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What will the Steelers do in the draft?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be working without a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft following the trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. And while they have multiple holes that need filled, one analyst says they should address one position in particular, and it isnt’ defensive line or cornerback.
Bradley Locker of PFF gave his worst-case scenarios for every NFL team in the draft, and he says that the Steelers need to take a running back early on.
“Najee Harris is no longer a Steeler, and Jaylen Warren (68.3 PFF rushing grade) has proven viable as a backup — but not a clear-cut starter,” Locker writes. “Meanwhile, new signing Kenneth Gainwell hasn’t even reached a 53.5 PFF rushing grade since 2022. Pittsburgh simply cannot go into 2025 with only Warren and Gainwell, needing at least a complementary back who can push for early-down work. That means general manager Omar Khan should absolutely take a back no later than the fourth round.”
Locker is only half right. Warren was the best running back on the Steelers’ roster last season and had more touches than Harris over the last month of the season – he is a more than capable starter. You can find running backs that are capable No. 2 and No. 3 rotational pieces on Day Three. With other needs like defensive line and receiver still looming, Pittsburgh shouldn’t reach for a running back.