The Steelers face an interesting crossroads at the running back position. If Najee Harris indeed departs, it signals a shift in philosophy for the franchise, one that could prioritize a more dynamic and explosive backfield. Jaylen Warren has already demonstrated his potential as a reliable and efficient playmaker, but pairing him with a high-upside talent like Ashton Jeanty could elevate the offense to another level.
Jeanty, who has been a standout at Boise State, would offer the kind of home-run ability the Steelers haven’t consistently had in their backfield. His speed, vision, and versatility as both a runner and pass-catcher could mesh well with Warren’s physical running style and ability to pick up tough yards. If the Steelers feel that Jeanty is the best player available when they’re on the clock, it could justify spending another first-round pick on a running back, even if it bucks modern team-building trends.
That said, the Steelers have glaring needs elsewhere—particularly along the offensive line and in the secondary. While a player like Jeanty might be a luxury pick, prioritizing the trenches or the defensive backfield may be more prudent for a team that needs to protect Kenny Pickett better and shore up its pass defense.
Ultimately, the decision to draft Jeanty could hinge on how the Steelers assess the depth of the draft class at other positions. If they believe they can address their biggest needs later in the draft or through free agency, selecting a talent like Jeanty in the first round might be too tempting to pass up. However, investing in a running back early, especially when Warren is already in-house, would spark debate about the team’s roster-building priorities.
The Steelers’ identity has long been synonymous with a rugged, physical brand of football. Revisiting a “ground-and-pound” philosophy could allow them to re-establish their roots, especially as they seek to forge an identity in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. Ashton Jeanty fits that mold perfectly as a true workhorse back, blending power, vision, and explosiveness. His historic college season, where he approached Barry Sanders’ legendary single-season rushing record, speaks volumes about his ability to take over games. Pairing that kind of dynamic talent with Jaylen Warren could make Pittsburgh’s backfield one of the league’s best.
The question for Pittsburgh becomes one of balancing long-term roster-building needs with immediate value. While Jeanty represents a “best player available” scenario, the Steelers’ roster still has some notable holes:
- Cornerback: The AFC North is loaded with elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase and Amari Cooper. A true lockdown corner would address the Steelers’ need to bolster their secondary.
- Defensive Line: Pittsburgh’s defensive front remains strong with Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt, but age and depth could become concerns. Reinforcements might be necessary to sustain their defensive dominance.
- Wide Receiver: Adding another weapon to complement George Pickens and Diontae Johnson could further help Kenny Pickett’s development.
Drafting Jeanty might feel like a luxury for a team with other pressing needs, but the Steelers could view him as a generational talent too good to pass up. In a division where controlling the clock and grinding out wins is often the path to success, Jeanty could be a transformative addition. However, for this move to pay off, Pittsburgh would need to address their other deficiencies later in the draft or through free agency.
Ultimately, the Steelers’ willingness to select Jeanty will depend on their confidence in addressing those needs elsewhere and their belief in Jeanty as a player capable of becoming the face of their offense. A Jeanty-Warren backfield would certainly give Pittsburgh a chance to impose its will on opposing defenses, bringing the franchise closer to its historic identity.
