The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves consistently at the center of speculation and rumors, primarily concerning the team's vacant starting quarterback position. This void has ignited a flurry of discussions, with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers emerging as the focal point of these conversations. Numerous reports have surfaced, indicating that the Steelers' front office has extended a formal contract offer to Rodgers, and the team is currently in a holding pattern, patiently awaiting his decision. This development has dominated the media landscape, capturing the attention of everyone. However, amidst the Rodgers-centric narrative, it is important to acknowledge that the Steelers' roster have other areas of need that require careful consideration, specifically with the 2025 NFL Draft happening this month.
As the draft looms closer, analysts and experts are discussing team requirements and identifying potential player fits. Among these discussions, Chris Simms, co-host of Pro Football Talk on NFL on NBC, recently dove into the running back prospects in this year's draft class. Simms explored which teams are facing the most dire need for a running back, or which teams would benefit the most from selecting one. In his analysis, Simms specifically shared his insights and opinions regarding the Steelers' current depth chart and their potential requirement for a running back.
"They (Steelers) need a running back, I think like badly," Simms shared.
The Steelers' running back depth chart has changed during this offseason. Notably, Najee Harris, who served as the Steelers' primary starting running back since 2021, has left the team and joined the Los Angeles Chargers. This move was caused by the Steelers' previous decision not to use the fifth-year option on Harris' contract. Despite his consistent production, which included rushing for at least 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons with the team, the Steelers' front office elected to pursue a different direction.
To address the gap in their running back corps, the Steelers signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back, Kenneth Gainwell. This addition has reshaped the team's running back depth chart, which now features Jaylen Warren, Gainwell, and Cordarrelle Patterson for the time being.
The Steelers face a particularly interesting draft scenario this year, primarily due to the unique distribution of their draft selections. They possess the 21st overall pick in the first-round, a valuable asset that allows them to target a high-caliber player. However, following this initial pick, there is a large gap before their next selection, which happens in the third-round, specifically the 19th pick of that round, also known as the 83rd overall pick. The absence of a second-round pick is a direct result of the Steelers' strategic trade to acquire veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. In this trade, the Steelers parted ways with their second-round pick, sending it to the Seahawks.
This particular draft stock places heightened importance on the Steelers' first-round selection. With significant time between their first and third-round picks, the team must carefully evaluate their options and make a strong choice in the first-round. The team has a range of options to consider, and their decision will have a large impact on the strengthening of the roster. They must weigh their needs against the available talent.
The Steelers Have Different Draft Needs
Reports have consistently indicated that the Steelers are committed to utilizing the NFL Draft, either this year or the next, as a crucial avenue for identifying and securing their next long-term franchise quarterback. However, the Steelers' draft strategy is complicated by the presence of multiple pressing needs across their roster, coupled with a unique distribution of their draft picks. This unique combination of factors presents the team with a complex decision-making process, requiring careful consideration of various options.
The NFL Draft is widely recognized as a pivotal platform for teams to address their long-term roster requirements, and the Steelers are no exception. Given their current situation, it will be particularly interesting to see the team's ultimate course of action. The Steelers' must decide what positions to fill, and what players will be the best fit for their team. The choices they make in the draft will shape the future of the franchise.
