run game in one way or another. 

Even with all the big moves made, Warren is excited about one new aspect of the Steelers' offense that the team did not utilize much in 2024.

"Physicality. Just like I said, you can see that on tape and can't wait for [the fullback] to do it to another team... especially someone like that who's willing to go in and hit, do the dirty work for us, yeah it makes our job easier."

Even though Connor Heyward was expected to be the team's starting fullback in 2023, the Steelers opted to mostly steer away from a fullback last season. Instead, Heyward was used as tight end depth, and even started some games while Pat Freiermuth was out with injuries. During training camp, the Steelers have gone back to using a fullback, although there is still no confirmation that they will roll with that idea during the 2024 season. 

In previous years, the Steelers got quality production out of guys like Derek Watt and Roosevelt Nix, especially in short-yardage situations. Moving Heyward to the backfield could help provide an extra element to the rushing offense, especially with Heyward's ability as a hybrid player that can run, catch, and block if needed. If that move can unlock an extra gear of this run offense, teams will have an even harder time stopping these dynamic running backs. 

Steelers Will Have Stiff Competition For The Fullback

Heyward and Jack Colletto are competing for the fullback role, but Heyward's experience and versatility could give him the edge in the competition. If Colletto can find a way to win the job, that would just show how much he can bring over a guy that can move around and play multiple positions. He will have to be even more physical than Warren alluded to if he wants to take the job, as well as excel on special teams.

It also helps to have a big body that can take the ball and just push the line in short-yardage situations himself. Watt did a lot of that, as he would get the ball on 3rd and 4th down and one yard to go or less. Heyward's size might give him the disadvantage there, as Colletto will likely be able to barrel over a linebacker a bit easier because of his size. 

There are still a lot of things to hammer out as preseason rolls on, but Warren did praise Colletto as well, and it seems to be an open competition. 

As of now, Heyward still has the edge over Colletto as the top fullback, according to the initial depth chart on Steelers.com. Anything can change, and Smith's style may command a bigger body to help open up some running lanes, as opposed to a versatile player that can play all over the offense. Teams normally only carry one fullback, if any, and that means that one of these players could be without a job soon, whether they deserve it or not.

Either way, Warren and Harris may not be very used to having a player run out in front of them to open up a hole, but they will likely cherish it this upcoming season. There's always the chance that they just keep Heyward at tight end and run no fullback again, like they did in 2023.

What do you think about Warren getting excited about having a fullback, as well as the camp competition for that spot? Let us know in the comments.

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