Tag Archives: Steelers running game

Welcome Home! Steelers Draft Eli Heidenreich in the 7th Round of the 2026 NFL Draft

Posted on by Standard 2

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Eli Heidenreich, running back out of Navy, with their 2nd 7th-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

In drafting Eli Heidenreich, Omar Khan and Mike McCarthy addressed the bottom of the Steelers 2026 Draft Needs Matrix, but in many ways saved the draft’s best story for last.

Heidenreich is from Pittsburgh, the draft was held in Pittsburgh, and the Mt. Lebanon native got to hear his name called and walk across the stage in his hometown. It was an emotional moment that will long be remembered:

@steelers With the 230th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, we select RB/WR Eli Heidenreich. 📺: 2026 NFL Draft April 23-25 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC #steelers #nfldraft #eliheidenreich ♬ original sound – Pittsburgh Steelers


Hollywood couldn’t have scripted it better.

Eli Heidenreich carrying the ball for the Midshipman

Steelers 7th round pick and Pittsburgh native Eli Heidenreich carrying the ball for Navy. Photo Credit: navysports.com

Eli Heidenreich Scouting Report: Navy Running Back’s Profile and Traits

Eli Heidenreich was the 230th player taken in the 2026 NFL Draft. The odds of the 230th player making the final 53 man roster are long, to say the least.

But, as Steel City Insider’s Roy Countryman points out, this was anything but a sentimental pick on the part of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coutnryman labeled him as his top running back value pick for the 7th round, and correctly predicted the Steelers would pick him.

What makes Heidenreich so dangerous is his athletic ability and work ethic, which gives him the ability to get the maximum out of his skill set. He is willing to do the dirty work necessary for his team to win, whether that is running the ball, catching passes from the slot, or laying a block, and he has some of the best pure football instincts of anyone in the class.

Matt C. Steel also liked Heidenreich as a 7th rounder and projects him as a third down back.

Eli Heidenreich Highlights: Breaking Down the Navy Running Back’s Film

To quote Countryman, Eli Heidenreich is so fascinating “because his toolkit is soooo unique.”

Eli Heidenreich’s versatility as a runner, receiver, and blocker stands out on film. Watch his Navy highlights below:

Key takeaways: You can see why Heidenreich projects as a versatile offensive weapon capable of contributing on third downs, special teams, and in hybrid running back and wide receiver roles.

Eli Heidenreich’s Path to Making the Steelers 53-Man Roster

While Eli Heidenreich stole the show at the draft, he must find a way to differentiate himself this summer at St. Vincents.

In the modern-day NFL team it is rare for a team to keep more than 3 running backs on this active roster. And the Steelers already drafted Riley Nowakowski and list him as a fullback alongside running backs Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson.

But in his closing press conference Mike McCarthy did talk about his appreciation for the 2-back offense, and with the Steelers still needing some depth at wide receiver Eli Heidenreich position flexibility as a wide receiver can only work in his favor.

Either way, he’s got a shot at playing for the Steelers. What more could a hometown kid ask for?

Welcome back home to Pittsburgh, Eli Heidenreich!

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Steelers 2026 NFL Draft Needs: Do They Need a (another) Running Back?

Posted on by Standard Reply

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made several high-profile moves at running back recently, and head into the 2026 NFL Draft with 2 veterans playing on second contracts and one second-year player working on his rookie contract.

  • So a premium pick is, probably, off the table in upcoming draft.

Yet, even a glance at Steelers history reveals that late round draft picks such as Dick Hoak, Rocky Bleier, Frank Pollard, Merril Hoge and Chris Fuamatu-Ma’afala form a critical part of the franchise’s legacy at running back.

So does that mean that the Steelers will or should add to their running back depth chart, either early or late in the 2026 NFL Draft? Let’s take a look.

Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson at Steelers OTAs in the spring of 2025.

Jaylen Warren and Kaleb Johnson at OTAs. Photo Credit: X.com

Steelers Running Back Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Starter

In this age of AI it is not too hard to imagine someone prompting a major LLM agent such as Chat GPT about Jaylen Warren’s 2025 campaign and getting something like this (full disclosure, this was made up by me):

Although the Steelers thought enough of Jaylen Warren to give him a second contract on the eve of the 2025 season, the running back found himself eclipsed by free agent Kenneth Gainwell, who not only got playing time at Warren’s expense, he won the team MVP Award. In many ways the 2025 season could be considered to be a disappointing one for Jaylen Warren.

Or something like that. That conclusion, while logical, is wrong.

Jaylen Warren was easily one of the best players on a 2025 Steelers offense that was starved for playmakers. In his first year as a starter, Warren got more carries, rushed for more yards and at a higher yards-per-carry rate than 2024.

Jaylen Warren, Steelers vs Dolphins, Steelers vs Dolphins MNF

Jaylen Warren rushes. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

He also had a strong year receiving, and posted his best yards-from-scrimmage total of his career, and his best “success rate” for those of you who love meta stats, of his career. It is also important to note that he only fumbled once – and ball security had been one of the concerns about Warren as he took on a bigger role going into the season.

