My thoughts on our roster...... RB's

Blast Furnace · Jan 14, 2025 at 12:30 PM

Born2Steel said: ↑

It's all speculation at this point. And I did say my point would be unpopular.

Warren is fine for what he does when he's available. He is not a feature back. I guess he could backup the next feature back. But if comparing apples to apples, I'd rather have Najee as that backup.
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I don’t know why he can’t be a feature back? Do you mean because of talent or because of carries? I think he’s plenty talented and if its the later, no, he couldnt fill the roll of carrying 30 times a game but they don’t need him to.

I suspect he will be the lead back next season and they will draft a RB to carry some of the load who will then take over for Warren when he moves on. I doubt whomever they draft will assume that roll from the get go.

Born2Steel · Jan 14, 2025 at 12:34 PM

Blast Furnace said: ↑

I don’t know why he can’t be a feature back? Do you mean because of talent or because of carries? I think he’s plenty talented and if its the later, no, he couldnt fill the roll of carrying 30 times a game but they don’t need him to.

I suspect he will be the lead back next season and they will draft a RB to carry some of the load who will then take over for Warren when he moves on. I doubt whomever they draft will assume that roll from the get go.
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My view on Warren basically stems from his inability in pass pro. A feature back needs to be able to pick up a blitz. Warren has not shown he can do that. At least not consistently.
Add to that he is often leaving games due to injury. Najee has not missed.

Blast Furnace · Jan 14, 2025 at 12:42 PM

Born2Steel said: ↑

My view on Warren basically stems from his inability in pass pro. A feature back needs to be able to pick up a blitz. Warren has not shown he can do that. At least not consistently.
Add to that he is often leaving games due to injury. Najee has not missed.
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Najee is more durable for sure, his best trait but Warren is actually very good in pass protection. Not sure where that is coming from.

At any rate, we’ll probably find out if he can fill that roll, he will likely be extended this offseason. And if he can’t, there should be a draft pick to step in, very good draft for RB’s.

Born2Steel · Jan 14, 2025 at 12:47 PM

Blast Furnace said: ↑

Najee is more durable for sure, his best trait but Warren is actually very good in pass protection. Not sure where that is coming from.

At any rate, we’ll probably find out if he can fill that roll, he will likely be extended this offseason. And if he can’t, there should be a draft pick to step in, very good draft for RB’s.
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What I expect is absolutely that. Warren to get extended and a draft pick used at RB. WE could just see the same role for Warren with a rookie taking the lions share of snaps. Or a 50/50.

Formerscribe · Jan 14, 2025 at 1:29 PM

Steel_Elvis said: ↑

I’m torn on Najee. I’ve seen him make so many good runs, and some solid receptions to boot. I wonder how he would do in a pure power scheme with a lead blocker and with an offensive line that doesn’t always seem to have at least 1 guy get confused and completely blow an assignment every 3rd or 4th play. He’s no superstar, but he’s not a bad player.
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Exactly. He's not the ideal guy to run behind a bad offensive line, and that's what the Steelers have had through most of his four seasons with the team. Harris isn't Henry, but he would have been a good fit for the type of offense Smith ran in Tennessee. Unfortunately, the Steelers don't have the line to pull that off and they don't have a fullback. How many of y'all saw the play with Moore and Jones both pulling, leading to Warren getting tackled in the backfield? Apparently, that happened quite often this year. I can't believe the Steelers haven't already fired Pat Meyer. He has done a horrible job.

Thigpen82 · Jan 14, 2025 at 1:45 PM

theotherbigben said: ↑

Mike Greenberg described Najee perfectly this morning. "If you need a guy who can turn an 8 yard run into a 4 yard run, Najee's your guy."

Couldn't have said it better myself.
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I like the quote, but if we take it logically then that's saying our offensive line is blocking for a 2000 yard RB., no?

Formerscribe · Jan 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM

Blast Furnace said: ↑

Najee is more durable for sure, his best trait but Warren is actually very good in pass protection. Not sure where that is coming from.

At any rate, we’ll probably find out if he can fill that roll, he will likely be extended this offseason. And if he can’t, there should be a draft pick to step in, very good draft for RB’s.
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Warren makes some great blocks in pass protection. He isn't always great at identifying the rusher who will come free. I think that's why you see the questions about him in pass protection.

Formerscribe · Jan 14, 2025 at 1:49 PM

Thigpen82 said: ↑

I like the quote, but if we take it logically then that's saying our offensive line is blocking for a 2000 yard RB., no?
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Which shows just how little Greenie knows.

Blast Furnace · Jan 14, 2025 at 3:37 PM

Formerscribe said: ↑

Warren makes some great blocks in pass protection. He isn't always great at identifying the rusher who will come free. I think that's why you see the questions about him in pass protection.
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Fair enough. I should have read Born2Steels post more closely. That hasn’t stuck out to me but I’ll take you guys word for it.

theotherbigben · Jan 14, 2025 at 4:02 PM

We know that's not the case with our line lol.

I think the point is even when the hole was there, he did nothing to maximize it.

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My thoughts on our roster...... RB's

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