Part 3 – Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
INTRODUCTION
The 2025 class of running backs has been described as one of the all-time greats. Most of that strength comes in the form of solid Round 3-5 prospects, not unique players. There is only one universally great Colbert Special in the class (the type of talent you just don’t pass over), followed by a clear second best who could earn a late-1st Round grade for the perfect team. After that comes a couple more with legitimate arguments for a Round 2 grade. And then the explosion.
The whole list appears below, but this article will focus instead on what the Steelers seem to be targeting, what that suggests about Arthur Smith’s plans for the offense, and the prospects who’d fit the new prototype best.
THE STEELERS SEEM TO BE DOWNSIZING
Historic Preference. Pittsburgh has been a big-backs city since the days of Franco Harris, with only a brief interruption for Fast Willie Parker. Over the years Mike Tomlin has acknowledged this by saying durability, consistency, and ball security are assets he particularly values at the RB position; three features that tend to be better for bigger backs. Najee Harris measured in at 6-1, 232 lbs. and probably played at closer to 245 lbs. A perfect example of the species. Jaylen Warren has a miniature version of the same build (5-8, 216 lbs.), and has extra burst, but we’ve already seen that he doesn’t have the same level of pure, Clydesdale workhorse durability. Thirty pounds and five inches really do matter in the NFL.
So why did the team allow Harris to depart and promote Warren to the post of presumptive starter?
Scheme Changes. The Steelers I’ve known for the past mumblety-mumble years were never glued to a particular blocking scheme but always had preferences. Chuck Noll was famous for the inside trapping game, which is a variation on what we call the “gap/power system.” He adapted according to the actual players on his teams, but chose his athletes to fit that preference. Russ Grimm did the same thing with his own tweaks: he adapted to the available talent but liked the gap/power game best when the athletes were there to fit.
Mike Munchak, a HOF guard, was every bit as flexible about matching the system to the players, but favored inside-zone plays in his heart. Shaun Sarrett (two years) tried to continue what Munchak taught him. Adrian Klemm (one year) has always emphasized physicality, which doesn’t mean he’s got a narrow viewpoint but suggests that his roots leaned more toward a return the gap/power approach. Chris Morgan, Klemm’s short-term successor, had his roots in the Shanahan/Gibbs outside-zone approach.
Before anyone gets up on the Hating Horse, Pat Meyer (2022 to date) has just as much flexibility as his predecessors. For example, we understand that Meyer’s ideal would be an outside-zone scheme, yet the limitations of his very young linemen have led to simpler inside-zone blocking schemes for the past three years. He adapts to his athletes just like every other professional o-line coach. The same is true for Arthur Smith, who traces his roots to the Joe Gibbs/Mike Mularkey stretch-running systems that emphasize outside zone-blocking schemes combined with extra physicality, and a good mix of pounding the middle. FWIW, Smith also has a reputation for readily adapting his preferences to the available athletes.
So no one should ever say the current Steelers team of Smith & Meyer lacks flexibility and creativity, because that is demonstrably false. They do, however, have preferences; and those preferences lean toward a zone-running scheme that stresses the defense horizontally, even while pounding things up the middle to keep the other side guessing. But what does all that actually mean?
A CARTOON SUMMARY OF BLOCKING SCHEMES
In a gap/power system the offensive linemen coordinate to create a hole by double teaming particular defenders and then peeling off to clear the next level. It calls for RBs who hit the hole hard, use quick feet and strength to blow past grasping arm tackles, use their vision to pick the best lane, and then go. Think Derrick Henry, Jerome Bettis, Larry Csonka, and all the other famous power backs.
Inside-zone schemes ask the RB to aim at a particular spot between the tackles, which compresses the defenders. Then the RB is supposed to read the situation, and dart for a gap. It varies in infinite ways from there based on stance, ability to pull, the type of back, etc. The mantra is “slow to the hole, and fast through.” Le’Veon Bell did that as well as anyone. Ever.
Outside-zone schemes try to stretch the defense horizontally, with each offensive lineman working individually to dominate the player he finds. Block the defender inside, and it leaves a hole in front. Block him out, and it leaves a cutback lane. Just get on the move, block your heart out against whoever you find, and rely on your running back to pick the right lane. Outside-zone RBs must have a minimum level of speed to access the furthest gap. That was Najee Harris’ shortcoming. But above all they need the vision to see the holes as they develop, and the burst to slash through that hole to the second level. The best outside-zone RBs will be called “slashers with extra [fill in the blank].”
FWIW, Mike Shanahan’s Broncos of the late 1990s added a technical twist to the outside-zone scheme. They got the defenders moving horizontally and then taught their OLs to dive at the opponent’s knees (“cut block”). This created a hole when the defender got tripped, or paused to avoid getting crippled. Many, many players and fans called the Shanahan system “dirty” because it lived and died by threatening DL careers as much as it did by actually moving an opponent out of the way. The NFL curtailed it with new rules that are still in place. Cut blocking is okay, but only for one-on-one situations. Cut blocks turn into illegal “chop blocks” if the defender is engaged with a second blocker at the same time. Cut blocks also have geographic constraints. They cannot be used more than two yards outside the tackle box, nor more than five yards in front or in back of line of scrimmage.
Steelers Want To Play The Outside-Zone Game.
The past few years have seen the Steelers make major investments via draft picks in their offensive line. My #1 question for 2025 will be the extent to which those second- and third-year players start to mature, and I know I’m not alone. But all the recent picks have followed a pattern. Tackle Broderick Jones is an athletic marvel with tremendous mobility. He just needs to bring his blocking fundamentals up to a professional standard. Tackle Troy Fautanu is another athletic marvel with tremendous mobility. He just needs to stay healthy and face professional opponents in actual games. Center Zach Frazier learned on a college team that also emphasized flexibility and mobility. Guard Mason McCormick played more of a gap scheme in college, but tested as a top 1% athlete with elite mobility. Mobility over size.
The signs have been clear. Pittsburgh has coaches in place who would prefer a physical blocking scheme that includes a lot of outside zone concepts; Pittsburgh has drafted a series of exceptionally athletic and mobile OL prospects. Najee Harris, a very good gap/power RB, was allowed to leave. Jaylen Warren, a slashing, one-cut-and-go back, is the leader in the clubhouse for RB1. A+B+C+D equals a move toward the Steelers building their attack around an outside zone running scheme. If the young talent proves able to do the job.
Still have doubts? Departed OG James Daniels recently told the Miami media (11:00-12:08) that Pittsburgh’s coaches wanted to run outside zone even in 2024. I believe they defaulted back toward inside zone blocking after (a) Daniels popped his Achilles in October, and (b) it became clear that Najee Harris had trouble getting to the edge. But this isn’t just an aspiration, or intent. It’s going to happen. [NOTE: That linked interview is worth the 15 minutes to listen through end to end. There is a lot of good material about OL coaching in general, playing one position versus another, and other matters we have often discussed in the comments].
