Steelers Projected To Land Najee Harris' Replacement in New NFL Draft Projection

Among the many questions that face the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin after a 10-7 season, the future at tailback is up in the air with Najee Harris expected to depart in free agency. 

Harris, a former Alabama star, eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first-four seasons. Touchdowns were hard to come by in 2024, however, as the former first-round pick totaled a career-low six scores. 

Harris' fifth-year option was declined by the Steelers last spring, opening the door for a potential exit this offseason. However, that decision hasn't been made yet, and the franchise could elect to bring Harris back in the end, according to a report from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

The Steelers are expected to return third-year running back Jaylen Warren, who finished behind Harris with 511 yards and a touchdown.  

In NFL.com's latest mock draft from Chad Reuter, Pittsburgh does address the position with Harris "headed for free agency."

The Steelers are projected to use the No. 21 overall pick to select Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins, saving an opportunity to take a quarterback (Alabama's Jalen Milroe) for the second-round. 

"Judkins' open-field burst, ability to read blocks and willingness to run through contact will make him a great fit for the Steelers -- and he's a nice outlet for quarterbacks out of the backfield," Reuter wrote. "Remember, Najee Harris is headed for free agency. I’m projecting Pittsburgh will take a quarterback in Round 2."

Judkins (6-foot, 219 pounds) helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship as a junior in 2024. 

The former Ole Miss star exploded onto the scene with the Rebels in 2022, earning SEC Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-SEC honors after racking up 1,567 rushing yards with 16 touchdowns. 

After posting 1,158 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a sophomore, Judkins elected to transfer to Ohio State under head coach Ryan Day. The Pike Road, Alabama, native earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors for totaling 1,060 rushing yards with 14 touchdowns.

A proven ball-carrier, Judkins is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield. He amassed 59 receptions for 442 yards with five touchdowns during his collegiate career. 

Judkins is expected to have an opportunity to perform at the NFL combine from Feb. 27-March 2 before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off from April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.