FILE - Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love (4) gets past a tackle-attempt by Virginia linebacker Kam Robinson, left, during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Michael Caterina, File)

The following is the fifth of seven Pittsburgh Steelers position-by-position analyses for the 2026 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday in Pittsburgh:

RUNNING BACKS

Current roster: Jaylen Warren, Rico Dowdle, Kaleb Johnson, Travis Homer, Max Hurleman, Lew Nichols

Last five drafts: Najee Harris (first round, 2021) ran for at least 1,000 yards in his four seasons with the team before tearing his Achilles tendon last year with the Los Angeles Chargers. Johnson (third round, 2025) carried the ball just 28 times for 69 yards in his rookie season.

Top running backs available: Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame; Jadarian Price, Notre Dame; Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas; Emmett Johnson, Nebraska; Jonah Coleman, Washington

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: Penn State’s Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are being projected as middle-round picks, possibly the fourth or fifth round. Pitt’s Desmond Reid could sneak into the sixth or seventh round due to his kick return and pass receiving skills.

Possible Steelers picks: Someone in the late rounds.

Analysis: The Steelers lost their MVP from last year — Kenneth Gainwell — but are hoping Dowdle can pair with Warren and be as effective as the duo were last season. Dowdle is coming off two 1,000-yard seasons in Dallas and Carolina. Kaleb Johnson was a disappointment last year as a rookie and could take a step forward this year. As far as the draft, the running back position would not be near the top of the Steelers’ priorities. However, taking a flier on an underrated back in the sixth or seventh round would certainly be within the realm of possibility.

FULLBACKS/H-BACKS

Current roster: None

Last five drafts: Connor Heyward (sixth round, 2022) was technically a tight end, but his versatility allowed him to line up in different spots in the Steelers’ offense. He is now a Las Vegas Raider.

Top fullbacks/H-backs available: Max Bredeson, Michigan; Riley Nowakowski, Indiana

PSU/Pitt/WVU players: None

Possible Steelers picks: Bredeson, Nowakowski

Analysis: Steelers new offensive coordinator Brian Angelichio will probably want to utilize a player with similar skill sets to Heyward, who stood out on special teams and was even the team’s “Tush Push” runner. Bredeson and Nowakowski are considered late-round versatile tight ends who might fit the mold.

Coming Tuesday: Receivers