So what RBs will the team target in the 2025 NFL Draft?
THE EXISTING STEELERS RB ROOM (3 Roster Spots)
- RB1 Jaylen Warren, 5-8, 216 lbs. Warren has a big man’s build compressed into a shorter man’s body, with the difference made up for in burst. Najee Harris was a ‘slam me into a two-yard crease and I’ll drive the pile for another six’ type of back. Warren is more of a ‘give me three-yard crease and I’ll be gone before the pile can form’ guy. He has the speed to reach the edge that Harris did not, tremendous vision, and elite burst to slash through a gap. Perfect for outside zone runs.
- RB2 Kenneth Gainwell, 5-9, 201. Take Warren, add an inch of height, reduce the size by 15 lbs., and give him top-level receiving ability. Perfect for variations on the outside-zone theme, but might not be sturdy enough to serve as RB1.
- RB3 Rookie To Be Determined.
THE PROSPECTS
What to Look For In Particular. The best outside-zone system requires (i) enough speed to reach the edge, (ii) great vision, and (iii) a one-cut-and-go slashing style. Those three are mandatory. Prospects get better to the extent they offer extra power, agility, contact balance, or speed to convert the successful play into a home run. Better prospects offer some combination of all four.
The descriptions and key words we used to look for, but can now devalue, include things like “forward lean,” “power to move the pile,” “short-yardage back,” and “shifty feet in the hole.” Please Note: None of those are negatives! They just track the “extras” more than the “essentials,” and therefore matter more to the gap/power teams than they will to the 2025 Steelers.
Prospects In Whom The Steelers Have Shown Active Interest. Please remember that these are NFL Combine measurements, so the playing weights may be anywhere up to 15 lbs. heavier than what is listed:
- Ashton Jeanty: formal Combine interview with RB Coach Eddie Faulkner at his pro day. 5-8½, 211 lbs. Born Dec. 2, 2003 (21 years old). Jeanty offers extra power, agility, and speed, plus contact balance unrivaled since the days of Barry Sanders. A top-10 talent.
- TreVeyon Henderson: formal Combine interview, and pro day dinner. 5-10⅛, 202 lbs. Born Oct. 22, 2002 (22 years old). The extras include home run speed and toughness way beyond his size. A Round-3 target.
- Quinshon Judkins: formal Combine interview, and pro day dinner. 5-11⅝, 221 lbs. Born Oct. 29, 2003 (21 years old). The extras include power and agility. A Round 3 target.
- Dylan Sampson: VISIT. 5-8⅛, 200 lbs. Born Sep. 14, 2004 (20 years old). The extras include home run speed. A Round 3 target.
- Bhayshul Tuten: VISIT. 5-9¾, 206 lbs. Born Feb. 4, 2003 (23 years old). The extras include absurd home run speed. A Round 3 target.
- DJ Giddens: VISIT and formal Combine interview. 6-0¼, 212 lbs. Born Aug. 26, 2003 (21 years old). The extras include home run speed and initial burst. A Round 3 target.
- Kaleb Johnson: VISIT and formal Combine interview. He did great in an outside-zone system at Iowa, but will his athletic assets be enough to achieve similar success at the next level? A Round 3 target.
- Ollie Gordon II: VISIT and formal Combine interview. 6-1⅜, 226 lbs. Born Jan. 15, 2004 (21 years old). Generally viewed as a gap/power prospect more than someone to be featured in the outside-zone game. Does he have the required burst and speed? How much of his lackluster 2024 results (after a spectacular 2023) can be laid at the feet of a poor offensive line and the extra trauma it caused? A Round 4-6 target.
- Jaydon Blue: VISIT and formal Combine interview. 5-9, 196 lbs. Born Jan. 8, 2004 (21 years old). Blistering speed, but poor size and contact balance. A Round 5 target.
- Jordan James: Formal combine interview. 5-9½, 205 lbs. Born March 29, 2004 (21 years old). Super ball agility. A Round 5 target.
Sounds to me like the Steelers might indeed pick Jeanty if some kind of mania leaves him on the board at pick #21. But that isn’t likely, so expect the Steelers to use either the Round 3 or 4 pick on this position. The front office also seems to be prioritizing home run speed as the “extra” talent. Ollie Gordon II is a clear outlier, so one has to speculate that Pittsburgh’s scouts adored his 2023 film and blame 2024 almost entirely on his offensive line. If that’s true, the team wants to be ready if he falls to Round 5.
Other Prospects Who Seem To Fit. Don’t be surprised if a few of these names end up coming in for a top-30 visit:
- Omarion Hampton. He makes more sense now that athletic testing has answered questions about his speed to the edge. But Hampton would be a Round 2 target, which the Steelers no longer have.
- RJ Harvey. Fits like a glove if you squint away his age (turned 24 on Feb. 4). A Round 4 target.
- Jarquez Hunter. Round 4 target.
- Devin Neal. Round 4 target.
- Raheim Sanders. Round 4-5 target.
- Jacorey Croskey-Merritt. Round 5 target.
- Kyle Monangai. Round 5 target.
- Brashard Smith. Round 5 target.
Well-Known Prospects Who Seem To Fit Poorly.
- Cam Skattebo. I’d put down money that he’ll carve out an NFL career with willpower alone, but the athletic talents don’t match up well.
- Damien Martinez. A good, old-school, between-the-tackles RB who needs a gap/power scheme.
- Kalel Mullings. A good, old-school, between-the-tackles RB who needs a gap/power scheme.
THE ENTIRE BIG BOARD OF 2025 RB PROSPECTS
This is not an all-teams board. It can be organized by position, my assessment of Highest Value (“HV#”) to the Steelers, or by the Steelers Depot scouting report grade (“DEP”). Note that great talents for other systems, or at positions of lesser need, receive discounts on their grade for the HV estimate. Thus a player with a 1:25 all-teams grade could easily have a Round 3-5 grade here. It’s not an insult to them; it’s the reality of a Steelers-slanted perspective. That said, grades are never pushed up. Another 1:25 player at a position of great need, and who would fit like a glove, will have a 1:25 grade here.
An HV of 1:25 means the player would be a reach if selected before Pick # 25 overall but good value at any point from the end of the 1st on. Getting that player in the early 2nd would be fine, while getting him in the late 2nd would start to look like a steal. This system results in a certain amount of rosy optimism for positions of need because we are talking about the “highest” grade, not the one where a player is expected to go. It should also be read with a certain amount of flex to account for all the intangibles that amateur draftniks cannot really know. Players with the same HV# are more-or-less equivalent and organized alphabetically.
Rounds are subdivided as follows:
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1st Round grades: 1:01, 1:05, 1:10, 1:15, 1:20, or 1:25.
