Who is the Steelers’ best running back in 2024?

With July officially here, I’m going to take the time to rank the Steelers roster by position group before training camp begins. The ultimate goal will be to create a ranked list of every play on the roster before camp begins.

The rankings will be a mix of criteria. I’m primarily looking at which players will put the Steelers in the best position to win this year. While long-term potential is a consideration, I’m less concerned with what a player can bring in 2025 than what he can do for the team this year. For rookies, their level of professional readiness will be considered as well as their roster projection. We continue with the running backs today, and this group is entirely new.

8. Aaron Shampklin

The back end of this room is interesting because the Steelers could have four running backs there. That last running back needs to be a great special teams player as well as a potential offensive contributor. Unfortunately for Aaron Shampklin, he doesn’t have a track record on either. He’s been around for a few years but hasn’t made an impact anywhere yet. He’s low on the ladder and might not even make it out of training camp.

7. Perine La’Mical

I’ve been torn between the following few names because I think they could all be on a roster if this team keeps a fourth running back. While La’Mical Perine has the most pedigree, his career hasn’t been a success. I like his size, but I’m not sure he has what it takes to be this team’s fourth running back. At least he played special teams last year.

6. Jack Colletto

There is no true fullback on the roster, as most expect Connor Heyward to play that role. That said, I think Jack Colletto could make a strong case at the position given the many different positions he has played. He should shine on special teams, and even if the team only has three fullbacks, he could force their hand due to his special teams potential.

5. Daijun Edwards

I would have liked to put Daijun Edwards higher than that, but we need to see him play first. That said, he has the profile of a potentially elusive player for this team. He runs a lot like Jaylen Warren and is tough to bring down. He is also a capable receiver and blocker. I think he can shine on offense in the preseason and if he can do his part on special teams, he could sneak up on the Steelers.

4. Jonathan Ward

While I think Edwards could be a great choice as the fourth running back on this team, Jonathan Ward has already proven that. He’s only had one cup of coffee in the NFL, but he’s contributed as a runner, receiver, and on special teams. He’d be a contender for the fourth running back job, but that spot is far from a sure thing.

3. Cordarrelle Patterson

This was arguably the easiest position to fit into this season. Cordarrelle Patterson is the best third-string running back this team has had in quite some time. He can serve as a traditional running back, play receiver, and most importantly, is a potent kick returner. He’s expected to wear multiple hats this season and is arguably the Steelers’ most underrated signing this offseason.

2. Najee Harris

I don’t think Najee Harris is the best choice for this offense, but I can call him controversial. Let me be clear: Harris is a starter and plays an important role, but he’s an inefficient power back who can wear down defenses but fails to create the big play. He’s primed for a big season behind this new offensive line, but I prefer a back who can create more on his own.

1. Jaylen Warren

Although he shares that role with Harris, the Steelers got a steal in signing Warren as an undrafted free agent. He quickly earned a role and was impossible to keep off the field. He has a small, compact frame like a bowling ball. He can make defenders miss in space and knock them over as well.

Warren can also serve as a receiver and blocker, which has allowed him to establish himself as the third back on this team. No, Warren shouldn’t be the only back who gets some work, but I think he fits what this offense needs slightly better than Harris. Regardless of how you rank them, Warren and Harris should both be key contributors on this team in 2024.