The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy this offseason, with their biggest move being the addition of All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf while letting Najee Harris walk in free agency. They also placed a second-round tender on Jaylen Warren and acquired Kenneth Gainwell, but neither appears to be a clear-cut starting running back.
Pittsburgh’s approach suggests they could turn to the 2025 NFL Draft to find Harris’ replacement, and PFSN’s latest mock draft predicts they could select North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton.
Steelers Projected to Select Omarion Hampton in 2025 NFL Draft
Harris was one of the most consistent rushers in the NFL, producing 1,000 rushing yards in all four of his seasons in Pittsburgh. However, efficiency was a concern — something Hampton is expected to improve upon.
In PFSN’s latest three-round mock draft, analyst Marco Enriquez projects the Steelers to select Hampton with the No. 21 overall pick, believing the rookie would make an instant impact in Pittsburgh’s offense.
“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.”
At 6’0″ and built for contact, Hampton’s combination of raw power and surprising breakaway speed helped him rack up 40 touchdowns in three college seasons (two as a starter). His ability to break tackles, push through defenders, and extend plays would immediately inject life into the Steelers’ offense.
Hampton has drawn comparisons to David Montgomery for his physical running style and ability to slash through defenders in the open field. He rushed for 3,565 yards on 622 carries in 38 games at North Carolina, scoring 40 total touchdowns.
The 21-year-old is a workhorse back who led the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in rushing attempts in both 2023 (253) and 2024 (281). In addition to his dominant rushing production, he also hauled in 73 receptions for 635 yards and four touchdowns.
Hampton would be an ideal fit in the Steelers’ offense, expected to be led by Aaron Rodgers. With Rodgers, Metcalf, Pickens, and Hampton, Pittsburgh could be a team to watch in 2025.
PFSN’s Scouting Report on Hampton
PFSN’s Ian Cummings provided a glowing scouting report on Hampton in June 2024, calling him a “rock-’em, sock-’em runner with a powerful frame” and grading him as a top-64 prospect.
That scouting report was published before Hampton’s standout senior season at North Carolina. He only strengthened his draft stock in 2024 after leading the ACC in carries (281), rushing yards (1,660), and total scrimmage plays (319).
Hampton was also a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, given annually to college football’s best running back. Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty won the award after leading the nation with 2,601 rushing yards on 374 carries.
Cummings scouted Hampton: “Though he’s more of a press-and-go runner than a pure creator, Hampton has good creative instincts — evident in his ability to press into gaps and displace linebackers — but his main appeal comes as a finisher in space, where he can use his burst and agility in tandem with his physicality to muscle through defenders.”