The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially lost running back Najee Harris to the Los Angeles Chargers, ending a four-year tenure that showcased consistency with a side of missed expectations.
The backfield is not barren. The team placed a second-round tender on complementary back Jaylen Warren, all but ensuring he'll return. His role, however, is less clear. The Steelers signed running back Kenneth Gainwell and could reasonably start Warren with the new signing as a steady backup. After last season's catastrophic run game, the need for new blood should remain a priority.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's offense won't work without a strong run game, and it's hard to imagine Pittsburgh finding much success without a rebound on the ground.
As such, the Steelers picked Harris' replacement in this three-round mock draft, along with the successor to their biggest free-agent signing. The following mock draft was made using Pro Football Network's mock draft simulator.
Round 1, Pick 21: Texas Corner Jahdae Barron
Barron entered Indianapolis with aspirations of playing on the boundary, in the slot, and at safety. After measuring in with arms (29.625 inches) more than a standard deviation shorter than the average cornerback, his prospects of beginning his career as a perimeter corner took a hit. Yet, his athleticism and processing, especially from off coverage, could lend itself to playing time across the secondary.
For now, though, he's projected to be a slot receiver – the weakest link of Pittsburgh's secondary.
The Steelers recently signed cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal. Barron starting in the slot would be an instant upgrade over Beanie Bishop Jr. (who profiles as a strong depth corner) and lends itself to long-term upside elsewhere in the secondary.
With ball skills, athleticism, and processing that stands out in the middle of Round 1, Barron would be an explosive addition to an aging defense.
Related: Second-Round Signing as Steelers Place Tender on Jaylen Warren
Round 3, Pick 83: Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson
The 2025 NFL Draft provides no shortage of options in the backfield. Ashton Jeanty isn't likely to fall to No. 21, but UNC's Omarion Hampton might. A plethora of backs will fill Day 2 and the early hours of Day 3, a group that should be headlined by Ohio State's pair of prospects.
With Quinshon Judkins off the board, his partner in crime makes a lot of sense in Pittsburgh. In 2024, the ground game just couldn't hit the home run, making any inconsistency on a down-to-down basis all the more important.
Henderson is a big-play threat with elite speed and athleticism. He offers enough contact balance and third-down ability to stick as a starter; and if his frame can't handle the workload, Warren's presence elevates the floor of the backfield.
The Steelers will have plenty of options, but rolling the dice on a back falling farther than the consensus suggests passes the smell test.
Related: DK Metcalf Trade Complicates Steelers Decision for George Pickens
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This story was originally published March 15, 2025 at 12:31 PM.
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