Steelers Running Back Depth Chart Entering the 2026 NFL Draft – The Backups

When the Steelers lost Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, they immediately turned to Rico Dowdle, a five year veteran coming off back-to-back 1000 yard rushing seasons. Steelers fans will remember him from the Cowboys’ 2024 win over the Steelers at Acrisure on Monday Night Football, where Dowdle out played Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

Behind Dowdle the Steelers have Kaleb Johnson, whom they drafted in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Johnson’s rookie year was marred by his failing to field a live kick return which proved to be the turning point in the Steelers loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Kaleb Johnson, Steelers vs Jaguars preseason 2025

Kaleb Johnson rushes in his preseason debut. Photo Credit: AP via Tribune-Review

Johnson only got spot duty at running back in 28 games. And while he’s 2.5 yards-per-carry average is unimpressive, he did have a 50% success rate.

Technically the Steelers did sign a second running back in free agency, Travis Homer a 7-year veteran most recently out of Chicago. The Steelers however brought Homer to Pittsburgh as a core special teamer – he’s had 7 carries in the last two years and hasn’t cracked double digits since 2022.

Max Hurleman and Lew Nichols round out the Steelers off season depth chart at running back.

Steelers 2026 Draft Needs at Running Back

On paper the Steelers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with a solid running back depth chart led by Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle.

That gives them an established starter and a starter-capable backup with a developmental prospect behind them.

Steelers Draft, Steelers Draft Needs scale

Steelers Draft Needs Scale 2023

The purist in me says, “The Steelers still need more depth” remembering that the Steelers last won a Super Bowl with Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Mewelde Moore and Gary Russell all on their opening day roster.

And while that kind of running back depth might be desirable, it probably isn’t realistic in the NFL of 2026. If the Steelers can find good value on the middle or later rounds by adding a running back, they should avail themselves of the opportunity.

Still, they’ve got strong depth and the Steelers need at running back in the 2026 NFL Draft should be considered Fair.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

On Paper: Steelers Look Stronger After Week 1 of Free Agency

Posted on by Standard Reply

The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy during the first week of 2026’s free agency. As expected, Steelers Nation said goodbye to several familiar faces while welcoming newcomers to Pittsburgh.

Here’s an overview of what’s happened so far:

The James Pierre, Kenneth Gainwell left Pittsburgh almost immediately and were followed by Isaac Seumalo, Calvin Austin III, Connor Heyward, Miles Killebrew and Corliss Waitman.

The Steelers welcomed back Cameron Johnston, extended Cam Heyward’s contract, resigned Asante Samuel Jr. Cole Holcomb, Esezi Otomewo and Jack Driscoll.

They also traded for Michael Pittman, signed Jamel Dean, Rico Dowdle, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Jaquan Brisker.

  • Question: So, how has Omar Khan done?
  • Answer: We’ll know when the games start.

Thank about it: A year ago the Steelers secondary looked stronger on paper with Darius Slay’s signing. Sure he was old, but he’d just started on a team that had won the Super Bowl with dominating defense.

  • The Steelers cut Slay, just as they were entering the home stretch.

In contrast, Kenneth Gainwell was seen as more of a “nice to have,” as relief for Jaylen Warren. Gainwell ended up leading the team in receptions and winning MVP honors.

So instead of trying to make pronouncements, let’s look at how each move has impacted their respective areas on the depth chart – on paper.

Michael Pittman Jr. signs his contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the South Side in the March of 2026.

Michael Pittman Jr. signs his contract Steelers. Photo Credit: Alysa Rubin, Steelers.com

Wide Receivers – Stronger, on paper, But….

By trading for Michael Pittman Jr.  the Steelers have something on paper in their wide receiver corps that has eluded them for the last two years – 2 viable starting NFL wideouts. With Pittman playing alongside him, D.K. Metcalf now has someone to take attention away from defensive backs.

  • However, losing Calvin Austin was a blow to depth.

It leaves the Steelers without a viable Wr. No. 3 and a starter in waiting. Yes, Roman Wilson could still be that person, but that was the case this time last spring, and he finished the season on the bench.

Defensive Line – Stronger, on paper…

Cam Heyward might be turning 37 soon, but he put in another All Pro year adding another season to what should be a Hall of Fame resume.

Signing Sebastian Joseph-Day is the type of move the Steelers should have made last spring but didn’t, due to successful attempt to game the comp-pick system. Keeanu Benton, is a good player, and can pressure the passer. Yet, he’s had some good moments against the run, as well as some ugly ones.

Joseph-Day gives them an option there, and a chance to work Benton at end with an eye towards the day when Heyward begins his “Life’s Work.” Signing Esezi Otomewo also shores up depth.

Tight End – Slightly Weaker, on paper…

In truth, losing Connor Heyward isn’t dramatic, but the Steelers still have no one with experience behind Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. They’re doing to need to add a couple-of-three somebodies.

Darnell Washington, Barrett Carter, Steelers vs Bengals

Darnell Washington dumps Barrett Carter. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Secondary – Stronger, on paper…

James Pierre was the kind of guy you want to keep. Losing Pierre hurt. But the Steelers didn’t see him as a viable long-term starter, and Jamel Dean, on paper, gives the Steelers the chance to field two shut down corners with Joey Porter Jr. yet to reach his prime.

