Behind the Steel Curtain
Pittsburgh will assuredly be in the market for a new playmaker
During the 2024 offseason the Steelers decided not to pick up RB Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, meaning he will enter this offseason as a free agent. While some fans and pundits disagreed with the decision, it feels like the tables have turned due to the incredible group of ball carriers in the upcoming NFL Draft. I’d imagine the Steelers did their homework on this class before the decision to retain Harris, and that ultimately will pay off because of the prospects you’ll find below.
Disclaimer: I didn’t include Boise State RB and Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty on this list. I’d bet Jeanty is drafted before the Steelers pick at 21 – and they also have too many needs to take another running back in the first round.
Hampton didn’t need the tutelage of Bill Belichick to become one of the best-skill players in the country. I’ll make a pro comp that the black and gold fans are familiar with; Hampton reminds me of Jaylen Warren in a many ways. I don’t necessarily think it’s a bad thing to have two Warrens. He’s a violent runner who brings his lunch pail to work day in and day out. Although he’s not the fastest or most elusive back in the draft, he has enough wiggle to not be considered a one-trick pony. He has some “Pittsburgh Steeler” to him, with an old school running style.
His production at UNC was off the charts – totaling 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns in three seasons which finished third and fourth all-time in UNC history in each category, respectively. Hampton finished second in the nation in rushing yards in 2024 and didn’t exactly have elite players around him to steal the attention of opposing defenses.
He’s likely an early second-round pick, but obviously, this is fluid.
Johnson is another bruising back who fits OC Arthur Smith’s style of play. He finished with an eye-popping 21 TDs this season for the Hawkeyes. He’s a strong fit in a zone scheme, and might even be able to turn a toss pitch into a positive play. He’s 225 lbs., but runs much faster than most backs his size.
It’s always important to mention that he’s a high-character player – which the Steelers should put more emphasis on with skill players moving forward (mostly talking about wide receivers here.)
Similar to Hampton, he should be drafted in that early to mid-second round area.
When draft night rolls around you will most certainly find me banging the drum for the Steelers to select Henderson. He’s a dual-threat, athletic freak. The lateral agility he possesses is arguably the best in the entire class (ahead of Jeanty!), and his ability as a pass-catcher is coveted in today’s NFL landscape.
He can change a game with a big play at the snap of a...
