Steelers Ignore DT; Get RB, QB in New Mock Draft
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a need at defensive tackle. Yet, Chad Reuter had Mike Tomlin’s team going a different way in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft in his latest five-round mock-up. The Steelers added North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton in the first round of that scenario, then took Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord in the third.
By selecting Hampton, who had 30 rushing scores over the past two go-rounds, the Steelers passed on a pair of highly projected interior defensive linemen. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon went to Houston at No. 25 overall, and Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen to Philadelphia a pick after that.
“The Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell at running back this offseason, but Hampton is a tone-setter,” Reuter wrote. “No matter who the Steelers’ starting quarterback is come Week 1, the team will want to run the ball effectively. Hampton’s powerful style and ability to make things happen in the open field will be a great addition.”
Omarion Hampton was the second tailback taken in Reuter’s scenario, after Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty (No. 6, Las Vegas). Hampton carried the ball 281 times for 1,660 yards last season, both being ACC highs. He ranked second in the nation in rushing yards per game (138.3). Jeanty topped that leaderboard with 185.8 yards per outing.
McCord, an Ohio State transfer, threw for a nation-high 4,779 yards for the Orange in 2024. He passed for 34 touchdowns and a dozen interceptions.
Louisville’s Tyler Shough went to Cleveland with the No. 67 overall pick. The Raiders took Alabama’s Jalen Milroe was taken off the board with the following selection.