  • Signing Asante Samuel Jr. over Pierre does come with more risk, but also offers a higher return.

The moves also signal Jalen Ramsey remaining at safety, but with DeShone Elliott returning and hopefully at full health, they still had no one behind them. Jaquan Brisker appears to be starter-capable and is a welcome addition.

Running Back – Neutral

You never want to lose your previous season’s MVP, but Rico Dowdle is a proven starter in this league and gives the Steelers an insurance policy with resepct to Kaleb Johnson.

Offensive Line – Weaker, on paper…

The Steelers like Spencer Anderson but Isaac Seumalo has been their best offensive lineman for the past three years. Jack Driscoll gives them depth at offensive tackle, where they need it.

Inside Linebacker – Neutral

Cole Holcomb’s return amounted to a minor surprise, but at this point this is nothing more than a depth signing, as Patrick Queen remains in Pittsburgh and doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere.

Holcomb’s a good guy to have coming off the bench.

Special Teams – Weaker

The decision to let Waitman go and replace him with Johnston, who is older and has had injury issues, is a head scratcher. Calvin Austin was a solid return man, and James Pierre, Connor Heyward were special teams demons and Miles Killebrew was their special team’s captain.

The Steelers should find replacements to fill these holes from the bottom of their roster, but they have created the need to do so.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Steelers Free Agency: Should Pittsburgh Re-Sign Connor Heyward?

Posted on by Standard Reply

“Bloodlines are important to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.”

We heard it when they drafted Terrell Edmunds. A year later we heard it again when Kevin Colbert traded up to get Devin Bush Jr.. The words were ringing in our ears when they signed Derek Watt in free agency yet another year later.

By the time they drafted Connor Heyward in 2022, the phrase had almost become passé.

Yet neither Terrell Edmunds, nor Devin Bush, nor Derek Watt stuck around long-term in Pittsburgh. As Connor Heyward reaches free agency, will he be the exception?

Connor Heyward, Connor Heyward 1st touchdown, Steelers vs Falcons

Connor Heyward scores his first touchdown. Photo Credit: Post-Gazette.com

Capsule Profile of Connor Heyward’s Career with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Kevin Colbert drafted Connor Heyward in the 6th round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Heyward was a roster-bubble baby to begin with, but made the team officially as a reserve tight end, with the understanding that his role would be as a hybrid tight end/full back.

After seeing spot duty early in the season, Connor Heyward made his first highlight-worthy play when he caught a field-flipping 45 yard pass from Mitch Trubisky at set up Chase Claypool’s touchdown in the Steelers upset of Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Six weeks later he scored his first touchdown, on a 17-yard strike from Kenny Pickett, giving the Steelers their only touchdown in a 19-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

In 2023 Heyward’s role grew in the offense, as his nearly doubled his catch and target total from the previous year. He only made 45 catches over his first two years, but 14 of those converted first downs and Heyward appeared to be building a niche for himself in the Steelers’ offense….

….And then Arthur Smith arrived.

At first glance Smith’s hire seemed like it might be a boon for Connor Heyward, as his offense feature tight ends. Indeed, they do. So much that Smith had a hand in bringing MyCole Pruitt and Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh.

  • And both players got playing time at Connor Heyward’s expense.

Heyward got 12 targets and 9 catches in 2024 and 2025, combined – or fewer than his rookie season. During 2024 Connor Heyward did earn role as the ball carrier on the Steel City Shove.

Connor Heyward scores a touchdown during the 2025 Steelers win over the Ravens at Acrisure.

Connor Heyward ties the game on the Steel City Shove. Photo Credit: Taylor Ollason, Steelers.com

He rushed the ball 15 times for 45 yards, 11 first downs and 2 touchdowns, including the Steelers first in Mike Tomlin’s final career win.

The Case for the Steelers Re-Signing Connor Heyward

Connor Heyward has delivered excellent value as a 6th round pick. He’s proven to be versatile, both as a blocker, receiver and rusher. Connor Heyward is never going to be the kind of player that opposing defensive coordinators lose sleep game planning against, nor is he ever going to give defenders 2nd thoughts about tackling him the way Darnell Washington will.

But in four years, Connor Heyward has shown he is the kind of player who you delivers when you call his number.

He’s the kind of player who makes plays that help win football games that don’t always show up in the stat sheet.

The Case Against the Steelers Re-Signing Connor Heyward

In four years has Connor Heyward done anything that an undrafted rookie free agent couldn’t do? Sure, Arthur Smith favored his former players at Heyward’s expense, but contrast Connor Heyward’s contributions with Derek Watt’s, a niche player who did deliver a difference.

Derek Watt, Steelers vs Eagles

Derek Watt catches a touchdown. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

The Steelers were 7-1 when Derek Watt got a carry. Can anyone look at the last two years and argue:

You know, what the missing link for Steelers offense has been? They never let Russell Wilson or Aaron Rodgers let it rip to Connor Heyward.

Yeah, right.

Having Connor Heyward as Cam Heyward’s little brother in Pittsburgh has given the franchise a feel good story. But he’s had four years to prove he can be a difference maker and four years later, the Steelers offense is still struggling.