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2nd & 3rd Round grades: Early (#:01), Mid (#:12), or Late (#:24).
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4th to 7th Round grades: Early (#:01) or Late (#:16).
Meeting notes exclude informal interviews because there are just too many.
Green text = team meeting. —– Red text = Red flag information
| HV | DEP | DESCRIPTION | ABC |
| 1:15 | 9.1 | RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise St. (Junior). 5-8½, 211 lbs. with 29¼” arms and 9¼” hands. Born Dec. 2, 2003 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine, Coach At Pro Day] A player with this level of skill at a “high value” position would be a Top 3 lock. He’d be the guaranteed #1 pick if he played QB. And no one, anywhere, would question that. Consider a few Alex Kozora Stats Of The Weird before you assume that I’m exaggerating. Jeanty ran for 2,601 yards in 2024, which is only 27 yards behind Barry Sanders’ hitherto unapproachable record. He would have broken the record if Penn State hadn’t played with 9-10 men in the box for much of the bowl game. 1,970 of those yards came after contact – which is 250 more than the total yards for any other back in the nation. I.N.S.A.N.E. On the way, Jeanty set the all-time NCAA record for broken tackles (164). He also scored 29 touchdowns, including five (5!) that came on runs of 70+ yards (tying a LaDanian Tomlinson record). Jeanty carried his team to the 2024 CFB playoffs singlehandedly. And back in 2023 he led the nation in RB receiving yards, so that is covered too. Beyond all of which, he is by all accounts a wonderful, hard-working, dedicated young man and ideal teammate. Steven Pavelka’s Depot scouting profile ends with Top 10 grade, saying Jeanty “is truly an amazing athlete [who] treats every play as if he is Marshawn Lynch in prime Beast Quake form.” One could ask for another 10 lbs., but OTOH Jeanty is built like a miniature tank, has never been injured, and runs much harder than his size. It isn’t a problem. Bottom line: this prospect has a perfect balance of assets for the inside/outside zone scheme that Pittsburgh seemingly wants to build: elite vision, quick feet, patience to follow the blocking coupled with sudden burst when he turns up field, historic levels of contact balance, potent receiving chops, and a “willing and competitive” approach to pass protection. The only thing he might be missing is track star speed, and it’s not like anyone caught him from behind on those 70+ yard scoring runs. If you need more testimony, here is Kyle Crabbs’ 33rd Team scouting profile (“a universal prospect who offers the ability to win between the tackles, outside the numbers, and in the passing game”). Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (“the ultimate yardage creator, with the talent and skill set to succeed independent of the quality of his blocking”). The PFN scouting profile (“Jeanty has an innate ability to make himself untouchable for defenders and is one of the most elusive and slippier backs I have ever scouted”). Why go on? | Jea |
| 2:12 | 7.7 | RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (Senior). 5-11¾, 221 lbs. with 30½” arms and 9⅜” hands. Born March 16, 2003 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine] Hampton went into the Combine as the likely RB2, and emerged from it undisputed after putting up a 96th-percentile RAS performance. His testing was very similar to that of Deuce McAllister, who has also been used as a comparison from the style POV. Many have suggested that Hampton could even sneak into Round 1, just like Najee Harris did in 2021. Hampton is a little smaller than Harris but has better chops for running outside zone as a big slasher. Both have good but not special speed (Harris ran a 4.45 at Alabama, and Hampton a 4.46 at the Combine), with excellent vision and contact balance to fight through the gap for a few extra yards. Both look like heroic statues carved in ancient Greece. The question from a Steelers POV is this: if Hampton is a very good, high-average hitter, should they pick him even if they’re looking for more home runs than doubles? Just to be extra clear, Hampton, again like Najee Harris, is a very safe pick and no one will ever regret having on their team. He’s just plain good, with no real holes except for limited wiggle and his knack for bursting through the hole can raise eyebrows. But is he the best option for this particular team in this particular year, when all signs point to the team focusing on outside-zone backs with home run potential? Alex Kozora’s Depot scouting profile from January (early 3rd grade with a comp to Rachaad White) describes Hampton as an accomplished, well-rounded, high-character, hard-working tough guy who “has vision, power, balance, can catch and block.” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 2 grade) sees a “high-volume battering ram” more than the home run hitter we expect the team to target. The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 1-2 grade) agrees. “Omarion Hampton is a [very good] hard-charging downhill RB… [who] lacks open-field elusiveness and wiggle… [and has] limited explosiveness when forced to cut laterally.” | Ham |
| 2:24 | 7.8 | RB TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (Senior). 5-10⅛, 202 lbs. with 30¾” arms and 9½” hands. Born Oct. 22, 2002 (22 years old). [Mtg. at Combine, Pro Day Dinner] You want home runs? As a true freshman, TreVeyon Henderson set the Ohio State record for most yards in a single game. Ohio friggin’ State! The young man majored in patience, vision, burst, killer speed, and he may be the best blocker of the class despite his limited size. But he was limited by nagging injuries throughout his college career, and you have to wonder how many games a year he’d miss due to NFL-level violence and physicality. Alex Kozora’s excellent Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) includes a few extra tidbits, positive and negative, that really fill out the story. “[1] Willing and aggressive pass protector… [2] Unselfish and team-first player, known for sliding to win instead of scoring… [3] Limited power and goes down easily… [4] Surprising lack of wiggle to elude defenders in close quarters.” I add that his film shows some gaping holes he’s unlikely to find in the NFL. Alex concluded as follows: “Henderson is a breakaway speed runner with home run ability… but he doesn’t profile as a 1A running back or starter. He’s better off the bench as a 1B/No. 2.” This goes to a nice Steelers-oriented scouting report from late February (Round 2 grade). Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 2 grade) has Henderson as RB2 of the entire class. “Henderson isn’t Jahmyr Gibbs, but he can operate in a similar role for teams looking to add a more dynamic player to their running back room.” The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 3 grade) views Henderson as a change-of-pace lightning back who would do best sharing the load with someone who brings more thunder. Kyle Crabbs’ 33rd Team scouting profile (Round 2 grade) sees the injury history as a major red flag, but agrees that “Henderson offers vision, sharp-cut ability, and home run-hitting ability in a compact frame, and his passing down profile is that of an NFL contributor quickly upon his entry into the league.” | Hen |
