The Steelers are keeping their fingers crossed for linebacker Zaven Collins and running back Najee Harris, according to a source who spoke with Mike Florio of PFT. However, according to many prognosticators, both players are likely to be off the board by the time the Steelers make their pick at No. 24 overall.
[RELATED: “Doubtful” Steelers Will Trade Up From No. 24]
Earlier this week, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert threw cold water on the notion that the Steelers will trade up from their original first-round choice. Of course, things can always change, especially if the Steelers are truly locked in on Harris and Collins.
Harris is widely regarded as the best running back in this year’s draft. Initially buried on the depth chart, the Alabama product emerged as a junior with an average of 5.9 yards per tote. Then, he passed on the draft to turn in an even more impressive 2020 season. Harris helped the Tide capture yet another National Championship while racking up 1,466 yards on the ground with similar efficiency (5.8 ypc). Those totals, coupled with 43 grabs for 425 yards and 30 total touchdowns, positioned Harris as one of the strongest prospects in the ’21 class.
Unfortunately for the Steelers, both Harris and Collins have caught the attention of the Cardinals at No. 16. Collins, a Tulsa product, has been lauded for his versatility. In just eight games last year, Collins managed four sacks, 54 total stops, and 7.5 tackles for loss. With the ability to play as a pass rusher or pure linebacker, he’s been quietly moving up boards in recent weeks. On Thursday, we’ll find out if he’s out of the Steelers’ reach.
Collins at 16 is a reach.
Ben Albright has Collins going 18 to Miami. I have Denver trading out of 9 to NE and NE drafting a QB and Denver taking Collins at 15.
I was thinking the same thing.
What the Steelers really need to do is see if they can acquire an extra first rounder and attempt to get both (or players along that line). They need an infusion of cheap, young talent ‘now’ while they may have Ben for only one more year.
Steelers can have Barkley for number #24 pick. Giants can pick Sermon or someone else in later rounds.
Smoke another one, bruh.
Ben isn’t going to push this team to the Super Bowl. Our OL is in replace status, we need a RB and some more talent on the defensive side. Plugging in rookies won’t get it done. Going to be a slow rebuild til Tomlin is gone in a few years and the new coach can shape the next few drafts’ talent (including a new QB next year) into a real contender.
Sure, I believe any team 1 day prior to draft.
Especially considering how rare they draft a RB in the 1st round historically. The RB is less of an issue than the OL.