It is unduly harsh to charge Connor Heyward with being part of the problem, but he’s done scant little to suggest he’s earned the right to be part of the solution.

The Curtain’s Call on Connor Heyward and Steelers

Connor Heyward is the type of player you want to have on your team. He’s always going to be one of the guys on the roster bubble, but one of the tricks to making a championship run is to get roster bubble guys who give you a little something extra.

The Steelers have two solid tight ends in Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington. Connor Heyward gives them a versatile 3rd option who can line up in the backfield in a pinch. Mike McCarthy once went into a regular season carrying 5 tight ends on his roster.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Will the Steelers Re-Sign MVP Kenneth Gainwell in Free Agency?

Posted on by Standard Reply

In 2025 the Steelers “took a flyer” on free agent running back Kenneth Gainwell giving him a one-year, veteran minimum contract. Gainwell took that opportunity and ran with it well enough to win the Steelers 2025 MVP award.

So if a guy reaches free agency and has just won the MVP award, re-signing him is a no-brainer, Right?

That hasn’t always been so in Pittsburgh, so Steelers Kenneth Gainwell free agency decision promises to be an interesting one.

Kenneth Gainwell, Darnell Washington, Steelers vs Bears

Kenneth Gainwell runs for 55 yards. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Capsule Profile of Kenneth Gainwell’s Career with the Steelers

In December 2024 the Steelers traveled to Philadelphia and got their teeth kicked in by the eventual Super Bowl Champion. While all eyes were on the Eagles starting running back Saquon Barkley, Mike Tomlin’s were on Kenneth Gainwell.

Gainwell only managed about 20 yards on the ground and another 40 through the air, but that was enough for him to do his damage to the Steeelers defense.

Enough for Mike Tomlin to bring him to Pittsburgh to play alongside Jaylen Warren. The Steelers gave Warren a 2-year contract extension last summer, signaling he might finally become the “feature back” after watching three years of “Sludge Ball” behind Najee Harris.

  • What followed next presents an interesting study in the contrast between perception and reality.

As the Steelers offense struggled to find its footing, fans complained, with increasing intensity, about Kenneth Gainwell gaining snaps at Warren’s expense.

  • Alas the numbers tell a different story.
  • Gainwell averaged 6.7 carries per game to Warren’s 13.

Had the Steelers won consistently, no one would have complained, validating Chuck Noll’s, assertion that questions like “Why don’t you throw to the tight end?” translate to “Why don’t you win?”

Kenneth Gainwell acted as a jack of all trades in Arthur Smith’s 2025 Steelers offense, playing as sort of a modern-day Rodney Carter, a name Generation X Steelers fans might recall.

Need to fake the Tush Push on 4th and 1? Feign like you’re giving it to Connor Heyward and toss it to Gainwell instead who’ll run it for 55 yards.

 

Players generally win MVP wards because they dominate so thoroughly, their performance is indispensable to the team’s success. Think back to Franco Harris’, Jerome Bettis’ or Le’Veon Bell’s MVP seasons for clear examples.

  • Kenneth Gainwell authored a different kind of MVP campaign.

He made slow, steady contributions to the offense that grew as the season progressed.

His efforts, 537 yards rushing and 486 yards receiving with 8 total touchdowns, aren’t best measured in quantity, but rather quality.

Gainwell was the most consistent player on a struggling offense. He delivered when coaches called his number, and those little contributions more often than not had a big part defining the difference between wins and losses.

The Case for the Steelers Re-Signing Kenneth Gainwell

There are a lot of reasons why the Steelers Killer Bees era disappointed, but one that many miss is that piss-poor backfield depth sabotaged Mike Tomlin’s teams in the playoffs for 3 straight years.

Kenneth Gainwell brought the Steelers something they’ve struggled to find: A true number 2 running back who complements the starter, steps in when needed, and makes a difference when he has the ball in his hands.

Spencer Anderson, Kenneth Gainwell, Pat Freiermuth, Steelers vs Vikings, Steelers vs Vikings Dublin, Ireland

Spencer Anderson celebrates with Kenneth Gainwell. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

His best play of the season illustrates this. He ran 55 yards on the fake tush push in Chicago, but didn’t score. Jaylen Warren did one play later, highlighting the 1-2 punch the tandem brings Pittsburgh.

Mike McCarthy’s offense will differ in important ways, but the value a true RB No. 2 provides remains indespensable.

Other NFL teams certainly took note of Gainwell’s MVP season and he won’t be an under the radar signing. But he’s also not the type of back that anyone thinks will or should “reset the market.”

He’s someone the Steelers can and should resign.

The Case Against the Steelers Re-Signing Kenneth Gainwell

Yes, Kenneth Gainwell was the best and most consistent player on the Steelers offense. And that says a lot more about how bad that offense was than it does about how good Gainwell is.

Gainwell is a “nice to have” and was a great pickup on a veteran minimum contract, but are you really going to give a legit 2nd contract, one with real guaranteed money, to a backup running back who didn’t even crack 900 all-purpose yards?

Please.

Aaron Rodgers was right when he said that the Steelers offense sort of resembled the Island of Misfit toys. Gainwell was one of those. Yes, he’s a legit role player in a productive, varsity NFL offense – but the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t fielded one of those since what? 2018?