| 2:24 | 7.7 | RB Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State by way of Ole Miss (Junior). 5-11⅝, 221 lbs. with 30¼” arms and 9¼” hands. Born Oct. 29, 2003 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine, Pro Day Dinner] Quinshon Judkins stood out in the CFB playoffs against the best competition in the nation. He plays fast, with impressive vision, agility, burst through the crease, and contact balance after he gets hit. Profiles such as Josh Carney’s Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) point out that it’s immediate rather than long speed. “He’s a guy who will hit the 10+ yard run time and time again (14.7% of his college runs went for 10+ yards)…. [but then] he’d just run out of gas.” An excellent fit if the Steelers really do want to emphasize zone running and can do without home runs, because he also has the sturdy size that ought to keep him healthy. This goes to a January scouting profile from Kyle Crabbs (early Round 2 grade). Note that Judkins tested extraordinarily well at the Combine, leading the class with a top 1% RAS. The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 3 grade) particularly admires Judkins’ scheme versatility, and offers admirable player comps such as Joe Mixon and Kareem Hunt. | Jud |
| 3:01 | 7.6 | RB Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (Junior). 5-8⅛, 200 lbs. with 30½” arms and 8¾” hands. Born Sep. 14, 2004 (20 years old). [Mtg. at Visit] Dylan Sampson as a prospect can boast great production (he was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year), and a strong reputation for character and his off-field contributions to the community, along with several physical assets the Steelers will be seeking for the new outside-zone running scheme. He’s a lateral, one-cut back with very good quickness, burst, vision, and contact balance, and a major nose for the end zone. On the downside, he is very small for a feature back, a one-year wonder, a meh receiver, a poor blocker, and has had some ball-security concerns. Sampson’s 66th-percentile RAS reflects those observable weaknesses and strengths, being held back by his lack of size, and enhanced by excellent speed and burst. Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (fringe-3rd grade) notes that “Sampson runs hard behind his pads, oftentimes playing much stronger than his listed 5-11, 201 pounds would suggest.” This goes to a March interview with Steeler Depot’s Ross McCorkle. Lance Zierlein’s NFL scouting profile (Round 1-2 grade) has Sampson as the RB3 of the entire class! He isn’t alone, since the Bleacher Report board has him as the RB4, ahead of both Ohio State backs. “Sampson separates himself from other backs in the class with an impressive feel for timing, spacing and blocking scheme. He… plays with the instincts of a seasoned veteran and has the talent to build on what he started in 2024… Ball security and pass protection improvement will be early priorities for his next coaching staff… Sampson separates himself from other backs in the class with an impressive feel for timing, spacing and blocking scheme. He sees lane development in real time and is disciplined to stay on the designed track, but he can flip a switch and improvise when traffic mounts.” Kyle Crabbs’ 33rd Team scouting profile (Round 3 grade) says Sampson “would be best suited to run between the tackles as an inside zone and gap-schemed player. He possesses the speed to ride the wave as an outside zone runner, but his yards after contact physicality would shine inside despite his frame.” This goes to a good looking NFL Draft Buzz profile from late February. | Sam |
| 3:01 | 7.5 | RB Bhayshul Tuten, Va. Tech. by way of junior college (Senior). 5-9¾, 206 lbs. with 29½” arms and 9” hands. Born Feb. 4, 2003 (23 years old). [Mtg. at Visit] Subtract the fumbleitis, which is often curable, and Bhayshul Tuten would be a model outside-zone back. He runs with patience, good vision, and an explosive one-cut style that quickly hits superb top-end speed, with good contact balance to finish getting through the initial defensive layer. Good return chops too. TBH, he might even grade higher if the tape wasn’t full of running lanes far bigger than he’s ever going to see at the next level. Does he have contact balance and elusiveness in the hole that Pittsburgh will require? Tuten compiled an impressive 93rd-percentile RAS at the Combine based on awesome leaps to prove his explosiveness, and 4.32 speed in the 40-yard dash. Unlike his peers, Tuten did almost every test there was at the Combine (missing only the bench and 3-cone). Tom Mead’s Depot scouting report (Round-4 grade) makes for a very interesting read because the descriptions make Tuten sound like a Round 2 prospect for an outside-zone running scheme, but lowers the final grade significantly because (a) he can’t be a bell-cow back outside of that limited role, (b) he has fumbling problems to overcome, and (c) the ridiculous depth of the 2025 class. “Overall, Tuten has good size and elite speed…can make a guy miss anywhere on the field…, runs with patience .and can accelerate in a blink. [He also runs] with good pad level, [contact balance],… is a solid receiver out of the backfield,…and is a willing pass protector [who] shows good technique while taking on blitzers.” Kyle Crabbs’ late February scouting profile (Round 3 grade) puts it plainly: “The wide zone systems are going to love Tuten. The speed to the edge, the contact balance, the explosive run ability, the pass protection profile – these are core pillars of [outside zone] runners… and Tuten offers them in abundance.” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 2-3 grade) has Tuten as RB6 of the class, saying “Tuten could become a starting-caliber back with three-down value.” This goes to a good looking scouting profile from March. This early-March scouting profile ends in a Round 4 grade. According to this brief but balanced scouting profile (Round 4 grade) “With speed and burst to burn, Tuten is a big-play threat every time he touches the ball… [but is] more effective as a straight-line runner [because he] doesn’t have the same burst when he’s moving laterally.” | Tut |
| 3:01 | 7.9 | RB DJ Giddens, Kansas St. (RS Junior). 6-0¼, 212 lbs. with 30⅜” arms and 9¼” hands. Born Aug. 26, 2003 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine, Visit] Cue the Jaylen Warren vibes, except 5” taller and 10 lbs. lighter. Giddens is solid, all-around RB with good vision, elusiveness, contact balance (not a given for someone his height), patience to let blocks develop, and short-area quickness to make tacklers miss. He projects as an excellent fit for the outside-zone system Arthur Smith prefers. Note that Giddens surprised the world by compiling a top 3% athletic profile with elite speed and explosion numbers. Earlier scouting reports tended to discount those factors and viewed him as a more limited doubles hitter. Now it is clear that home runs are there to be had if his skills develop. Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) compares Giddens to Chuba Hubbard “as another high-cut runner who has good size and play speed but wasn’t seen as the freak athlete. However, after backing up Christian McCaffrey for a couple of years, Hubbard broke into the starting lineup and shined in 2024, earning himself a lucrative contract extension. I see a similar trend for Giddens.” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 5, pre-Combine grade) calls Giddens a “workhorse with good size and strong production… [who] defies expectations as a big back who doesn’t run with heavy power [and] lacks explosive elements in his game. He’s a long-strider with wiggle between the tackles…[who] will lacks explosive elements in his game.“ This solid, Steelers-oriented scouting profile (Round 3 grade) concludes that “Giddens is a productive…runner whose skill set is somewhere in between an early-down and third-down back – not quite enough speed or pass-catching ability, but not a ton of power, either. However, he consistently wins with great vision and surprising elusiveness and should find a role at the NFL level.” This goes to a mid-March scouting profile (Round 4 grade). The NFL Draft Buzz profile sounds like another Round 3 grade, though it forecasts distinctly limited snap counts unless and until Giddens learns to block. This good-looking, late-March scouting profile (Round 5 grade) describes outsize zone skills, but seems to believe Giddens only fits as an inside runner. The mid-March Draft Network scouting profile (Round 5 grade) sees Giddens as an early-round runner worth picking for that alone, but limited by a lack of “third-down capabilities.” | Gid |
