PITTSBURGH – With the decision not to pick up Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to target a new running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. Fortunately, this year’s class is loaded with talented ball carriers, offering plenty of intriguing options for Pittsburgh to consider.
Several top prospects stand out as potential fits for the Steelers’ offensive system, including North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, Ohio State’s TreyVeon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and Kansas’ Devin Neal.
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
A powerful and physical runner, Hampton finished second in the nation in rushing yards in 2024, totaling 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns over his college career. His aggressive playing style and reliability make him a natural fit for Pittsburgh’s ground-and-pound approach.
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
A bruising back with 21 touchdowns in 2024, Johnson is a strong fit for offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s system. His combination of power and surprising speed at 225 lbs. makes him a potential asset in Pittsburgh’s run game.
TreyVeon Henderson (Ohio State)
A dynamic, dual-threat back, Henderson possesses elite lateral agility and excels as a pass-catcher—traits that would add versatility to the Steelers’ offense. Projected as a late second-round pick, he could be an ideal addition to Pittsburgh’s backfield.
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
While Judkins lacks top-end speed and pass-catching ability, he is an elite pure runner with excellent vision and toughness. His physical playing style mirrors that of Chiefs RB Isaiah Pacheco, making him an intriguing option in the third round.
Devin Neal (Kansas)
Despite being underrated due to playing at Kansas, Neal is a complete back with excellent patience and balance. He averaged over six yards per carry in college and has minimal wear and tear, making him a potential steal in the third round.
With such a deep class of running backs available, the Steelers are well-positioned to replace Harris without using a high draft pick. Whether they opt for a power runner like Hampton or a versatile playmaker like Henderson, Pittsburgh has no shortage of options to revamp their rushing attack in 2025.
