4 Steelers poised for monster breakout seasons in 2023

Steelers, George Pickens
Steelers, George Pickens / Joe Sargent/GettyImages
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Fans of every team can find players to get excited about each year -- even if their team isn't very good. The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't fooled anyone into believing they were legitimate Super Bowl contenders over the past several seasons, but that doesn't mean that they aren't trending in the right direction.

Omar Khan and Andy Weidl did an outstanding job overhauling the roster and adding talent in both free agency and the NFL Draft in 2023. At the very least, we can say that the arrow is pointed up. Here are some young players to get excited about who could be poised for monster breakout seasons in 2023.

4. RB Jaylen Warren

You can see the determination in the eyes of Jaylen Warren at Steelers OTAs. The former undrafted free agent from 2022 climbed the latter in his first season and topped former fourth-rounders Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland to become the primary backup running back on the team last year.

But Warren did more than just backup Najee Harris, he actually outplayed the first-round pick at times. Warren is a compact wrecking ball that explodes through the hole and delivers a punch to defenders on contact.

Warren looks like he added muscle to his chiseled frame over his first full offseason in an NFL weight room, and he certainly could be in line for a bigger role. Knowing how efficient he was last year with his touches and how hard he ran every play, I think he's going to be a player that is hard for the Steelers to keep on the sidelines.

Last year, Warren averaged 4.9 yards per carry and 7.6 yards per reception, and I can see much more volume coming his way. I have a great feeling about Jaylen Warren entering year two.