Of those listed, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris has been the most productive and even made a Pro Bowl appearance (2021). But he’s not the best runner for the Steelers’ offense. Jaylen Warren is.

Harris ran for 1,000 yards in all three of his professional campaigns. Clearly, he’s capable. However, today’s game is built around creating chunk plays, either in the run or pass games.

With the Steelers trending toward a ground-and-pound attack—with the organization’s heavy investments in the O-line, athletic quarterbacks and the hire of Arthur Smith as the offensive coordinator—Warren has provided the same amount of runs (nine) of 20 or more yards as Harris over the last two seasons despite 301 fewer carries.

Obviously, the two can share a backfield and they will. Trends favor Warren, though.

Through the first seven weeks of last season, the former undrafted free agent averaged 10 touches per game. Over his final 11 appearance, that number rose to 13.5. Warren became a bigger threat in the receiving game, too. He finished second on the squad with 61 snags, while Harris’ production in the pass game dropped to 29 receptions (after providing 74 as a rookie).

To top everything off, the Steelers didn’t pick up Harris’ fifth-year rookie option, thus making him a potential free agent after this season. It won’t be the least bit surprising if/when Warren surpasses Harris as Pittsburgh’s lead back.