An annual rite of passage… Our Training Camp Previews for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The concept here is pretty straightforward; we’ll take a look at each position. Who is vying for a place on the 53-man roster and how will that happen? Obviously there are some spots much each easier to break down than others but we’ll do our best to cover it all. Today we cover the Running Backs.
Jaylen Warren, 4th Season
For an undrafted free agent, Warren has overachieved. He’s a willing pass blocker, above average receiver and runs as hard as any coach or fan could ask for. Will he be RB1 now that Najee Harris is off to Los Angeles? It’s a fascinating question because for years, Mike Tomlin has had a ‘bell cow’ running back. In recent years however he’s been more willing to split the load a bit more.
Despite being dinged up and less than 100% most of last season, Warren has still been pretty durable over his first three seasons. I’m very curious to see how his snaps are handled. Kaleb Johnson and Kenneth Gainwell will both be looking for opportunities but heading into Camp, Warren is my first team guy unless otherwise noted.
Kaleb Johnson, Rookie
Johnson has been impressive throughout OTAs and Mini-Camp showing off his size, speed and strength but he knows the pass blocking is going to be key to his playing time. He’s willing and that’s what matters. Johnson was drafted almost exclusively because of his experience running the outside zone at Iowa. This should fit perfectly with what Arthur Smith wants to do.
In all honesty, I won’t be surprised if Johnson is the primary guy by midseason. I believe this will not only help the offense but I also think it will help Jaylen Warren as well. When he can be the ‘change of pace’ guy rather than the main guy I believe he’s that much more effective. While Najee Harris will always be appreciated for his effort and durability, Johnson’s ability to plant and go will be welcome.
Kenneth Gainwell, 5th Season
The former quarterback from Memphis carved out a really nice career for himself in Philadelphia. He’s shifty yet powerful… He blocks and catches passes too… And his experience as a Super Bowl Champion is invaluable in the running back room. Getting touches will be difficult if both Warren and Johnson play at a high level and remain healthy. That said, I tend to believe he could be a reliable player early in the season as Johnson gets used to the NFL.
Cordarrelle Patterson, 13th Season
I’ll start with the same question I’ve had about CP84 since last year ended, “Why is he still on the roster?” Patterson was the lowest-rated kickoff return man in the league last season and offered little as a running back. It was evident to most of us – if not Artie Smith – that Patterson could not go wide. Smith still tried it way too often with no success. He was a hard, straightforward runner at times, but that’s not a reason to keep him on this roster.
Trey Sermon, 5th Season
Pittsburgh is Sermon’s fourth team in five seasons and that’s not entirely shocking. He definitely has some ability but he just doesn’t do enough to warrant ever being a full-time player. He has five starts during his career but will have to play on Special Teams in order to make the roster as the fourth running back.
Evan Hull, 2nd Season
Hull was drafted by the Colts in 2023 but has seen action in just one game. He’s small and compact giving him the ability to drive forward, but there isn’t a lot of wiggle or change of direction in his game. He’s a Practice Squad guy at best right now.
Max Hurleman, Rookie
The Wyomissing, Pennsylvania native excelled at Colgate before transferring to Notre Dame for his final season. He was the team’s primary punt returner averaging six yards per return on 23 opportunities. He did not record a single carry for the Irish. He is going to Training Camp strictly as a Special Teams’ hopeful.
DJ Thomas-Jones, Rookie (Fullback)
There’s a lot of hype around this young man as we enter Training Camp. The former Ole Miss Rebel transferred to South Alabama in order to be closer to his ailing mother. In his season for the Jaguars, he didn’t record any carries but did catch 22 balls for 191 yards and three scores. It’s likely that he’ll be seen as more of a tight end option by the Steelers but there is some potential for him to be a classic H-back. At 6’2″ and 260lbs, he’s a little undersized for a traditional NFL tight end, but the effort and attitude are there. My guess is he starts on the Practice Squad and refines his game.