Sure the Steelers have salary cap space to spare, but they doesn’t mean they should waste it on a guy like Gainwell when they’ve got Kaleb Johnson waiting in the wings.

Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and Kenneth Gainwell

Just because Kenneth Gainwell was the MVP last year doesn’t mean the Steelers will bend over backwards to bring him back.

  • There’s precedent in Pittsburgh for doing the exact opposite.

Quarterback Neil O’Donnell MVP honors during the Steelers 1995 season. When O’Donnell became a free agent after Super Bowl XXX, Pittsburgh made him an offer, but he declined to get into a bidding war with the New York Jets. Seven years later, Kordell Stewart won the team MVP award in 2001, yet found himself benched permanently in favor of Tommy Maddox in 2002.

At the NFL Scouting Combine Omar Khan confirmed that the Steelers have started negotiations with Gainwell, but if they haven’t signed him by this point, they won’t before free agency starts.

The Steelers will make him an offer they think is fair, allow him to gauge interest from the rest of the NFL, and won’t go beyond their original number. The Steelers value Gainwell’s services. We’ll soon find out if the rest of the NFL values them more.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Cordarrelle Patterson Cut. Did Arthur Smith Bring “False Friends” to the Steelers?

Posted on by Standard Reply

When news broke that the Steelers cut Cordarrelle Patterson earlier this week observers the reaction of many was, “What took them so long?”

Cordarelle Patterson, Steelers vs Colts

Cordarrelle Patterson runs against the Colts. Photo Credit: AP Photo/Michael Conroy

They may be right – I think the Steelers were probably wise to bring him to camp, but my conclusions track in a different direction. Namely that the Cordarrelle Patterson experiment highlights the dangers of “False Friends” in NFL roster building.

Let’s clarify something important here: Using “False Friends” to describe Cordarrelle Patterson or the other players soon to be mentioned, says nothing about their character, work ethnic or presence in the locker room.

  • Rather, “False Friends” in this context is a concept borrowed from second language acquisition.

Take the words “assist” and “asistir” in English and Spanish. In my first week living in Buenos Aires, Mari my Argentine “aunt” asked me, “Te vas a asistir la clase de Jose Luis hoy?”

Although I was planning to make an appearance at my friend Jose Luis’ English class that afternoon, I responded, “No. Si voy, pero no voy a asistir.” thinking she was asking me if I was planning on helping her son teach the class.

This thoroughly confused Mari, who spoke no English and had many, many virtues — none of which was patience, because “asistir” in Spanish means “attend.” There’s a strong chance I further confounded her by saying something like, “Si. Voy a attender us clase, pero no voy a asistir.” (“Attender” in Spanish sort of means to “help” someone, but I was using it completely out of context.)

The concept of “False Friends” applies here due to Patterson’s relationship with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Patterson played for Smith, and he was one of the more notable free agent signings in the 2024 off season.

The Steelers also signed Van Jefferson and MyCole Pruitt, two other players with a productive history from their time playing under Arthur Smith.

Pruitt almost certainly cost Connor Heyward snaps, but failed to deliver much on the field. Van Jefferson was not only a substandard NFL WR No. 2 by today’s standards, he was badly outclassed by other lackluster Steelers WR No 2’s from yesteryear such as Charles Lockett and Derek Hill. (Dwight Stone looked like a Pro Bowler compared to Jefferson.)

  • The Steelers signed Patterson due to his kick-returning prowess.

However, the Steelers got no spark from their kick return game in 2024, despite the rule changes and despite Patterson’s pedigree. Bringing Patterson to camp still made sense to this scribe, given how well he ran during limited duty against the Raiders and Colts.

But he got injured at Indianapolis and never got back on track. Giving him one last chance seemed to be a no brainer, low-risk risk high-reward move.

When a coach arrives at a new team, the idea of bringing some of his former players into the fold to recapture old magic can often be irresistible. Sometimes, as then rookie coach Mike Tomlin found out with Allen Rossum and Sean Mahan in 2007 they don’t always work out.

But there’s a flip side to this story:

A year later the Steelers signed Mewelde Moore who was the Unsung Hero of the 2008 season and delivered a critical block freeing Ben Roethlisberger to find Santonio Holmes in Super Bowl XLIII.

Fortunately, former players don’t always turn out to be “False Friends.”

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Steelers Draft Kaleb Johnson in 3rd Round of 2025 NFL Draft

Posted on by Quote Reply

The wait on Day 2 was long, but the Steelers drafted Kaleb Johnson in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

We’ll have to wait to see if Kaleb Johnson can live up to the Steelers legacy of excellence at running back, but this pick galvanizes Omar Khan and Andy Weidl’s vision for building a roster. During their first two drafts they focused on building their offensive line, with Johnson in the fold they’ve now shifted to putting someone behind the line.

  • And just who are they putting behind the line?

Here’s where it gets interesting. The Steelers hosted 9 running backs at the South Side for pre-draft visits. And based on those visits, commentators concluded that the Steelers were focusing on speed over size.

