The Pittsburgh Steelers made it very clear ahead of the 2024 season that Najee Harris' time in the Steel City was over after that season ended. Pittsburgh had the choice to pick up Harris' fifth-year option, which would’ve guaranteed him $6.79 million for the 2025 season. Instead, they made the surprising decision not to pick it up, virtually sealing his fate. When Harris became a free agent, he quickly landed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal worth $5.25 million—less than his fifth-year option would've paid him.
Eric Hartline / USA Today
Former Steelers running back Najee Harris gets tackled by two Eagles defenders as the two franchises compete in a regular season football game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.
This move has sparked plenty of debate among the Steelers’ fan base, especially as Pittsburgh shifts its focus to Jaylen Warren and their new acquisition, Kenneth Gainwell. Many are questioning whether letting Harris go was the right call, given his past contributions to the team. However, the Steelers seem committed to their new running back rotation, and it appears they are looking toward a different kind of future at the position.
In ESPN pundit Matt Miller’s 2025 seven-round mock draft posted on Thursday morning, the Steelers appear to have struck gold. Miller suggests that if Pittsburgh can land Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo in the fourth round, their decision to part ways with Harris could end up looking brilliant. Skattebo brings the kind of value Pittsburgh could use in their backfield, and if the draft unfolds as Miller predicts, the Steelers’ move to move on from Harris might just pay off in a big way.
Kevin C. Cox / Fox Sports
Former Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo looks on before a massive game in the 2024 College Football Playoff against the Texas Longhorns.
Miller had the Steelers selecting Skattebo with the 123rd overall pick in the fourth round of his 2025 seven-round mock draft. Skattebo, once an under-the-radar prospect, became a breakout star in 2024 during the Sun Devils' strong season. With 293 carries for 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, Skattebo proved himself as a powerful, bruising running back. He also showcased his versatility as a receiving back, catching 45 passes for 605 yards and three touchdowns, making his 2024 season one of the most impressive of any running back in college football.
Despite his success, there’s still significant debate over whether Skattebo's style will translate to the NFL. In college, he was able to power through defensive linemen and overpower tacklers with ease. The big question is whether he can replicate that against faster, stronger NFL defenders.
However, his performance in the College Football Playoff game against Texas provided a compelling answer. Skattebo ran through SEC-level defensive linemen and came close to leading the Sun Devils to an upset victory, showcasing that his power and skill can compete at the highest level.
CAM SKATTEBO RUNS THROUGH 1500LBs OF TEXAS DEFENDERS FOR 6 pic.twitter.com/JJ2MTnFGQQ
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 1, 2025
In that game, Skattebo put on a truly remarkable performance, rushing for 143 yards, catching 99 yards worth of passes, and even throwing for 42 yards and a passing touchdown. He also added two rushing touchdowns to his impressive stat line, demonstrating his all-around talent and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Steelers Would Hit A Home Run Drafting Cameron Skattebo In Round 4
If Skattebo can translate his dominance to the NFL, the Steelers’ decision to move on from Harris might prove to be a stroke of genius. His combination of power, vision, and receiving ability could add an entirely new dimension to Pittsburgh’s offense. If the draft falls in their favor, landing a talent like Skattebo in the fourth round could make the Steelers’ running back situation even stronger than before.
The concern, of course, is that Skattebo's performance in that playoff game may have raised his stock too much on the national stage, potentially pushing him off the board before the Steelers feel comfortable selecting him.
Dale Zanine / Imagn Images
Former Arizona State running back Cameron Skattebo looks on after making an absurd catch in the 2024 College Football Playoff against the Texas Longhorns.
However, the idea of a backfield featuring Warren, Gainwell, and a rookie like Skattebo—who can power through any defense—is undeniably exciting. If the Steelers are able to land Skattebo in the fourth round, it would be an incredible value pick, one that could solidify their running back room for years to come—assuming Skattebo lives up to his potential as an NFL prospect.
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