Steelers Are "Inching Towards" A Highly Unpopular First-Round Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a frustrating offseason for many fans. Even though they made the big trade for DK Metcalf, they haven't actually done much to support that move. Most notably, the Steelers are entering the new league with Skylar Thompson as their only quarterback on the roster, and all of the best options in free agency have been taken. Once again, it seems like the front office overplayed their hand and it backfired right in their face. Bringing in a veteran like Aaron Rodgers likely won't save the Steelers from mediocrity. 

Mark Kaboly made an appearance on 93.7 The Fan to talk about the Steelers' latest decisions. If Steeler Nation was frustrated with what has been going on, he thinks the Steelers will make a move that could upset them even more.

"I'm really starting to feel like [the Steelers are] inching towards the first-round running back," said Kaboly. "I would've never thought that would've been the case, but with Jaylen Warren on a one-year deal, I don't know what [Kenneth] Gainwell got. I think he did get a year or two. It almost screams out to me that there might be interest in a running back... It all depends on how the rest of free agency and how the draft breaks, but man, I think that has to be in the conversation right now."

In many circles, drafting a running back in the first-round is seen as a bad idea due to the short shelf life, as well as the reliance on a quality offensive line. It is generally believed that you can find high-end starters in the middle round, where the Steelers have been projected to find some more help at. 

Even with Jaylen Warren's production in Pittsburgh, he was seen as a changeup and a backup to the Steelers' "Iron Man" in Najee Harris. The team also signed Kenneth Gainwell, who has been a career backup. He had just four starts in 66 career games, so there is some uncertainty on if either of them can be a starter.

However, the Steelers drafted a first-round running back recently. Harris was the first back off the board in 2021. Even though he played in every single game in his four-year career, Pittsburgh declined his relatively cheap fifth-year option, and they let him leave in free agency. Harris had good accumulative stats overall, but his yards per carry (YPC) was generally very low. 

After the Metcalf trade, the common theme around Steelers' mock drafts between fans, the media, and experts is that they will address the gaping hole at defensive line. Cutting Larry Ogunjobi has only exasperated that need, and free agent options at that position is usually low. Defensive tackle seems to be the right pick in the first-round, especially since they have no second rounder.

Steelers' First-Round Running Back Options

If the Steelers do ignore their biggest need to draft running back again, the obvious choice is Ashton Jeanty, who had a generational run with the Boise State Broncos. The only question is if he falls to pick 21, as his sky-high upside could make teams like the Dallas Cowboys take a shot on him.

If Jeanty goes before the Steelers can pick, they would then look towards Omarion Hampton from the North Carolina Tar Heels. He had 5.9 YPC, 15 touchdowns, and over 1,500 rushing yards in each of his last two seasons in college. While Jeanty had the gaudy numbers, Hampton was more consistent, and that could be enough to have the Steelers take a chance on him. 

The one sign that the Steelers are not going down this path is the fact that they brought in DJ Giddens for a Top 30 visit. He is expected to be selected in the later rounds. It's interesting that they brought him in for a draft visit, as opposed to someone like Jeanty or Hampton. 

What do you think about the Steelers possibly drafting a running back in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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