The Pittsburgh Steelers are a major talking point in NFL discussions because of their quarterback situation, but there are plenty of other holes on the roster that warrant a conversation. One of which is the running back position, as Najee Harris is scheduled to become a free agent once the new league year begins. Jaylen Warren is a restricted free agent, but the organization seems set on offering him a right of first refusal tender, which means he will likely be back in 2025. Regardless of Warren's probable return, the organization should be invested in the running backs entering the 2025 NFL Draft.
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Steelers' Jaylen Warren running with the football during training camp in 2024.
The running back class entering the 2025 NFL Draft is considered to be one of the stronger groups in recent years, and there is value all throughout the board. The Steelers have been mocked to take a running back in multiple mock drafts, which some fans have been critical over. The obvious running back that is expected to go in the first round is Ashton Jeanty out of Boise State. However, according to recent reports from Tony Pauline, Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina is also making some noise.
"Keep this in the back of your mind -- some teams have Omarion Hampton rated as the top running back in the draft over Ashton Jeanty," Pauline wrote. "It's not something I agree with, and it reminds me of reports that a few teams graded Zach Wilson over Trevor Lawrence back in 2021, but it is noteworthy."
There are not a ton of teams that will be considering taking a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft. Jeanty seems to be a lock to go in the round however, as does Hampton as the pre-draft process continues on. Because of Pauline's report Pittsburgh's chances of landing the Heisman runner-up in Jeanty continue to go up.
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Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty hits the Heisman pose after a big time score in 2024.
Jeanty had an electrifying 2024 season with Boise State. The running back rushed for over 2,600 yards and scored 30 total touchdowns during his Heisman campaign, and he is considered a generational talent at the position. However, if the hype behind Hampton continues to grow, there is a chance he goes off the board ahead of Jeanty at the end of April.
The Steelers currently hold the 21st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and it is reasonable to think that one of the two running backs will be available by the time Pittsburgh's selection rolls around.
Hampton's numbers from the 2024 season don't really compare to Jeanty's, but the back led the ACC in carries and rushing yards, while scoring 17 total touchdowns. Both backs should be able to make a considerable impact right away, and it will be interesting to see where they end up on draft night. If Hampton does go before Jeanty, it will be difficult for the Steelers to pass up on the former Boise State running back.
Steelers Will Be Better Off Addressing A Different Position In The First Round
Drafting a high-impact running back in the first round of the NFL Draft only really makes sense if a team has a complete roster, and the Steelers do not. The organization made the mistake of drafting Harris in the first round back in 2021, and a repeat mistake would infuriate the fan base. The Steelers would be better off addressing the holes along the defensive line, or at wide receiver in the first round, especially considering how deep the running back position is.
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Buckeyes' Emeka Egbuka stands with his hands on his hips during a home game in Ohio.
At 21, the Steelers should be able to select one of the top receivers in the draft, which include Matthew Golden, Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III, or Tetairoa McMillan. A pick like this would solidify the offense, just like selecting a strong defensive tackle would help the defense.
What do you think about the Steelers going with a running back in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments below!
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