Steelers Mock Draft: Pittsburgh ends their issues in the trenches in 2024

Steelers mock draft round 5: Blake Corum, RB, Michigan

You might be scratching your head at the thought of drafting a running back next offseason, but this is something that's entirely possible from the Steelers' front office. Najee Harris was a former first-round pick in 2021, but he hasn't panned out nearly as well as the team would have hoped for being a high draft pick.

The Steelers have just one more year of Najee under contract, and they need to make a decision this coming offseason whether or not to hand him the fifth-year option. The answer should be a resounding 'no' as Harris has not been good enough to fork up top money at the position to keep him around long term.

Of the running backs on the team, Jaylen Warren clearly has more juice and receiving ability. Warren could very well prove to be the Steelers RB who earns a second contract for this team. Warren is under contract for 2024, and even if Pittsburgh decides to extend him, he will need some help in the backfield.

Why not go after a Jaylen Warren clone? Blake Corum shares a number of similarities to Warren, including his compact frame. Listed at 5'8'' and 213 pounds, Corum is a well-rounded runner who hits the hole hard with quality speed, burst, and vision. He could be an excellent insurance policy at the position. He could compete to carve out work as a rookie before finding a bigger rotational role on the team in Year 2.