The Pittsburgh Steelers, having lost Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, are one of several teams that have often been linked to some of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. At No. 21 overall, Pittsburgh is theoretically in a great position to land an immediate starter.
If they want to use their first-round pick on a running back, the most likely candidate to earn that pick is North Carolina star Omarion Hampton. Despite many mock drafters projecting Hampton to end up in Pittsburgh, the latest rumors make it seem like that future may not come to fruition.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that one NFL executive believes that Hampton and Boise State star Ashton Jeanty can be viewed in the same light as Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, both of whom went in the Top 12 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hampton may not make it to No. 21 if his stock keeps soaring.
Amid the executive hinting at the possibility of Hampton's stock continuing to rise and the fact he is scheduled to workout with the Dallas Cowboys (who pick No. 12 overall), the Steelers may need to sacrifice assets if they want to move up and select Hampton.
Steelers may need to trade up to pick Omarion Hampton in the 2025 NFL Draft
Hampton could be an upgrade over Harris, despite the fact that both of them are coming into the NFL with concerns about their long speed. Hampton also has less of an ability to make plays as a receiver, though he does have some very enticing traits for Pittsburgh to work with.
Hampton has some of the best vision in this class, as his smooth running style shows someone who can reel off big plays despite lacking amazing athletic ability. If he needs to lower his shoulder and grind out some tough yards, Hampton is more than capable.
While the Steelers could try to land a new franchise quarterback amid all of the Aaron Rodgers buzz or upgrade the defensive line with Cameron Heyward continuing to get older, some may groan at the idea of using a premium pick like this on a running back. However, Hampton is a rare back who should expect to hit more than 1,000 yards instantly.
