Pittsburgh Steelers find their franchise running back and select a Hines Ward clone in latest three-round 2025 NFL mock draft
**Pittsburgh Steelers Land Franchise Running Back and Select Hines Ward Clone in Latest Three-Round Mock Draft**
The 2025 NFL Draft season is in full swing, and the latest three-round mock draft has Pittsburgh Steelers fans buzzing. According to projections, the Steelers are poised to address two significant needs by landing a franchise running back and selecting a wide receiver who has drawn comparisons to team legend Hines Ward.
These potential picks would not only bolster Pittsburgh’s offense but also pay homage to their rich history of tough, versatile playmakers. Here’s a closer look at the exciting possibilities for the Steelers in this mock draft.
### **Round 1: Steelers Select Franchise Running Back**
With their first-round pick, the Steelers are projected to select running back **Jaden Daniels** out of Texas A&M. Daniels is widely regarded as the top running back prospect in the 2025 draft class, combining speed, power, and vision to dominate at the collegiate level. Standing at 6’0″ and 220 pounds, Daniels possesses the size and skill set to handle a heavy workload in the NFL, making him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh’s ground-and-pound offensive philosophy.
In his junior season at Texas A&M, Daniels rushed for 1,850 yards and 17 touchdowns, adding 400 receiving yards and four more scores through the air. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver would give the Steelers’ offense a dynamic weapon to complement their passing attack, led by quarterback Kenny Pickett.
While Pittsburgh has relied on Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren in recent seasons, the addition of Daniels could take their backfield to the next level. Harris has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency and injuries, while Warren has been an excellent change-of-pace back. Daniels’ arrival would solidify the position and give the Steelers a true three-down threat for years to come.
### **Round 2: A Hines Ward Clone at Wide Receiver**
In the second round, the mock draft has the Steelers selecting wide receiver **Devin Thompson** from the University of Georgia. Thompson has earned comparisons to Steelers legend Hines Ward for his physicality, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work on the field. At 6’1″ and 205 pounds, Thompson isn’t the biggest or fastest receiver, but he excels in contested-catch situations, runs crisp routes, and is an elite blocker in the run game.
Thompson’s production at Georgia speaks for itself. In 2024, he hauled in 85 catches for 1,200 yards and 10 touchdowns while consistently showcasing his ability to make clutch plays in key moments. His competitiveness and team-first mentality make him a perfect fit for the Steelers’ culture, which has long valued hard-nosed, versatile players.
With George Pickens and Diontae Johnson already in the fold, Thompson would provide another reliable target for Pickett and solidify Pittsburgh’s receiving corps. His physical style of play would also make him a favorite among Steelers fans, evoking memories of Ward’s grit and passion on the field.
### **Building for the Future**
If this mock draft scenario comes to fruition, the Steelers could be looking at a much-improved offense in 2025. Adding Daniels and Thompson would give the team two young, high-upside playmakers who could contribute immediately while also addressing key positional needs.
For a franchise known for its rich history of hard-hitting football and offensive balance, these picks align perfectly with Pittsburgh’s identity. With Daniels in the backfield and Thompson adding toughness to the receiving corps, the Steelers would be well-positioned to compete in the competitive AFC North and beyond.
As the draft approaches, fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Steelers make these exciting moves to strengthen their roster and return to their winning ways.
