The Pittsburgh Steelers are figuring out what route to take in the 2025 NFL Draft. With many holes to fill on both sides of the ball, the possibilities are endless. With needs on the defensive line and a real supporting cast around George Pickens, General Manager Omar Khan really has his work cut out for him this offseason. Another need that some fans would believe isn't top priority, is the running back position. With Najee Harris set to be a free agent and Jaylen Warren still needing a new deal, the Steelers will most likely address this position at some point in the draft. When they do it is the question, but it could be earlier than some had initially expected.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks to members of the media during a press conference at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
The Steelers are already doing their due diligence at the NFL Scouting Combine -- setting up meetings with prospects at key positions that they need filled. One player that enamored the college football world last season was one of the prospects that the Steelers have scheduled to speak with. Ashton Jeanty, who became must-watch all of last season with Boise State, is the top ranked running back in this draft class. While some fans would be excited to see him in Pittsburgh, team insider Gerry Dulac is very much opposed to selecting him in the first round.
"No. If they did, dumb move," said Dulac.
Dulac isn't saying Jeanty is a bad player, just not the move the Steelers should be making in the draft with their first round pick. The Steelers are in need of true defensive line help and weapons on the outside that are upgrades to Van Jefferson and Mike Williams. The need of a running back is trumped by the Steelers' more obvious flaws.
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Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
Jeanty was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy this past college football season. He finished his final year with the Broncos with 2,601 rushing yards, averaging seven yards per attempt, and had 30 total touchdowns. Jeanty wasn't just beating defenders with his speed, but his physicality is what impressed viewers the most. Jeanty is a no doubt first round talent and could be an immediate impact player to whichever team that decides to draft him.
The Steelers having the choice to draft Jeanty is still a longshot to begin with, as he would have to drop significantly in the first round for this to be a possible scenario. If he were to fall, could Dulac be right about it being a mistake for taking him with the 21st pick? The Steelers used their first round pick on Harris back in 2021 and he could be out of the building after just four seasons. The Steelers could feel that they don't want to make the same mistake in 2025, especially if they can find a solid back later on in the draft.
Steelers May Not Have The Luxury To Draft Jeanty If He Is Available
While Jeanty could help change the run game in Pittsburgh for the better, it still doesn't help the Steelers with their more glaring holes on their roster. The Steelers saw how Super Bowl LIX unfolded with the Philadelphia Eagles being able to contain Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs with their defensive line throughout the game. If Pittsburgh wants to be able to do the same, then they need to add some reinforcements to help Keeanu Benton and Cam Heyward this upcoming season.
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Then there is the wide receiver room situation. With Pickens' future in question after the 2025 season, the Steelers need to add quality talent to ensure if they were to move on from Pickens, they wouldn't be stuck throwing the ball to mediocre receivers. With these needs having to be addressed now, Jeanty simply might not be in the cards for Pittsburgh.
Would you draft Jeanty if he was available at pick 21? Would it be a bad pick with the other glaring needs? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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