The Case for the Steelers Investing in the 2027 RB Class

It has only been two weeks into the 2026 season, and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ run offense somehow looks even worse than it did last year.

With Kenneth Gainwell departing for Tampa Bay in the offseason, there have been few signs that the tandem of Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle can elevate a ground game that has been sputtering for several seasons. Even with rookie Eli Heidenreich and veteran Travis Homer in the room, the Steelers haven’t had a truly dynamic, consistently productive running back since the days of Le’Veon Bell — apologies to Najee Harris, whose rookie year remains the lone bright spot in an otherwise stagnant era.

That’s why the 2027 NFL Draft looms so large. The running back class is loaded — arguably the deepest of the decade — and it’s hard not to ignore how many potential solutions sit right at the top of the board.

One name already forcing his way into the conversation is Florida Gators star Jaden Baugh, who finished the 2025 season with 1,170 rushing yards and has exploded out of the gate this fall. Through just three games, he’s piled up 458 yards and eight touchdowns, blending speed, vision, and power in a way the Steelers simply don’t have in their backfield.

And he’s not alone. Whether it’s Kewan Lacy out of Ole Miss, LJ Martin from BYU, or Ahmad Hardy — who may miss the season after a leg injury suffered after being shot at a concert in Laurel, Mississippi — all project as upgrades over the current committee.

True enough, the Steelers didn’t have success with Kaleb Johnson, their third‑round pick last year who was traded to Green Bay after his infamous kick‑return gaffe against Seattle. But the counterpoint is simple: they barely used him afterward, leaving the evaluation window far too small to draw meaningful conclusions. If anything, it underscores how important it is for Pittsburgh to identify a running back who actually fits their offensive philosophy — and one who complements Warren.

The Steelers can’t afford to treat the position as an afterthought anymore. Aaron Rodgers is still capable of high‑level play, but he’s not the type of quarterback who thrives behind a one‑dimensional offense. Pittsburgh needs a back who can create on his own and force defenses to respect the run game again. This draft class offers exactly that: players with true three‑down profiles, explosive traits, and the kind of versatility that would immediately reshape the offense. Passing on that opportunity because of one failed experiment would be shortsighted.

If the Steelers want to escape the cycle of predictable, inefficient rushing attacks, the 2027 Draft is their best chance to do it. The talent is there, the need is obvious, and the margin for error is shrinking. Pittsburgh doesn’t just need another running back — they need the right one. And for the first time in years, the draft board is stacked with options who can finally bring balance back to the offense.