The following is the sixth of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position analyses for the 2025 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday:

RUNNING BACKS

Current roster: Jaylen Warren, Kenneth Gainwell, Cordarrelle Patterson, Jonathan Ward, Aaron Shampklin, Evan Hull

Last five drafts: Najee Harris (first round, 2021) was dependable but lacked breakaway ability and is now with the Chargers. Anthony McFarland Jr. (fourth round, 2020) was given several opportunities but never made the most of them.

Top running backs available: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State; Omarion Hampton, North Carolina; TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State; Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State; Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Penn State/Pitt players: Pitt’s Daniel Carter will be an undrafted free agent.

Possible Steelers picks: Henderson; Judkins; Johnson; Dylan Sampson, Tennessee; Jordan James, Oregon; Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech; RJ Harvey, UCF; DJ Giddens, Kansas State; Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State; Jaydon Blue, Texas

Analysis: The Steelers signed Gainwell in free agency to join Warren and Patterson in the backfield. However, they definitely could use another quality back, and this year’s draft stock seems to be deep. With quarterback and defensive line being higher priorities and no current second-round pick, the Steelers might have to wait until the fourth round to take a running back. That could put them in position to get someone like Johnson or Samson, or possibly Gordon or Giddens in a later round.

Coming Wednesday: Wide receivers and tight ends

— Buck Frank