Jaylen Warren Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Warren finished RB39 in total fantasy points (124.1) and RB43 in points per game (8.1) over 15 games.

He totaled 511 rushing yards (38th) and 310 receiving yards (19th) on 38 catches (21st), but scored just one TD all season.

Despite posting four top-24 weekly finishes, he failed to register a single top-10 performance, making him more of a floor play than a league-winner.

Usage & Role

Warren handled a 29.9% carry share, playing behind Najee Harris but staying active in the passing game with 47 targets (24th among RBs).

He ran 78 zone and 31 gap concepts, functioning as the Steelers' primary passing-down back.

His role grew in games with Russell Wilson, averaging 8.5 carries and 3.8 targets per game compared to just 5.0 carries and 2.0 targets with Justin Fields.

Efficiency Metrics

Warren remained one of the league’s better tackle-breakers and pass-game assets:

• 4.3 yards per carry (23rd), boosted by 4.5 over his final 11 games
• 3.20 yards after contact per attempt (16th among RBs with 75+ carries)
• 82.2 PFF Elusive Rating (13th)
• 1.51 yards per route (8th among RBs)

However, his run efficiency was league-average (-0.11 rush yards over expected per attempt, 34th), and his pass-blocking grade (23.2) ranked third worst among RBs, limiting his trust in critical downs.

Offensive Context

After Week 7, Pittsburgh leaned run-heavy under OC Arthur Smith with QB Russell Wilson at the helm, ranking 27th in pass rate and 25th in neutral pass rate.

That shift fit Warren’s style, and he averaged 9.6 PPR points per game with Wilson compared to 4.5 with Fields.

The Steelers ranked 18th in ESPN’s run-blocking success rate (71%).

Historical Production & Trends

Warren’s 2024 mirrored his 2023 usage as a secondary back with explosive flashes but continued struggles to find the end zone.

He's still never scored a receiving TD on 127 career receptions, despite having 3.5 expected receiving TDs over his career, including 1.5 in 2024.

Injury History

A preseason hamstring injury and a knee injury in Week 3 hindered Warren early in 2024, limiting his explosiveness out of the gate (3.1 yards per carry through Week 4).

He missed two games in total.

Warren also suffered a hamstring injury back in 2022, which cost him one game.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Warren will split backfield work with third-round rookie Kaleb Johnson but will likely retain the passing-down role to start the season.

If Johnson misses time, Warren’s usage could spike into the high-end RB2 range.

The Steelers did sign veteran RB Kenneth Gainwell, as well as journeymen Trey Sermon and Evan Hull. None of them should threaten Warren’s role.

Supporting Cast

Pittsburgh solidified the QB position by signing Aaron Rodgers in June. While no longer an elite passer, Rodgers will bring stability to Pittsburgh’s offense this season.

At WR, the Steelers swapped out George Pickens for D.K. Metcalf.

The Steelers return most of their starting OL from last season, with OT Broderick Jones and interior OL Isaac Seumalo, Zach Frazier, and Mason McCormick. 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu is expected to start at RT.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

OC Arthur Smith’s offenses have historically emphasized the run, with pass rates often hovering around 50%.

Last season, the Steelers had a 50.7% pass rate overall, but it rose to 52.6% with Russell Wilson at QB (which ranked 27th in the league).

Smith does like to play a bit more uptempo than expected, with 64.1 plays per game last season, ranking 11th fastest.

More passing may favor Warren over Johnson, but that might require the Steelers defense to take a step back.

Expect Warren to remain a situational receiving weapon unless injuries change the pecking order.