| 3:24 | 8.0 | RB Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma St. (Junior). 6-1⅜, 226 lbs. with 32¾” arms and 9½” hands. Born Jan. 15, 2004 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine, Visit] Gordon is a downhill power runner who put up spectacular numbers in 2023. He failed to match them in 2024 because he ran behind a very poor offensive line and suffered through perpetual lower-leg issues he simply played through. Najee Harris sympathizes! The exact same thing happened to him when he moved from the dominating Alabama OL to the freshly rebuilding Pittsburgh Steelers. I have little doubt that Ollie Gordon can be a major contributor on a team that gives him creases to aim for. The big question is will Ollie Gordon only be a classic, nifty-footed, Steelers-type sledgehammer? Or does he have the speed and burst to threaten the edge against NFL defenders? The athletic testing reinforces those question marks, adding up to a 61st-percentile RAS based mostly on size, with meh or poor numbers for speed and explosion. Ross McCorkle’s Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) admires all the key assets: size, contact balance, vision, COD ability, play strength, toughness, and receiving ability. Ross sees pretty good top-end speed “once he gets a full head of steam” but “just adequate” acceleration and blocking that needs some work. Ross compares Gordon’s running style to Lev Bell, right down to the occasional times when his patience can drive you mad, but the film also shows plenty of quick hitters where he saw a crease and took it without hesitation. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 4 grade) sees Gordon as a big, skillful bruiser of a back who “requires a physical, downhill run scheme,” a judgment fully in line with the mid-level athletic testing but at odds with the Depot report. The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 4 grade) falls into the strong but only downhill runner camp. | Gor |
| 3:24 | 8.5 | RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (Junior). 6-1, 224 lbs. with 33” arms and 9⅝” hands. Born Aug. 14, 2003 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine] The Steelers just let Najee Harris go, reportedly for lack of fit in an outside zone running scheme, and because they want more of a home run hitter. Johnson is a hammer who spent his college career excelling in an outside zone attack but doesn’t offer the home run speed and burst. Which means… You tell me. Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Round 2 grade and a comp to Melvin Gordon III) concludes that Johnson “has similar size but is a far more explosive runner [with] the full package when it comes to size, burst, strength, vision, and pass-catching capabilities.” The need for projection earns a small discount for this board, but one suspects that Johnson would look like a real star if the OL can develop enough to give him a step or two before first contact. His long speed tasted as barely okay (4.57 dash), with the 10- and 20-yard splits a little poorer. Here is a particularly well written Steelers-oriented scouting report from mid-February. The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 2 grade) describes Johnson as a power back with good vision, toughness, and bad intent, but without “the twitch and suddenness for a sharp change of direction to be a one-cut runner… He is more adept and suited for gap/man scheme runs, where he can attack downhill and maneuver through congestion.” The player comp is James Conner. Needless to say, this mid-January, Vikings-oriented scouting profile concludes the opposite. “Johnson is a classic wide-zone back. He does a great job at reading blocks and cutting back when the hole opens up.” It does agree on the lack of wiggle and home run speed. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (later Round 3 grade) says that “Johnson is built like a bruiser, but his style is more finesse.” | Joh |
| 3:24 | 7.9 | RB Cam Skattebo (“SKAT-eh-boo”), Arizona St. (RS Senior). 5-9½, 219 lbs. with 29⅞” arms and 9⅜” hands. Born Feb. 5, 2022 (23 years old). [Has been named in a young-and-stupid civil suit for injury to a teammate, minor hamstring prevented Combine runs] A good, between-the-tackles, downhill runner with excellent contact balance, physicality, 3rd-down ability as both receiver and blocker… and above all, an endless motor. Skattebo is one of those football players who achieves much more than the numbers suggest he should. What he lacks is short-area acceleration, and he’s only got adequate speed. The athletic testing (74th percentile RAS) adds elite explosiveness to the equation. This goes to the Bleacher Report scouting profile, which makes a very good point: “Without upper-echelon athletic traits, Skattebo will need to thrive off yards after contact, which is difficult to do in the NFL.” He mastered the bounce-off-and-go style in college, but it’s a hard skill to translate into the professional ranks. That said, Skattebo is the sort of player to do it if anyone can. The Draft Network scouting profile uses words like “punishing” and “physically dominant.” Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) says that Skattebo isn’t the guy to hope for if you want to add speed, but rather “is similar to what the team has targeted in the past at the position: big, strong, and powerful with notable receiving skills.” | Sca |
| 4:01 | 7.4 | RB LeQuint Allen Jr., Syracuse (Junior). 6-2¼, 207 lbs. with 32½” arms and big 10¼” hands. Born Aug. 25, 2004 (20 years old). A special teams ace who could be an ideal RB2 if you believe that Jaylen Warren has the chops to be RB1 for a few years. Allen does well at inside runs, outside runs, and blocking for his QB; and he excels as a receiver. But what’s the true value for someone who is 100% an NFL player but isn’t likely to be special? Alex Kozora’s Depot scouting report (Round 4 grade) lands on an old favorite of mine as the comp: Joseph Addai, whose highest value lay in elite receiving talent out of the backfield. “Overall, Allen has [elite] receiving ability… and he’s a tough runner with leg drive. The overall foundation of his game is there: athleticism, toughness, receiving ability, and even a special teams background. There’s a lot to like. But I struggle with his fit. How good of a runner is he? How well does he pass protect? There’s definitely third-down attractiveness, but can he be a 1B/No. 2 complementary runner to give him early-down value?” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 5-6 grade) says much the same thing with a slightly lower grade. | All |
