Jaylen Warren is currently ranked fourth in the NFL for scrimmage yards, a mind-blowing stat that puts him right up there with names like Bijan Robinson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jahmyr Gibbs. While some folks nationally might just be catching on, anyone who’s been watching him for the last five seasons knows this dude has been a firework waiting to explode.
From Undrafted Gem to Untouchable Talent
It’s wild to think this guy came into the league as an undrafted rookie, isn’t it? Even then, he was showing flashes, racking up just under 600 yards from scrimmage on only 105 touches. Fast forward to his second season in 2023, and Warren blew past the 1,000 scrimmage yard mark, putting up 784 rushing and 370 receiving. Yeah, you read that right. He kept that momentum going, too. Even missing two games in 2024, he was still on pace for 998 total yards. And 2025? He hit 1,291 total yards and eight touchdowns. This isn’t some overnight sensation, this is a consistent climb.
The Efficiency Monster Unleashed
Seriously, this season is different. It looked like the Steelers might stick to a 50-50 backfield split after signing Rico Dowdle, but when Dowdle got hurt, Warren got his shot to truly shine, and he has absolutely grabbed it. The numbers don’t lie. Warren is seventh in the entire NFL with 561 rushing yards. But check this out: he’s second in the league in yards per carry at a ridiculous 5.5 among all running backs with at least 50 touches. That’s elite! And it’s not just on the ground. His 294 receiving yards puts him second among running backs, barely trailing Ashton Jeanty by just 18 yards, and get this, he has 10 *fewer* receptions than Jeanty. His 12.5 yards per reception leads ALL running backs, nearly two full yards ahead of second-place Emanuel Wilson. We’re talking about an efficiency monster here. He’s also second in total EPA among all running backs, with only Christian McCaffrey ahead of him. That’s some serious company.
The Steelers are on a three-game win streak right now, and guess who’s at the heart of it? Warren. During this streak, he’s third in the NFL in rushing yards and EPA per rush. He’s also logged 10 impact plays, the fourth-most in the league over that span. His explosion has totally changed the Steelers’ offense, giving them a real identity. Their passing game isn’t exactly lighting up the league, but Warren’s sheer firepower is bridging that gap. This team’s success rate is eighth in the NFL over this run, and they’re one of only 12 teams with a positive total EPA. It’s clear: Warren isn’t just a player, he’s the absolute heartbeat of that offense. As the saying goes, Aaron Rodgers might prance into the Hall of Fame, but Pittsburgh is going to go exactly as far as Jaylen Warren’s legs can carry them. Get ready, because this guy is only just getting started.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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