Several position battles loom as the Pittsburgh Steelers head to training camp. While openings were closed through roster transactions, other spots remain open for competition. Although no one has firmly claimed the running back position yet, the Steelers need to determine whether Jaylen Warren or Kaleb Johnson will be their top back when the regular season begins.
Both runners provide their intrigue to the coaching staff, but you can't play two running backs at the same time. Expect training camp and the preseason games to determine the division of labor between these two. Johnson is entering his rookie campaign, and he must have a fantastic preseason process if he wants to steal plenty of snaps away from a veteran like Warren.
Pittsburgh has a talented group at the position going into training camp.
They have some potential stars at the top of the depth chart, while their backups fight for their spots to make the 53-man roster. Warren and Johnson have been flying under the radar, but their battle for the top spot on the depth chart should be on everyone's radar. The outcome could impact their campaign.
Pittsburgh Steelers' running back competition at training camp should be fun to watch
Warren enters this season as the longest tenured Steelers running back.
Najee Harris left the team in free agency, which should give the long-term Pittsburgher a shot at winning the starting job at training camp. He might not be a flashy player, but he isn't afraid to hit a hole and make the safe play when it's there. Warren was a nice change-of-pace player who paired well with Harris during their three years together.
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Johnson was the third-round pick by the Steelers this past NFL Draft. He slipped to great value during the process after having a rough 40-yard dash time. Speed isn't something that should be lacking from the rookie's arsenal. If you watched him play at Iowa, it's easy to spot that he has breakaway rockets strapped to his feet. Pittsburgh has been desperate to find a home run hitter.
It's not often that Mike Tomlin names a rookie as the starter out of the gate. Don't be surprised if the Steelers' top coach decides to keep Warren as the top running back at the start of training camp. It will be up to Johnson to change the depth chart during the preseason. If he fails to do that, Warren will keep his grasp on the starting job for the foreseeable future.
The rookie running back must work on his pass protection at training camp, and he seems eager to get better.
Warren has earned the right to start at the position when training camp begins, but that doesn't mean he will hold that title when Week 1 of the regular season arrives. This battle should be fantastic between these two running backs, and the loser should still have a significant role on offense.