Steelers May Repeat Questionable Mistake In First Round "Don't Dismiss The Possibility"
The Pittsburgh Steelers are definitely interested in three main positions as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. Based on their Top 30 visits and the Pro Days that Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan attended, the team is looking at quarterback, running back, and defensive line. Those positions made up at least two-thirds of the prospects that the team has spoken to. Saying that the Steelers will target those positions with at least their first pick is a very safe bet, although some of that may not make a lot of sense.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently mentioned all of the possibilities for the Steelers at 21. He brought up the fact that they could easily draft a running back after letting a former first-rounder at that same position leave in free agency.
"While it might seem strange the Steelers would part with a former No. 1 pick with four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons merely to draft another running back in the first round, don’t dismiss the possibility," Dulac noted.
The Steelers drafted Najee Harris in the first round in 2021. While he did rack up a lot of stats, it may have been just because of how often he was used. His analytics were below average across the board, as he averaged 3.9 yards per carry during his entire career with Pittsburgh. Needless to say, the executives did not think he was worth his fifth-year option or his second contract.
Typically, running backs are not seen as first-round caliber players. They have a shorter shelf life than many other positions and are too dependent on the offensive line in front of them. Of course, there are exceptions to that reality, but unless you find that generational talent early on, many people believe it's best to wait and draft a guy later on.
Dulac also brought up the ball-carriers that would most likely go in the first round.
"If they did, the candidates are Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton and Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson. However, the draft appears to be heavily stocked with running backs who could complement Jaylen Warren, so they could wait until the third round to select one," said Dulac. "The Steelers brought in nine running backs for predraft visits, most of any position. Defensive linemen were right behind with eight."
There is no guarantee that neither Ashton Jeanty nor Omarion Hampton will be available at Pick 21. The former is seen as a generational talent that should go somewhere in the Top 10. Hampton could fall to the Steelers' pick, but there are a handful of teams in front of them that could take the chance on him.
Would The Steelers Reach For Running Back?
Even though Hampton may not be available, there is still a chance that they have a first-round grade on someone else. They brought in nine running backs for a Top 30 visit, and they met with a few more at their Pro Days. If they are that stuck on replacing Harris, they may not want to wait until the third round to get their guy.
Maybe they are enamored with the likes of either of the backs from the Ohio State Buckeyes to the point where they just bypass their defensive line need and keep building up the offense in the draft. Tomlin does love his old-school ground-and-pound scheme, so getting more players to use in a running back by committee could sway him.
The hope among Steeler Nation is that they recognize how deep the class is at that position and pass. Whether they address their gaping hole in the trenches or draft a quarterback, it seems like they can find a quality ball-carrier later on, while the other two positions in the draft class are not nearly as deep and should be addressed first.
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