Kaleb Johnson, Kaleb Johnson Steelers 2nd round pick 2025

Kaleb Johnson rushes for the Hawkeyes. Photo Credit: Ryan Sun AP, via YourEire.com

But, like with the feint towards Shedeur Sanders, the Steelers had something else in mind, as Kaleb Johnson stands 6-1, and weighs 224. As Jim Wexell points out, this makes him a veritable clone of Le’Veon Bell, who was 3/8s of an inch taller and 6 pounds heavier, although Johnson ran the 40 three hundredth’s of a second faster than Bell

When asked to explain the pick, Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s comments were very insightful, offering:

One of the more instinctive backs that I’ve watched in a couple of years coming out of the draft. Perfect fit regardless of whatever run scheme you’re running. He ran multiple (schemes) at Iowa. Really impressive as a volume runner as the game went on, and one of the more impressive stats you’ve seen in the fourth quarter — what he averaged in the fourth quarter. I believe it was over 5 yards per carry. Might have been closer to 6.

Playing his college ball at Iowa, Johnson faced a lot of stacked boxes and did exceptionally well at it. That’s a skill that could serve him well in Pittsburgh, especially if Aaron Rodgers decides to drive a truck and the Steelers go with Mason Rudolph for 2025.

  • But Smith’s comment about Johnson’s ability to wear down defenses is particularly enticing.

The ability to take over games is what distinguishes great running backs from merely good ones. Franco Harris had that ability, as did Jerome Bettis. So did Barry Foster and Le’Veon Bell. Najee Harris was a better back than a lot of scribes give him credit for.

But Harris never really took over a game. Yes, there were times when Harris wore teams down. But those were the exception, not the rule, and if you need further evidence of that, just look to how the Steelers deployed Justin Fields to close out the home win over the Ravens and the road win over the Bengals.

Kaleb Johnson Video Highlights

Here’s a quick clip of some of Johnson’s best work for the Hawkeyes.

https://youtu.be/XwadVKig-js?si=RobvtzmLD3Shm1RM

You can see why Steel City Insider’s Roy Countryman rated him as a 2nd round value pick, and while Dave Bugler rated him as the number 3 running back in the draft.

Johnson will have to win the starting job from Jaylen Warren training camp, and Smith has indicated that Warren could very well retain his third down back role. But this clearly looks like a kid who can play.

Kenneth Gainwell’s roster is certainly secure although he’ll have earn his snaps and, assuming Cordarrelle Patterson doesn’t get a visit from The Turk Monday morning, he’d be wise not to sign a long-term lease in Pittsburgh.

Welcome to Steelers Nation Kaleb Johnson.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 Draft Needs @ Running Back – High

Posted on by Standard Reply

It used to be, that going into the  NFL Draft the question wasn’t, “Will a running back be taken in the first round?” but “How many?”

And if you think that’s Baby Boomer or Generation X nostalgia, consider that in the 2008 NFL Draft, 5 running backs went in the first round, followed by 3 over the next two years, which maintained the historical average.

Times have changed.

When the Steelers took Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, eyes rolled and critics charged that Kevin Colbert was behind the times. They might have been on to something. The Steelers let Harris go without a fight in free agency.

But the 2025 NFL Draft is said to be running back rich, and the running game is seeing a bit of a resurgence in the NFL. So might Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin draft another running back in the first round here in 2025?

Jaylen Warren, Robert Spillane, Steelers vs Raiders

Former Friends: Robert Spillane tries to tackle Jaylen Warren. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

Steelers Depth Cart at Running Back: The Starter

One of the reasons why the Steelers were so willing to let Najee Harris leave in free agency is because Jaylen Warren has been waiting in the wings. Warren first made the Steelers roster as part of the 2022 undrafted rookie free agent class, where he won the third-down back role in training camp.

During his first two years Warren played well enough that both fans and press to call for him to start over Harris, particularly in the early going of the 2022 and 2023 seasons when Harris suffered from slow starts.

In 3 years with the Steelers Jaylen Warren has proven himself to be a running back who hits holes decisively. And, while it doesn’t get talked about much, Warren has proven to be an effective pass catcher capable of transforming check down passes into far bigger gains.

The Steelers gave Warren a restricted free agent tender that kept him with the team, giving him what amounts to a “prove it year.”

And Warren does have something to prove. He’s never had more than 15 carries in a game, and he’s got an alarmingly high fumble rate.

Steelers Running Back Depth Chart: The Backups

Cordarrelle Patterson heads up the Steelers depth chart at running back behind Jaylen Warren. Yes, that’s right, Patterson remains on the Steelers roster, surprisingly, as he was expected to be a cap casualty. Patterson only had 32 carries in 2024, but he ran extremely well in limited duty in the win against the Raiders and the loss to the Colts.

The Steelers signed Kenneth Gainwell in free agency. Gainwell had 3 strong years with the Eagles as a third down back, although his production did slip in his 4th season. Still, he brings 66 games, 280 carries, 102 catches of experience to Pittsburgh.

Also on the roster were Jonathan Ward and Aaron Shampklin who were practice squanders for the Steelers in 2024 and saw spot duty. Rounding out the group is Evan Hull, who spent 2023 and 2024 on the Colts’ practice squad getting into one game, for one carry and one yard. But, according to Steel City Insider’s Roy Countryman, Hull has legitimate “upside” as “an explosive runner (4.47 40) with quick feet who does not shy away from contact.”

