The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to find ways to win in 2024, as Mike Tomlin’s squad is 10-3 and is atop the AFC North through 13 games. Pittsburgh will travel to Lincoln Financial Field to square off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15.

The Steelers’ offense has flourished under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith this season, and though consistent quarterback play from Russell Wilson has been the engine of the offense, running back Najee Harris is an integral part of Pittsburgh’s offensive operation.

Harris is having another solid year, as the former first-round pick has totaled 877 rushing yards and five touchdowns in 2024 and has also added 249 yards through the air. The former Alabama standout has never missed a game in his NFL career and posted over 1,200 scrimmage yards in each of his first three seasons.

Though Harris has been a consistent playmaker for the Steelers since joining the team in 2021, the 26-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option in May, and there is a chance Harris doesn’t return in 2025.

If the Steelers lose Harris this offseason, Pro Football Network’s Ryan Gosling predicts the team will select North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Steelers declined to exercise the fifth-year option on Najee Harris’ contract, so he’s an unrestricted free agent after this season. Also, Jaylen Warren is a restricted free agent this offseason. Pittsburgh hasn’t been afraid to use early picks on running backs, so perhaps they’ll do so once again.

Omarion Hampton has exciting scheme flexibility and pass-down utility for a volume back. At around 6’0″, 220 pounds, Hampton easily fits the volume mold, and he brings the kind of physicality and contact balance you’d expect. On top of his pure combative energy, he’s a supremely explosive runner with the speed to stretch seams and generate chunk plays.

He has all of the tools to be a quality volume runner and lead stable back in the NFL with a dynamic flair, a physical edge, and the receiving and pass-blocking ability to man the field on all three downs.

Hampton has been one of the most productive running backs in the nation over the last two seasons, as the 21-year-old posted over 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2023 and 2024, including 1,660 yards this season.

The North Carolina native plays with immense power and balance but also has underrated speed in the open field and is an all-around dynamic playmaker.

Instead of paying Harris a lucrative deal in free agency, drafting Hampton and having a dynamic playmaker on a much more team-friendly rookie deal would be a savvy move from general manager Omar Khan. Hampton’s explosiveness and electric playstyle would be a welcomed sight in the Steelers’ offense, and the junior running back would likely immediately replace Harris’ production.