Steelers Pushed To Repeat Massive Mistake In 2025 NFL Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted running back Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. After four seasons, Harris has been solid, rushing for over 1,000 yards each year and remarkably never missing a game. In his career, he has rushed 1,097 times for 4,312 yards and 28 touchdowns, with an average of 3.9 yards per carry. While Harris has been a reliable workhorse, the question remains whether the Steelers should move on from him or bring him back for the 2025 season.

Many pundits speculate that Harris may not return to Pittsburgh, which has led to discussions about the team's future at running back. If Harris is moved on from, the Steelers would need to consider drafting a running back to fill the void. While taking a running back in the first round is often met with skepticism, the success of running backs in 2024 has led some analysts to believe the Steelers will go down that road once again.

The 33rd Team's draft analyst, Kyle Crabbs, has even predicted that the Steelers will draft Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty in round one with the 21st overall pick. While some may argue that drafting another running back in the first round would be a repeat of the same mistake made with Harris, the Steelers could be compelled by the talent available and the potential for immediate impact at the position.

"The Steelers' DNA is well established," Crabbs said. "This team embraces a physical brand of football, and under Mike Tomlin, they will want to play smash-mouth football and run the ball. Najee Harris is set to hit free agency this offseason after four years and nearly 1,300 touches from scrimmage."

The Steelers also face a decision regarding Jaylen Warren, but it seems likely he will return for the 2025 season. A backfield featuring both Warren and Jeanty would be a bruising duo, but the question remains: would it be better than pairing Warren with Harris? 

Crabbs argues that Jeanty could offer a cheaper and less worn-down alternative to Harris, providing a fresh and dynamic combination with the Steelers' young offensive line.

"Re-signing him would not be a bad idea, but spending on a running back is always controversial," Crabbs said. "Instead, Pittsburgh could take advantage of the slide experienced by Ashton Jeanty here to get a fresh workhorse behind their revamped offensive line courtesy of recent draft classes."

The Steelers declined Harris' fifth-year option, meaning they would need to pay him roughly $3 million more to bring him back. This suggests that they may be hesitant to do so, especially considering Harris didn’t overachieve in 2024. While he has been solid, he hasn't quite lived up to the lofty expectations Steelers fans placed on him when he was drafted.

Steelers Fans Aren't Likely To Love Taking Ashton Jeanty In Round 1 Of 2025 NFL Draft

Drafting a running back in the first round would undoubtedly stir mixed emotions among Steelers fans. However, Jeanty could be the rare exception where it makes sense. Jeanty posted historic numbers in college and continued to shine even against tougher competition. 

While he struggled to get going against Penn State in the College Football Playoff, watching the game showed more promise than the box score suggested. His yards after contact were impressive, especially considering the Nittany Lion's elite run defense.

The most exciting aspect of adding Jeanty would be watching him develop behind the Steelers' young offensive line. Fans will be eagerly watching to see what the team decides to do in round one of the 2025 NFL Draft. While a wide receiver seems like the most likely pick, the decision will ultimately depend on how the draft unfolds.

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