The Steelers 2023 Draft Needs @ Running Back

Arthur Smith is an offensive coordinator he believes in the ground game. When he was at Tennessee under Mike Vrabel, it was often said that he ran a “Bill Cowher-style offense.”

  • The Pittsburgh’s running back room is not ready to meet that standard.

Jaylen Warren has flashed he can be a legitimate NFL RB Number 1, but he hasn’t proven it. And as Mike Tomlin seems to be open to doing something other than rushing his running backs “until the wheels fall off” the Steelers need to add a starter-capable running back.

Neither Gainwell nor Patterson fit that bill, the Steelers needs at running back going into the 2025 NFL Draft must be considered High.

 

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

Steelers, Najee Harris Would Be Wise to Part Ways in Free Agency

Posted on by Standard Reply

In another age, taking a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft wasn’t simply “OK.” It was an expected if not essential move. Three of the top 10 picks in the 1989 NFL Draft were running backs. But times change. Today it is seen as an extravagance at best or as a wasted pick at worse.

In his penultimate draft, Kevin Colbert bucked conventional wisdom by drafting Najee Harris first in the 2021 NFL Draft. The decision drew comparisons to his name sake, Franco Harris whom the Steelers drafted first in 1972.

  • Four years later, we know that Najee wasn’t and won’t be the next Franco.

But does that mean the soon to be free agent doesn’t deserve to extend his stay in Pittsburgh? Let’s find out.

Najee Harris, Steelers vs Bengals

Najee Harris stiff arms his way to more yards. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Profile of Najee Harris’ Career with the Steelers

The idea that Najee Harris might live up to his namesake didn’t seem so far-fetched during his rookie year.

He spent the draft at a homeless shelter instead of a traditional watch party. He ran for over 1200 yards behind an offensive line built on duct tape, spit and bubble gum. He also caught 74 passes giving him a year of Le’Veon Bell–like production.

Najee Harris, Steelers vs Ravens, Ben Roethlisberger final regular season

Najee Harris starts overtime with 1 handed catch. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review.

In the 2021 season finale at Baltimore, Harris hurt his arm and learned to carry the ball on opposite side of his body. In doing so, he contributed to Ben Roethlisberger’s final 4th quarter comeback.

Harris’ workload decreased in 2022 and again in 2023 as he split time with Jaylen Warren. Nonetheless he broke the 1000 yard barrier in both seasons, although his role in the passing game dropped off.

Going into 2024 the Steelers declined to pick up his 5th year option, and although Harris’ notched another 1000 yard season, his rushing average dipped slightly, and his “Success Rate,” as reported by Pro Football Reference, dropped to its lowest level in his career.

The Case for the Steelers Resigning Najee Harris

No, Najee Harris isn’t the next Franco Harris. Nor has he sustained at the Le’Veon Bell-like performance he teased at as a rookie. But Harris has been three things for the Steelers:

Dependable – Gaining 1000 yards in four straight seasons is an accomplishment
Durable – Harris has started 17 games in four straight seasons
Reliable – Harris has 6 fumbles in 1277 touches

To put Najee Harris’ 0.46% fumble rate in perspective, Saquon Barkley’s is 0.42%, Christian McCaffrey’s is 0.69%, Derrick Henry’s is 0.79, James Conner’s is 0.9% and Jaylen Warren’s is 1.2%. (Still wondering why coaches hesitate to give Warren more carries?)

Harris didn’t have the kind of year that allows him to delude himself into thinking he can “reset the running back market.” And that works in the Steelers favor. He’s a good back, not a great back, and Omar Khan should be able to keep him in Pittsburgh on a team-friendly deal.

The Case Against the Steelers Resigning Najee Harris

The encore to that sensational rookie year never arrived.

Sure, Eddie Faulkner talked a good game about limiting his carries in the 2022 off season, but when did Mike Tomlin ever stop feeding a proverbial “Bell Cow?” Harris could have owned the running back position the way Willie Parker and Le’Veon Bell did before him.

  • He just didn’t have the cajones to go out and take it.

Harris is a “good back” not a “great back.” Fine. In the 1980s we said the same about several Steelers running backs in the ‘80s. So if Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin fashion themselves as Doc Brown and Marty McFly then bringing back Harris might be a good option, but not as this generation’s Frank Pollard or Earnest Jackson but rather as Walter Abercrombie.

  • The Abercrombie metaphor is useful.

The Steelers drafted Walter Abercrombie in the first round of the 1982 NFL Draft and stuck with him for 6 years largely because, in the pre-free agency era, they had little choice. And as Mike Tomlin says about free agency, “Its free for them and free for us.”

The Steelers should use free agency to free themselves of Najee Harris.

Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and Najee Harris

OK. Comparing Harris to Walter Abercrombie is a bit harsh. But, as his 2024 campaign showed, Harris hasn’t been able to find a groove as a rusher.

Yes, at times Najee Harris runs like a dominant NFL running back. Think back to the second half of the 2022 season. Think this year’s games against the Raiders, Jets and Giants.

  • But four years into the league, consistency continues to elude him.

