The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to target a running back during the 2025 NFL Draft after letting Najee Harris walk in free agency. Currently the backfield consists of Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, and Cordarrelle Patterson. Patterson is a player that might not make the final roster and probably isn't considered a ton when it comes to the running back position in the Steel City, so the Steelers need a bigger back to complement Warren and Gainwell. A player that fits this mold can be found at some point in the upcoming draft.
There has been some talk around the Steelers using their first-round pick on a running back, but that is extremely unlikely due to the other needs throughout the roster. The running back class in 2025 is deep, which means the organization can wait until the second or third day to pick a player at the position and still find value. NFL Draft expert Nick Baumgardner spoke with team insider Mike DeFabo during a recent article for The Athletic, where DeFabo asked Baumgardner which bigger running backs make the most sense for Pittsburgh.
"[Cameron] Skattebo, the Arizona State playoff hero, is unique," Baumgardner wrote. "He’s not fast and that’s going to scare some teams, but he’s incredibly strong and explosive. Athletically, he’s a lot like Kareem Hunt. Skattebo has a near 40-inch vertical and his leg drive absolutely never quits. He’s going to need a capable partner in the backfield rotation, but he’d be a very good complement to a speed back in Pittsburgh’s offense. Skattebo was third nationally in yards after contact last season behind [Ashton] Jeanty and [Omarion] Hampton."
Warren is a more than capable backfield partner for Skattebo, and Warren and Gainwell can both be considered elusive speed backs in the NFL. Skattebo would be able to fill the role of being a bruiser and can carry the ball between the tackles. He proved he can do it on a big stage during the College Football Playoff.
Skattebo was a big reason the Arizona State Sun Devils were able to be such a force in the college football landscape during the 2024 season. The back averaged over five yards per carry while scoring 24 total touchdowns. He was able to lead the Big 12 in rushing yards, and he also led the conference in total plays. He has shown the versatility to line up at running back and quarterback in certain situations, and his ability to stay on the field should be something the Steelers are looking for.
The biggest concern with Skattebo is his speed as the back did not run the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine. It doesn't matter what he tests at, as he showed he had breakaway speed on multiple occasions during the 2024 season. He also finished his college career by going against Texas, which is a defense that is full of NFL talent. He managed to run for 143 yards while recording 99 yards catching passes.
Steelers Could Wait To Draft Cam Skattebo
Pittsburgh would be opening itself up to insane criticism if it decides to use a premium pick on a running back. Fortunately, if the franchise wants to select Skattebo, it can probably wait until Day 3 of the NFL Draft, as that's where Skattebo is projected. His most likely landing spot is in the fourth or fifth-round. The Steelers have a pick in each of those rounds, and one of them could be used on Skattebo, or some other running back.
A potential running back room full of Warren, Gainwell, and Skattebo may not be star-studded, but it has the potential to be one of the most productive groups in the league.
