Fantasy Football Player Notes

The Steelers jettisoned Najee Harris and drafted his replacement as their lead back in the third round of the NFL Draft. Last year, Harris operated in an offense that was fourth in rushing attempts as Harris soaked up 299 touches (10th-most). Even if we lower those year-one expectations for Johnson, even 250 touches would have ranked 21st in the NFL. Johnson brings a big play ability that has been lacking over the last 2-3 years. Last year, not only did he rank fifth in breakaway percentage, but he was also eighth in yards after contact per attempt and 14th in elusive rating (per PFF). My love for Jaylen Warren hasn't dissipated, but we have to listen to the Steelers with their move to acquire Johnson's services. Warren will likely operate in his usual role while Johnson does the heavy lifting for Arthur Smith's run-centric offense. Johnson is an RB2/3 who could be an RB1 down the stretch in 2025 if he can distance himself further from Warren better than Harris ever could.

After Warren's RB29 finish in 2023, I hoped he would take another small step into the RB2 ranks in 2024, but it wasn't meant to be. Warren dealt with a hamstring strain in the preseason and then a knee injury in Week 4. It was tough for him to regain his per-touch effectiveness until later in the season. Najee Harris also still stood in his way. Well, this offseason, the Steelers retained Warren's services, but he gained a more talented rusher than Harris in Kaleb Johnson to contend with now. Warren will likely operate in his usual capacity as Johnson moves into Harris's old role. In Weeks 8-18, Warren averaged 9.6 touches and 66.2 total yards while ranking 15th in missed tackles forced per attempt and third in yards after contact per attempt (among 52 qualifying backs, per Fantasy Points Data). During that stretch, Warren was the RB36 in fantasy points per game. He should be a strong RB3 again this season.