His 2024 “Success Rate” of 43.7, as defined by Pro Football Reference, illustrates that. Jaylen Warren’s is 50.0%, Barkley’s was 52.2% and Henry clocked in at 58.8%. That translates into “Sludge Ball,” to borrow a term that Jim Wexell so eloquently coined, leading to a lot of 3rd and 8’s.

Theoretically, if Harris were willing to accept a very team-friendly deal, there’d be a business case for keeping him in Pittsburgh. But the 2025 NFL Draft is said to be loaded with running backs. The Steelers need to direct their salary cap dollars holes at defensive line, wide receiver and cornerback. And would Harris really accept a basement bargain deal anyway?

Both the wise and the likely move for is for the Steelers and Najee Harris use the spring of 2025 as a new beginning.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.

The Steelers Will Tender Jaylen Warren. Should They Go Further?

Posted on by Standard Reply

During the Mike Tomlin Era, RB No. 2 has been anything but a prestige position for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Isaac Redman had a respectable run from 2010 to 2012. DeAngelo Williams did a fantastic job in 2015 and early 2016 until injuries took their toll. But beyond those two, this era’s backup running backs provide perfect fodder for Final Jeopardy answers (think Najeh Davenport and Benny Snell.)

  • For the last three years, Jaylen Warren has re-written this script.

And unlike his predecessors, he’s not only excelled as RB No. 2, he’s played so well his performance has prompted many to suggest he should be the Steelers starting running back.With Najee Harris headed for free agency, and Jaylen Warren reaching restricted free agency, we’re about to find out if Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin share those feelings.

Jaylen Warren, Marion Humphrey, Steelers vs Ravens

Jaylen Warren drags Marion Humphrey. Photo Credit: Chaz Palla, Tribune-Review

Capsule Profile of Jaylen Warren’s Career with the Steelers

When Eddie Faulkner promised in June 2022 to reduce Najee Harris’ carry-count in the coming season, even the most innocent homer had to be skeptical. Mike Tomlin notoriously runs his starting starting running backs “until the wheels came off, as Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, and Le’Veon Bell can attest.

But a few weeks later an undrafted rookie free agent started showing signs he was going to help his coach remain truthful. Jaylen Warren turned heads at St. Vincents and during the preseason doing well enough to earn a helmet as the Steelers 3rd down back.

Warren made strong enough impression as a rookie, that fans entered the 2023 season calling for him to start over Harris, even though Warren only had 74 carries to his name. Harris continued to start, but Warren saw his role grow, as he rushed 149 times for 784 yards and caught 61 passes, nearly doubling his 2022 totals.

In 2024 injuries limited Warren to 15 games, but that was enough for him to rush for 511 yards and catch 38 passes.

The Case for the Steelers Resigning Jaylen Warren

There really isn’t any question that the Steelers are going to give Warren a restricted free-agent tender the only question is whether they’ll make it high enough to ensure they get draft compensation should someone sign him.

The larger question is do they only want a one-year rental with Warren, or do they want to lock him down for 2 or 3 years more?

In Jaylen Warren the Steelers have a dynamic running back who has repeatedly proven that he hits holes decisively and moves the chains when it counts. Like number 33 Merril Hoge before him, Jaylen Warren gives his all every time he touches the ball — the man doesn’t even take his helmet off during games.

Jaylen Warren, Robert Spillane, Steelers vs Raiders

Former Friends: Robert Spillane tries to tackle Jaylen Warren. Photo Credit: Karl Roser, Steelers.com

He’s also a pass-catching threat out of the backfield, and his pass blocking might not impress any Fantasy Football owner who starts him, but Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields and Russell Wilson would certainly attest to how much of an asset that makes him to the Steelers offense.

Warren has shined during his 3 year apprenticeship, now its time for him to take over as the master.

The Case Against the Steelers Resigning Jaylen Warren

Jaylen Warren has a great story. He’s kind of like Isaac Redman but without the “Red Zone” factor. And Redman’s experience should be instructive to the Steelers.

Redman came out of nowhere and proved he was a viable backup running back. But thanks to injuries, Redman wasn’t even a long term answer at backup.

  • Injuries plagued Warren early in 2024.
  • His rushing average dropped by a full yard.

That, plus the fact that Warren has a 1.2% fumble rate, are warning signs that the Steelers braintrust must heed. Bringing Warren back 2025 is the right move, but the Steelers must hedge their bets.

Curtain’s Call on the Steelers and Jaylen Warren

Sometimes there’s nothing more tempting than a third down back who seems to out-perform the starter. During the dark days of the Steelers 1999 season, pundits argued it was imperative for the Steelers to leave Jerome Bettis behind because of Richard Huntley’s third down play.

OK. That analogy only goes so far. Najee Harris is no Bettis, and Warren far better than Huntley. But the example underlines the fact that, while Jaylen Warren is a player you need on your team, he’s never been tested as a starter. If nothing else, his fumble rate signals the risk in making a long-term commitment to him.

Expect the Steelers to offers Jaylen Warren a restricted free agent tender high enough that the draft pick a signing team would have to give up is too high, but don’t expect them to go beyond that.

Please lend a hand by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp etc... Thanks.