Mock Draft Monday: The Steelers add a running back with their top pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2025 offseason. With free agency as the next big event to shape next season’s roster, it will be followed by the NFL draft in April. The Steelers will have a number of decisions with players who were on the 2024 roster and will have the opportunity to add some free agent acquisitions before making their first draft selection. With the NFL combine behind us, player pro days will also shape the team’s big boards before the draft.

When talking about mock drafts or NFL free agency, one first has to first identify the team’s main needs for the offseason. As the Steelers navigate free agency, there are some who would like to see the Steelers go with either cornerback or defensive line with their first-round pick. Others feel wide receiver or even quarterback could still be on top of the list. With plenty of chances for the Steelers to shape their roster prior to April, their goal is usually to get into position to draft the best player available rather than target a specific position. When it comes to what position the team will select with their first pick, it is certainly up for debate.

In a recent three-round mock draft by ProFootbalNetwork.com, they have the Steelers addressing the running back position this season before anythig else. With the Steelers offering a tender to Jaylen Warren and signing Kenneth Gain well in free agency, selecting a running back in the first round might be a stretch unless the right player is there. Since the Steelers could go in any number of directions with their first selection, it is important to look at all the possibilities presented by various mock draft outlets.

Check out the Steelers 21st pick:

21. Pittsburgh Steelers | Omarion Hampton | RB | North Carolina | JR |

Being early in the draft process, there may be some players most fans are not familiar with. If this is the case, here is a breakdown of Omarion Hampton according to bleacherreport.com (from January of 2025):

Omarion Hampton

• HEIGHT: 6’0″
• WEIGHT: 220

POSITIVES

— Equipped with strong, dense, and well-proportionate build/frame.

— Runs hard and behind his pads downhill with a finisher mentality.

— Combines vision and patience to work through the defensive front.

— Gap scheme fit with light footwork when pressing the line of scrimmage.

NEGATIVES

— Lacks open-field elusiveness and wiggle to make defenders miss in short/confined spaces.

— Limited explosiveness when forced to cut laterally.

— Improving pass pro technique and hand placements.

NOTES

— Born March 16, 2003

— 4-Star recruit in 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2023: First-Team All-ACC; Doak Walker Award Finalist; Second-Team AP All-America

OVERALL

Omarion Hampton is a hard-charging downhill running back with experience carrying a rushing offense.

Hampton is built like an NFL running back. He runs behind his pads with a strong leg drive. He has good body control and contact balance to bounce off tacklers and gain yards after contact. He converts speed-to-power well to run through defenders and fall forward. Hampton is at his best when his shoulders are squared to the line of scrimmage. He is an ideal fit for downhill gap scheme run offenses with a mixture of inside zones. He is a strong short-yardage and red-zone runner because of his physical and powerful running style.

When pressing the line of scrimmage, Hampton displays light and quick footwork to change running lanes and find daylight. He does a good job reducing his frame and getting skinny to fit through small creases. Hampton is a slashing-style runner once he breaks into the open field. He plays with a good combination of burst and speed to generate big plays as a runner and receiver. Hampton is a three-down player with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and willingness in pass protection. He has what teams need in a bell cow or lead running back.

On the downside, Hampton is not an overly elusive runner. He does not have the wiggle to force missed tackles with finesse rather than brute strength. Hampton is not an explosive lateral cutter with the ball in his hands. He is more suited for vertical cuts working downhill. Hampton is a willing pass protector, but his technique can improve. He should adjust his punches and hand placement to maximize his physical strength and ability to anchor.

In conclusion, Omarion Hampton is a talented and versatile offensive player. He makes his impact felt as a receiver and runner. Hampton projects best in gap/power run schemes, which allow him to attack the line of scrimmage with momentum and squared shoulders. He should excel after contact and score touchdowns in the red zone.

GRADE: 8.3 (Year 1 Starter — Late 1st – Early 2nd)

OVERALL RANK: 11

POSITION RANK: RB2

PRO COMPARISON: Shades of David Montgomery

For all you who are preparing yourself for the draft, what do you think of the selection? Would you be on board with the Steelers taking Omarion Hampton with their first pick? Or do you feel there is a better player at this position, a different one who may still be available, or that Hampton will not make it to the 21st pick? Personally, I don’t think I’m ready for the Steelers to take another running back in the first round after just allowing Najee Harris to leave without a 5th-year option. As deep as this running back class is, and the fact that Steelers don’t have a second round pick at this time, it seems like they would be missing out on an awful lot if they go with that position first. Granted I do want them to add a running back, I just don’t think they should with their top pick unless there’s someone they simply can’t pass up. As for this three round mock, seeing the Steelers take a cornerback in the third round and completely ignoring defensive line in the first two days makes me question everything done in this one in regards to Pittsburgh.