| 4:01 | 7.9 | RB RJ Harvey, UCF (RS Senior). 5-8, 205 lbs. with 29” arms and 9” hands. Born Feb. 4, 2001 (24 years old). [2001 ACL with full recovery] Amassed a top 15% RAS based on elite 4.40 speed and leaps, offset by very poor grades for his lack of height. This is a middle-of-the road grade you should feel free to dispute, because RJ Harvey is one of those prospects who changes like a prism depending on the eye of the beholder. Everyone agrees that he runs with a sort of Lev Bell vibe, where he patiently waits for a crease and then hits the button to shoot on through. People also agree that he can bounce and cut as sharply as a superball. After that comes a surprising amount of variation Steven Pavelka’s Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) describes Harvey as a “shifty [player with the] ability to cut on a dime… [who] flashes homerun speed… [and] has good ability in the receiving game.” Steven likes the contact balance too. The big downsides are his age, and a minor case of fumbleitis. This goes to a Senior Bowl interview with Steelers Depot’s Jonathan Heitritter. There is a much more critical description in Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round-5ish grade) because he saw none of the speed and burst revealed by the athletic testing, and emphasized in the Steelers Depot profile. The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 4 grade) offers a third, quite different set of descriptions that emphasize agility: “RJ Harvey is a make-you-miss runner with great shiftiness… [and] a capable pass catcher… [but] an unreliable pass protector… [who] does not showcase long speed to be a consistent home run threat at the NFL level. He is run down by pursuing defenders more than one would prefer.” The 33rd Team scouting profile by Kyle Crabbs (Round 6 grade) complains that “I don’t have a great deal of confidence in his ability to key and process his zone reads.” The NFL Draft Buzz scouting profile sees “light lateral quickness and jump-cut ability… exceptional contact balance… blazing speed and acceleration… [and] advanced vision and patience” (plus some sterling academic achievements. Sounds good, but the profile also warns that Harvey’s frame and lack of oomph could be huge limitations at the next level. | Har |
| 4:01 | 7.6 | RB Jarquez Hunter, Auburn (Senior). 5-9⅜, 204 lbs. with 30” arms and 9½” hands. Born Dec. 29, 2002 (22 years old). Good 4.44 speed contributed to a top 20% RAS, held back mostly by height and weight. Good special teams chops as both a returner and coverage man. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 4 grade) has some delightful turns of phrase worth the read just on their own. He calls Hunter a “run-after-contact machine… renowned for his lower-body power… who can extend the play well beyond what you might expect…. He could use less “fight” and more “flight” when there are still moves to make on the second level… Easily definable as a two-down pile-mover for teams looking to impose their will on the ground… Known for his character and work ethic…. [Good] vision and feel.” The word choices convey the message. Hunter may be a relatively limited and straighter-line player, but he will enhance every locker room and quickly become a fan favorite. Ross McCorkle’s Depot scouting report (Round 3 grade) uses Kenneth Gainwell as a pro comp, saying his “size, strength, and quickness… [with] good lateral agility and burst, [suggests that] Hunter has a lot of work to do as a route runner and a pass protector.” | Hun |
| 4:01 | 7.6 | RB Damien Martinez, Miami by way of Oregon St. (Junior). 5-11⅝, 217 lbs. with 30½” arms and 9½” hands. Born Jan. 31, 2004 (21 years old). A power back from the Najee Harris school who will toss off potential tacklers one on one, and then move the pile another yard or three for good measure. But he’s a turn one into two, three into 6 type of runner, not someone to ever turn 7 into 50. That seems to be what Pittsburgh wants, which has earned a slight discount on Martinez’ grade for this board. The only off-field knock seems to be a young-and-stupid arrest for “suspicion of DUI” back in 2023, which was later dropped. Ross McCorkle’s Depot scouting report (fringe 3rd grade) concludes that “what he lacks in long speed and burst, he makes up for with patience, good angles, and stop-start ability with his lateral agility. He is both tough to bring down and elusive enough in the open field to be a problem in space.” Ross also acknowledges that Martinez needs to learn how to block (which should be doable) and isn’t a receiving threat (which may not be due to iffy hands). This goes to a Depot interview with Ross McCorkle at the Senior Bowl. The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 3) actually uses Najee Harris as the closest pro comparison. | Mar |
| 4:01 | 7.2 | RB Kalel Mullings, Michigan (RS Senior). 6-1½, 226 lbs. with 31¾” arms and big 10” hands. Born Oct. 4, 2002 (22 years old). A big, bruising, power back who drives it up between the tackles. Excellent on short yardage, and Mullings plays with good vision and a wait-wait-burst style reminiscent of LeVeon Bell. The pass catching, not so much, since Mullings has much less in the way of speed, shiftiness, and hands. He is a good blocker for blitzes and such. As summarized in Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Round 4 grade), “Mullings isn’t a 1-for-1 replacement [for Najee Harris, but] he does have the size, heart, smarts, and special teams background that Pittsburgh likes in its reserve running backs.” This goes to a Vikings-oriented scouting profile from early December. | Mul |
| 4:01 | 7.6 | RB Devin Neal, Kansas (Senior). 5-11⅛, 213 lbs. with 29⅝” arms and 8½” hands. Born Aug. 12, 2003 (21 years old). Quick story. I focused on Devin Neal in early January because the description looked like exactly what Pittsburgh wants. Good size, with a history of durability and the ability to take over a game – like he did in a 41-carry game where he singlehandedly outscored the vaunted Colorado football team led by Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy-winner Travis Hunter. My problem was simple. Neal played a lot of snaps in college, was reportedly 215 lbs., and the way he moved convinced me he was probably closer to 200. Enter the Senior Bowl, where he weighed in at 220 and looked every bit as good. (213 at the Combine, fwiw). The critique would be that Neal’s film looks very good across the board (speed, vision, burst, agility, contact balance, play strength, receiving ability, etc.), but the only areas that brush toward being special are his short-area quickness and, of course, production (4,200 yards in his college career). Devin Neal compiled a basically average, 65th percentile RAS, but the underlying data is inconsistent. He had great numbers in explosion testing (leaps), but poor numbers in the 10- and 20-yard splits. Those are supposed to go together, so something odd is going on. He also scored poorly in the shuttle test for agility, which the film says is a strength. Neal has been described as “soft-spoken and professional,” and has almost never fumbled despite his heavy workload. Alex Kozora’s Depot scouting report (strong Round 3 grade) ends by saying, “For a Pittsburgh team that likes its running backs to have size but could be looking for explosiveness in Arthur Smith’s zone system, Neal provides both. He’s a true slashing zone runner who reminds me of Devin Singletary. But that profile doesn’t perfectly align. My NFL comp will land on D’Andre Swift.” This goes to a fairly balanced December scouting profile (Round 3-4 grade), which says “The attribute that holds Neal back the most is his general lack of physicality. He’s somewhat undersized [N.B. Not according to the Senior Bowl scale], and it shows often on inside runs [N.B. to my eye fair].. and doesn’t have true breakaway wheels to function as a speed threat.” See also this December profile from Vikings Wire. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 4-5 grade) says “He lacks top-end burst and speed… but he’s a fall-forward runner with good contact balance and a nose for short-yardage conversions. He has good instincts and soft hands [too]… His blue-collar approach isn’t exciting, but it is effective, and Neal has the ability to develop into a backup three-down back.” Neal earned a Round 4 grade in Kyle Crabbs’ 33rd Team scouting profile. The NFL Draft Buzz scouting profile (Round 3-4 grade) includes this observation: “Neal’s explosive athleticism immediately jumps off the screen – when he plants his foot and accelerates through the hole, he has that coveted second gear that separates potential backups from future starters.” | Nea |
