There’s no doubt the Pittsburgh Steelers want to be a run-first offense. The team added offensive coordinator last offseason to facilitate that philosophy via running backs Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Cordarrelle Patterson. Unfortunately, the results didn’t match with the hopes and now the Steelers find themselves looking to start over with many of the same pieces.
The big loss was Harris, who chose to sign a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Let’s take a look at what the Steelers have at running back now and where to go in the 2025 NFL draft.
Current roster
Jaylen Warren
Cordarrelle Patterson
Kenneth Gainwell
Jonathan Ward
Aaron Shampklin
Evan Hull
Warren returns as the top rusher on the team. Warren finished 2024 with 511 rushing yard but inherits the starting job after Harris left. Patterson was a flop in 2024 and we still think he’s a prime candidate to be released after the addition of Gainwell.
NFL draft options
First round – Omarion Hampton
Third round – RJ Harvey, DJ GIddens
Fourth round – Devin Neal, Jaylon Blue, Bhayshul Tuten
Fifth round – Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Ollie Gordon, Kyle Monangai
Sixth round – Jordan James, Tahj Brooks, Raheim Sanders, Donovan Edwards
No position of need is impacted more by the Steelers lack of a second-round pick than running back. Many of the backs the Steelers have brought in for pre-draft visits aren’t on this list because they are projected to go in the second round. This could force the Steelers to go for Hampton in the first round to assure they get a feature back.
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