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.
Omarion Hampton, RB, North Carolina
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.
Omarion Hampton would be touted as an elite RB1 prospect in any other year.
Contact balance, burst, vision, hands. Reminds me of All-Pro David Johnson. pic.twitter.com/9aiEm0RpCG
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 11, 2025
Kaleb Johnson, RB, Iowa
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.
Two of Kaleb Johnson’s best “NFL” traits is his ability to play through contact and keep plays alive.
Not every RB is going to run behind an elite offensive line, turning nothing into something is an elite trait. pic.twitter.com/zeeUKY6QYb
— Snoog's Fantasy HQ (@FFSnoog) January 7, 2025
TreyVeon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
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 finger. Given his skillset, along with his potential draft slot, which is middle to late second round, he’s the perfect fit in the Steel City.
Quinshon Judkins, RB, Ohio State
The National Champion Buckeyes produced the most productive backfield tandem college football has seen in quite some time. Judkins definitely made himself some money during their playoff run, culminating in a three-TD game in the championship.
He’s a physical and productive runner, posting three straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards and 14 TDs, despite splitting carries.
I certainly prefer Henderson at the next level. Judkins does not have the pass-catching ability, top-end speed, or pass-blocking chops that Henderson possesses. However, I think he’s a more polished runner with elite vision. His aggressiveness reminds me of Kansas Chiefs RB Isaiah Pacheco.
Due to the depth of this class, Judkins will probably be the fourth or fifth back off the board and selected in the early portion of round three.
Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
Neal is one of the lesser-known names to the average fan, which is usually the case when you play your football in Kansas. He’s a complete back and seems to elude the first defender on nearly every touch, as his contact balance is second to none in the class. He also has minimal wear and tear, something teams covet.
Neal averaged over 6 ypc. in his collegiate career, and, like Omarion Hampton, he was the focal point of the Jayhawks’ offense. His patience reminds me of former Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell.
My best guess is that he comes off the board in the third round.
Which one of these players tops your list, and who did I miss? Let us know in the comments section!