| 4:01 | 7.4 | RB Raheim Sanders, S. Carolina by way of Arkansas (Senior). 6-0, 219 lbs. with 29⅞” arms and 9⅜” hands. Born June 8, 2002 (22 years old). [Shoulder in 2023, Ankle in 2024] Team captain. The words you want to hear: he’s big, he’s strong, has decent vision, is fast enough to get around the corner, and he can break away for home runs if he clears his way to the open field. The drawbacks: he isn’t very shifty, particularly against penetration, his blocking needs work, and he needs to get going before the speed kicks in. Turbo lag, if you want an analogy. This is all supported by the athletic testing, which adds up to a 71st percentile RAS. Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Round 4 grade) centers on the tremendous assets, along with the fact that he broke out for a tremendous 1,700-yard season in 2022, offset against the “shoulder injury in 2023 [that] brought him back to Earth, and an ankle injury in 2024 [that] appeared to slow him down.” We’ve been spoiled by Najee Harris’ all-but-legendary availability at the most physically demanding position in the sport. Sanders’ high moments may be even better than Najee’s, but for how many games? How easily will the edge of his athletic sword wear down over the long haul? And how many points should we award back for the chance that his nagging injuries over the past two years won’t be part of an ongoing pattern? | San |
| 4:16 | 7.2 | RB Jaydon Blue, Texas (Junior). 5-9, 196 lbs. with 29⅞” arms and small 8¼” hands. Born Jan. 8, 2004 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine, Visit] Jaydon Blue ran a 4.28 dash at his pro day, which equals angle-busting, defense-killing speed around the edge. What he lacks is the size to run between the tackles unless he gets a genuine hole. He’s also had some ball-security issues. Low pitch count due to very good players in front of him over the years. Blue looks like he should be an ace punt & kick returner, but he basically never did it; only playing on coverage teams. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 3 grade) describes Blue as a “a narrow-hipped, linear runner with good speed… quick, agile feet [to make] sharp turns… but [who] lacks base strength to break tackles… While he can be labeled a “change-of-pace slasher,” his real value will revolve around his ability to mismatch linebackers and threaten defenses as a receiver out of the backfield.” Zierlein also noted that “mental mistakes in protection caused sacks.” Alex Kozora’s Depot scouting report (Round 4 grade) calls Blue “an exciting, big-play back with… home run speed… [but also] lack of power between the tackles, and ball security concerns [that] tamp down his stock. There’s a rotational and third-down role for a guy like him, but he’ll always be Robin. Not Batman.” An early-February scouting profile from the Draft Network (Round 4 grade) adds “spotty vision” to the list of issues, but agrees that Blue “projects as a good zone-scheme fit… [whose] home run and pass-catching [prowess] should get him on the field early as a rookie and make him a priority for some front offices.” | Blu |
| 4:16 | 7.1 | RB Jacorey Croskey-Merritt, Arizona by way of Alabama St. (RS Senior). 5-10½, 206 lbs. with 31⅝” arms and 8⅞” hands. Born April 12, 2001 (23 years old). A home run-hitting RB who made it onto the draft radar by winning the Offensive MVP at the Shrine Bowl. JCM has extremely good cutting ability, and a slashing style that gets him downhill as soon as he spies a crack. He also seems to have good speed — we have no times because he was a Combine snub — and pairs it with NFL-level contact balance. His vision seems to be okay as well – especially when combined with his see-do decisiveness. He gives good effort as a pass blocker but needs to work on his technique. Steven Pavelka’s Depot scouting report (Round 4 grade) sees extra value as a receiver and loves JCM’s explosiveness but does worry that he may “struggle at times with running between the tackles and shedding defenders.” That goes to this Draft Network scouting profile. This early-February scouting profile (Round 4 grade) warns that “his awareness of gaps opening is adequate and his vision at the line is solid… [but the] second-level vision is too inconsistent. At times, he cuts toward crowds instead of gaining easy yards in front of him.” | Cro |
| 4:16 | RB Montrell Johnson Jr., Florida (Senior). 5-11⅜, 212 lbs. with 30¾” arms and 9¼” hands. Born Oct. 13, 2002 (22 years old). Compiled a tremendous top 4% RAS featuring elite speed (4.41) and explosion numbers, with no real flaws. According to Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 4 grade) you can describe Johnson as a “rugged interior runner…[whose] style is marked by violence on contact and all-fight-no-flight instincts.” Someone to target if you want a complementary power back with breakaway speed, but he would probably do better in a gap/power scheme. | Joh | |
| 4:16 | 7.5 | RB Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (RS Senior). 5-8¼, 211 lbs. with 28¾” arms and 9” hands. Born March 15, 2002 (23 years old). Two-year team captain. Very short but disproportionately broad and dense, Monangai is a zone-scheme runner with excellent vision, and quickness, plus surprising power and contact balance. Decent blocker too. Jonathan Heitritter’s Depot scouting report (Round 4 grade) describes Monangai as “an elusive runner with the footwork to make opposing defenders look silly in space…Monangai doesn’t have the best long speed as a runner, but he does build up to top speed quickly and shows great burst as he approaches the line.” Very poor athletic testing (38th percentile RAS) has pushed the grade down a little. | Mon |
| 4:16 | 7.5 | RB Brashard Smith, SMU by way of Miami, Fla. (Senior). 5-9⅞, 194 lbs. with 30½” arms and 8¾” hands. Born April 11, 2003 (21 years old). Slight discount for lack of fit. Smith is a multipurpose weapon who is technically an RB but could also line up as a slot receiver while contributing as a high-end returner. His calling card is elite, straight-line 4.3-something speed that he reaches almost immediately after sticking a foot in the ground and cutting hard. Ball-security issues push his grade down, as does his simple lack of size to run between the tackles. He just doesn’t feel like a Steelers archetype. | Smi |
| 5:01 | 6.8 | RB Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech (RS Senior). 5-9⅛, 230 lbs. with 32½” arms and 9⅜” hands. Born May 13, 2002 (22 years old). Steelers scouts reportedly compared him to Le’Veon Bell, which makes him a prospect worth some extra focus. Alex Kozora’s Depot scouting report pours a bit of cold (or at least lukewarm) water on that lofty player comp. “Brooks is a solid back with a fun running style [all patience, vision, and stop/start suddenness], [but] if Pittsburgh is looking for speed to win the edge in its outside zone system, Brooks isn’t that guy. He best fits in a gap/power system…and has the potential to be a really good third-down back who can catch and pass protect.” | BroT |
