New Information Reveals Steelers' Legitimate Interest In Drafting Boise State Star Running Back Ashton Jeanty

The Pittsburgh Steelers face a crucial decision at running back, and it starts with former first-round pick Najee Harris. Over his four seasons with the team, Harris has consistently rushed for over 1,000 yards and remained productive. However, there are growing doubts about whether he’s done enough to warrant a new deal in 2025.

The main concern among fans stems from Harris' selection as the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. When a team takes a running back in the first round, expectations are high: they should develop into a top-10 back by the end of their rookie contract, or the team may look elsewhere. That’s exactly the situation the Steelers find themselves in with Harris. Despite his talent and solid production, the Steelers now need a running back who can truly carry their offense. 

With Harris’ price rising, many believe he’s on his way out of Pittsburgh. This creates a pressing need for the Steelers to either draft a new running back or explore other options. On top of that, the team must decide what to do with Jaylen Warren, although most assume he will be brought back. 

NFL Draft expert Ryan Fowler recently revealed intriguing details about the Steelers' potential interest in drafting Boise State star Ashton Jeanty in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

It’s important to note that it’s completely normal for teams to engage with nearly every player during the draft process. Just because the Steelers will have a formal meeting with Jeanty doesn’t guarantee they plan to draft him. However, it does indicate they aren’t ruling it out, and that alone is sure to stir up excitement and debate among Steelers fans.

Harris, of course, has become a controversial figure in his four seasons with the Steelers. There’s an ongoing debate about his true value and how good he really is. While Harris has been above average, he hasn’t quite been able to carry the offense as many Steelers fans had hoped. 

On the other hand, it’s hard to overlook the fact that he’s played in an underperforming offense that didn’t do him many favors. Despite these challenges, Harris has remained consistently productive and reliable.

That level of production hasn’t been enough to secure a new deal with the Steelers. Pittsburgh is focused on rebuilding a strong running game, and in 2024, the combination of Harris and Warren clearly fell short of expectations. Warren struggled with injuries, and Harris couldn’t ignite the offense when it mattered most. 

Warren, a restricted free agent, could return, while Harris, a true free agent, is expected to receive a pay raise elsewhere. Many believe Warren will be tendered, but Harris may move on.

Steelers Drafting A Running Back In Round 1 Of 2025 NFL Draft Shouldn't Be Feared

Drafting a running back in the first round is always controversial and risky. However, Jeanty is an exceptionally rare talent. Some NFL experts believe he could start as the No. 1 running back on 80% of NFL rosters—an impressive indicator of his potential. 

He dominated at Boise State, putting up historic numbers, but whether he can replicate that success in the NFL remains to be seen. The Steelers are set to have a formal meeting with Jeanty, suggesting that if he’s available in round one, they might seriously consider drafting him.

While this idea may be unpopular given how the Harris saga has unfolded over the past four seasons, Steelers fans shouldn’t be deterred. Just because one draft pick didn’t work out doesn’t mean the process should be abandoned, especially in the unpredictable world of the NFL Draft. 

If the Steelers have the chance to draft Jeanty at 21st overall, it would be considered a major steal, as many analysts have him coming off the board before that pick. The Steelers' decision at running back will undoubtedly be closely watched and heavily scrutinized.

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