The Pittsburgh Steelers will look much different in 2025, especially on offense.
Quarterback Justin Fields left to sign a deal with the New York Jets, while running back Najee Harris and wide receiver Mike Williams bolted for the Los Angeles Chargers.
Russell Wilson, who started 11 games for the team in 2024, remains unsigned and appears unlikely to return. While much attention has been paid to the quarterback position, the team also needs to find a capable starting running back to replace Harris.
Marco Enriquez of Pro Football Network recently put together a three-round mock draft. Enriquez has the Steelers taking North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round as a Harris replacement.
Regarding Hampton and the Steelers, Enriquez offered the following:
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most active teams in 2025. They are the favorites to land Aaron Rodgers, and they added Metcalf, whom I like to call the original George Pickens. While other needs exist, Arthur Smith needs a reliable running back, and Omarion Hampton fits the mold.
Hampton is a playmaker. He averaged over 150 yards per game in his last two seasons at North Carolina. His 6-foot, 220-pound frame makes him a three-down back, and he should immediately impact Pittsburgh’s offense.
In 2024, Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns on 281 carries. The talented running back led the ACC in carries and yards, showcasing his talent and durability.
Durability is something the Steelers want in a running back. Harris had at least 255 carries and 1,000 yards in all four of his seasons with the Steelers. Hampton is used to a heavy workload and could fit in seamlessly in Arthur Smith’s offense.
Also like Harris, Hampton is a solid receiver out of the backfield. The running back caught 38 passes for 373 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. Whoever plays quarterback for the Steelers in 2025 would benefit from Hampton’s skillset.
While Harris was a high-usage workhorse, the running back never lived up to his first-round billing. Harris has averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry in his career, and only six teams averaged fewer yards per rush than the Steelers in 2024.
Hampton, meanwhile, is great at making defenders miss and working through contact. Even with a poor offensive line at North Carolina, Hampton averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2024.
It may seem like a luxury pick, but a reliable running back is a crucial part of Smith’s offensive scheme. Hampton could be a perfect fit in Pittsburgh.
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