| 5:01 | 7.1 | RB Jordan James, Oregon (Junior). 5-9½, 205 lbs. with 29¾” arms and 9½” hands. Born March 29, 2004 (21 years old). [Mtg. at Combine] A moderately sized back from the normal POV perspective with a lot of extra shiftiness and juice for the outside-zone attack that people expect Arthur Smith to install. This Depot scouting report by Jake Brockhoff describes James as a “make you miss in a phone booth [type who]… consistently hits [the] hole full speed with no hesitation… Welcomes contact despite small stature [and] has great vision at line of scrimmage… Speed and agility make him constant home-run threat.” James also has hands good enough to slide out to WR in empty formations. On the downside, his size and inexperience get in the way for pass protection. He’s a tough kid who doesn’t shy away from contact, but one wonders how his contact balance will hold up when it’s a grown NFL man swiping at his legs instead of a fellow college player. Average to poor testing across the board (bottom 45% RAS) has pushed his grade down an extra notch or two. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 4 grade) offers some interesting insight such as: “James punches way above his weight class when it comes to breaking tackles and doling out punishment, but his ability to suddenly cut and change direction should not be minimized. He plays fast but lacks patience to allow his blocks to develop.” Kyle Crabbs’ 33rd Team scouting profile (Round 4 grade) highlights James’ ball security (not a single fumble in college!), and projects him as a complementary back who’d fit ideally in a gap/power game that would “give him a predetermined hole to hit, cutting down on his need to allow blocks to develop and instead letting him hit gaps with force and confidence.” | Jam |
| 5:01 | 7.0 | RB Phil Mafah, Clemson (Senior). 6-0⅝, 234 lbs. with 31⅜” arms and 9½” hands. Born Oct. 24, 2002 (22 years old). [2024 shoulder injury that required surgery] Team captain. Do you believe the Steelers ought to have at least one big, pounding, between-the-tackles running back who can break off chunks going up the middle? If so, pencil in Phil Mafah as a Day 3 target, because that’s what he is and that’s what he will do. If you want someone to stretch the defense horizontally…not so much. Najee Harris Lite. Josh Carney’s Depot scouting report (Round 5 grade) says, “At his best, [Mafah] is an early-down running back who is the hammer between the tackles and can serve as the closer late in games when he can wear opponents down.” Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 7 grade) expresses concerns that all come down to lack of agility but includes this priceless line too: “Transmission lacks acceleration and gear shifts.” The Bleacher Report scouting profile (Round 3 grade, RB10 of the class) agrees on the description, but sees more value in the straight ahead power profile. “He is a talented prospect, but team fit will be important for Mafah’s NFL success,” | Maf |
| 5:16 | 7.3 | RB/RETURNER ShunDerrick Powell, Central Arkansas (Senior). 5-7⅛, 175 lbs. with 30⅜” arms and 8⅞” hands. I love watching players like this: “human joysticks [whose] size and running style look eerily similar to Barry Sanders” according to the Depot scouting report by Jonathan Heitritter (Round 4 grade). Fun, fun, fun! The problem is simple: vanishingly few 175 pounders can survive in the NFL even if they’re short enough to have a dense and powerful build rather than a wiry one. Powell’s excellent return ability gives him an extra chance. | Pow |
| 6:16 | 6.0 | RB Woody Marks, USC (RS Senior). 5-10⅛, 207 lbs. with 29⅛” arms and 9” hands. Born Dec. 29, 2000 (24 years old). A solid, likeable, and draftable RB who simply isn’t going to fit what Pittsburgh wants. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (Round 4 grade) describes Marks as a good, complementary slasher for a downhill offense. Tom Mead’s Depot scouting report (UDFA grade) nails the drawbacks from a Steelers POV: “[Marks] ran almost entirely between the tackles. Putting him in a power run scheme would be best for him.” | Mar |
| 7:01 | 5.9 | RB Trevor Etienne, Georgia (Junior). 5-8½, 202 lbs. with 29¼” arms and 9⅝” hands. Born July 9, 2004 (20 years old). Alex Kozora’s Depot scouting report (UDFA grade) sums things up nicely: “Overall, Etienne is a quicker-than-fast prospect with…the occasional flash on tape, but with a lack of size and power… [who] could get a look on kick returns… [and] maybe even a look on punt returns.” | Eti |
| 7:01 | RB Corey Kiner, Cincinnati (Senior). 5-8⅝, 209 lbs. with 30½” arms and tiny 7¾” hands. Born Jan. 21, 2002 (23 years old). Ohio’s “Mr. Football” in high school, the same award famously won by Joe Burrow a few years before. A good, reliable bowling ball with great contact balance and forward lean. He’ll get you every inch that’s there to be gotten, plus a little more, but he lacks the juice to break off chunks, the wiggle to make opponents miss completely, and power above the 70% mark to run tacklers over instead of just making them pay. 37th-percentile RAS held back by very poor times in the 10- and 20- yard splits. | Kin | |
| 7:16 | 6.3 | RB Antario Brown, N. Illinois (Senior). 5-10⅛, 214 lbs. Born Dec. 29, 2002 (22 years old). [Fractured hip in November 2024] Tom Mead’s Depot scouting profile (Round 7 grade) describes a solid enough RB with good skills, but the combination of a fractured hip and small-school experience is enough to drive him all the way down the board. | Bro |
| 7:16 | 6.2 | RB Lan Larison, U.C. Davis (Senior). 5-11¼, 215 lbs. Team captain. Tom Mead’s Depot scouting report (Round 7 grade) describes Larison as an Idaho-born, cowboy-culture prospect whose H.S. wrestling championship dealt with steers rather than people. He sounds like a fascinating and interesting young man, but Tom says he is more of an inside power back, and “not a good fit for the outside zone scheme.” An extremely versatile athlete who performed well as a runner, receiver, QB, gunner, and kick returner, but one has to wonder how much his lower LOC contributed to the impressive numbers. | Lar |
| 7:16 | 6.4 | RB Marcus Yarns, Delaware (Senior). 5-10⅞, 193 lbs. with 31⅛” arms and 9⅛” hands. Born Oct. 30, 2001 (23 years old). Nate Kosko’s Depot scouting report (Round 6-7 grade) describes Yarns as a tremendously agile, all-effort back perfect for the outside zone except for one fatal flaw: a terrible lack of game strength. Worth a stash-and-stow UDFA pick because NFL training can work wonders. Interestingly, Nate has particular praise for Yarn’s agility, and questions about his burst and speed, but the athletic testing showed exactly the reverse: elite burst and speed, but poor shuttle and 3-cone times. Read it as you will. Lance Zierlein’s NFL.com scouting profile (UDFA grade) sees Yarns as someone “who needs a very specific role to have a long-term chance…He will need to improve his route-running so he can rebrand as a change-of-pace slasher with pass-catching talent.” Added strength to build a modicum of contact balance will be just as essential. | Yar |
CONCLUSION
Steeler Nation confidently expects the 2025 team to implement a run-blocking approach we’ve rarely seen here in Pittsburgh; a stretch-and-slash, outside-zone attack rather than the traditional gap/power and inside-zone schemes. It looks like the front office has already brought in most of the prospects who’d excel that scheme, and we’ve identified a few more who potentially would as well. Time – as in just about three weeks – will tell what the Steelers believe.
