The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy improving their offense after letting several key players walk in free agency. While the team has faced criticism for moving too slowly at quarterback this offseason, PFSN’s NFL Draft analyst Marco Enriquez has Pittsburgh taking a more decisive approach in April.
Pittsburgh Steelers Have Offensive Holes to Fill in NFL Draft
The Steelers made big changes after another wild-card round exit—marking their fourth in five years. Four-year starting running back Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers after his contract expired. Meanwhile, 2024 starting quarterback Russell Wilson appears to be on the way out as the team waits on Aaron Rodgers.
Wilson may return in 2025, but the former Seattle Seahawks quarterback has been visiting other teams after Pittsburgh failed to commit to him. The team’s other 2024 quarterback, Justin Fields, also didn’t wait for clarity and signed with the New York Jets.
While Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is messy, the team made a big splash by trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf from Seattle. Metcalf is a major upgrade for an offense that relied heavily on George Pickens for big plays in the passing game.
Trading for Metcalf is a big move, but it doesn’t solve the Steelers’ two most significant offensive needs. Pittsburgh’s front office has shown its hand by waiting on Rodgers and not adding a starting running back in free agency. While their quarterback situation remains in flux, the team has a clearer path to filling its running back void.
Steelers Predicted to Draft Omarion Hampton to Replace Najee Harris
Enriquez predicts the Steelers will select North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round (No. 21) of his latest two-round mock draft. Enriquez describes Hampton as a versatile playmaker with the skills to thrive as a three-down back in Pittsburgh’s offense.
Unlike Harris, Hampton has the burst to create big plays at the NFL level. PFSN’s scouting report breaks down Hampton’s strengths in detail:
“As an inside runner, Hampton displays very good patience and vision. He allows his blockers to get to their spots, patiently waiting as he scans the field, and then he explodes through the hole. Hampton has very good foot quickness and is light enough on his feet to sift through trash while working through the line of scrimmage. His ability to quickly scan and diagnose creases and gaps while he presses the line of scrimmage as a ball carrier is excellent, and he is able to react off his reads in an efficient manner.
“One of Hampton’s many difference-making qualities is his contact balance. He is extremely hard to tackle and consistently runs behind his pads as defenders bounce off of him. When defenders look to make contact, Hampton explodes through impact, keeping his leg drive strong to continue running through the defender. He is outstanding in short-yardage runs and almost always gains positive yards.”
After sending their second-round pick to Seattle for Metcalf, Pittsburgh would be getting excellent value from its first two selections. The Steelers could head into Round 3 of the NFL Draft with two explosive difference-makers already in place. If the team can figure out its quarterback situation, it may finally be ready to contend in 2025.