The Pittsburgh Steelers are determined to establish a run-first offense, but recent changes have left them in a precarious position heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With Najee Harris signing a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers, the burden of the rushing attack now falls primarily on Jaylen Warren, who accumulated 511 yards last season. However, the organization is not entirely confident in the supporting cast, which includes a struggling Cordarrelle Patterson and newly acquired Kenneth Gainwell, leading to speculation about their draft strategy.

The Steelers are eyeing potential running backs in the draft, especially with their lack of a second-round pick. They could target top prospects like Omarion Hampton in the first round to ensure they secure a feature back. The third and fourth rounds offer additional options, including players such as RJ Harvey and Devin Neal, but their success might hinge on whether they can land a standout in the first round.

The 2025 NFL offseason has already seen some significant running back movements, with Najee Harris making waves by joining the Los Angeles Chargers. Harris, who had a successful stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is expected to thrive with a more robust offensive line and a clear path as the primary back. Kenneth Gainwell takes his place in Pittsburgh, likely entering a split backfield with Jaylen Warren. Meanwhile, AJ Dillon's transition to the Eagles may not yield much fantasy relevance given his competition for touches. Rico Dowdle's move to the Panthers positions him alongside Chuba Hubbard, but he may not be the lead back. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders' arrival in Dallas complicates the RB picture, as both have struggled with consistency. Raheem Mostert's signing with the Raiders could see him in a committee role, while Alexander Mattison's move to Miami suggests a less favorable position behind De'Von Achane. The offseason also features Jordan Mason's switch to the Vikings and Elijah Mitchell's arrival in Kansas City, which could challenge established players like Aaron Jones and Isiah Pacheco. As these changes unfold, fantasy implications will ripple across rosters, making for an exciting yet unpredictable 2025 season.

With Najee Harris signed to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Pittsburgh Steelers face a significant challenge in reconstructing their running back position ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Head coach Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith prioritize a strong running game, yet the Steelers' free agency approach fell short of expectations, leaving them with limited options.

Current lead back Jaylen Warren is unproven as a feature back, while the addition of Kenneth Gainwell as a backup raises questions about workload capacity. The team also retained Cordarrelle Patterson, who has struggled to make an impact. However, the draft could present an opportunity to revamp the roster with a selection of promising running backs known for their speed and explosiveness, such as Dylan Sampson, Quinshon Judkins, and Kaleb Johnson.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised for a significant change after a disappointing 2024 season, despite reaching the playoffs. Their struggles primarily stemmed from an ineffective offense, particularly in the running game. With Najee Harris now playing for the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers are in desperate need of a running back. Recent mock drafts suggest they may target former North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton with their first-round pick. Hampton possesses both size and explosive speed, resembling Harris but with quicker acceleration, a critical trait the Steelers need for their run-heavy game plan.

Experts speculate that selecting Hampton would address immediate needs while providing a potential future star. The Steelers also have defensive tackle Kenneth Grant available, but many analysts believe bolstering the running back position is a higher priority, especially given their lack of a second-round pick. This strategy emphasizes a calculated risk, as the depth of the position may allow them to snag a decent defensive tackle later.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has expressed enthusiasm over the acquisition of Kenneth Gainwell, the former Philadelphia Eagles running back, following his impressive performance against Pittsburgh in their recent matchup. Gainwell showcased his versatility by executing critical plays that kept drives alive, which Tomlin noted as pivotal moments in the game.

Over four seasons with the Eagles, Gainwell has become known for his ability to excel in both rushing and receiving, having accumulated 1,185 rushing yards and 721 receiving yards across 66 games. He is expected to serve as a valuable second option behind Jaylen Warren in their backfield.