The Steelers have been connected to first-round running backs throughout the pre-draft process, and everyone’s inkling proved to be correct. With the No. 24 pick, Pittsburgh selected Alabama running back Najee Harris.
Initially buried on the depth chart, the Alabama product broke out as a junior in 2019 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.
Harris was connected to a number of RB-needy squads throughout the pre-draft process. While the prospect may lack the explosiveness of the NFL’s top running backs, he’s a dependable back who can contribute in every aspect of the offense. Those skills should allow Harris to see the field immediately for his new team. This is especially true in Pittsburgh, as the team lost top running back James Conner earlier this offseason. Harris will likely take the veteran’s place atop the depth chart, with Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland, and Kalen Ballage serving as potential backups.
With this selection, Alabama has tied the 2004 Miami squad for most first-round picks in a single draft. Alabama’s count currently sits at six: Harris, WR Jaylen Waddle (No. 6, Dolphins), CB Patrick Surtain II (No. 9, Broncos), WR DeVonta Smith (No. 10, Eagles), QB Mac Jones (No. 15, Patriots), and OL Alex Leatherwood (No. 17, Raiders).
Had to leap the Jags for him
Knew it. Jags were going RB no matter what. Smart by the Steelers.
Uh no they didn’t. They were always selecting 24th
smh idk y I thought they traded up
He will be great for the 2 yard throws that Ben is only capable of making now. Good pick to build value maybe he can also follow Ben around the night club scene and keep Ben from going “ All hands On.” Hopefully doing that extra duty He will build a a relationship with Ben so he doesn’t roll him under the bus like he does everyone else. I ask how is this guy still a QB in the NFL?
You’re such a bum man. Not sure what Ben did to hurt you, but it’s time to move on… No one thinks you’re funny, and your grammar sucks.
Ben is a terrible human being. Good qb, bad person
Ben did a bad thing quite a long time ago, doesn’t make him a terrible human being and he’s become a pretty remarkable guy since then.
Only problem is Tomlin wearing Harris out before the rebuild is complete by giving him the ball 500 times this season. Hope they draft some blockers tomorrow and Saturday.
Yeah, I like the pick a lot for them but the fundamental issue remains, and that’s that very regressed offensive line. What was the best offensive line in the NFL two years ago is now a massive question mark. I thought that they could take Oklahoma’s Creed Humphrey at Center if they didn’t go with Harris, which would have been great.
Pittsburgh loved to pull their guards and were used to having an incredibly agile center in Pouncey who could get to the second level and eliminate linebackers, so their interior really could use some help. Big backs like Harris will really benefit from agile interior linemen, so hopefully for Pittsburgh they can find a way to get some blockers there soon.
Zero chance, with BR still the starter, they run that much. He won’t let it happen. Harris getting ‘worn out’ won’t be an issue, not while BR is still there.
If you can get the best at the position AND in a position of need, that’s a good pick.
I hope that he can create his own holes, because the O-line, if anything, got worse over the offseason. Nothing but average, or worse, linemen. Najee ain’t on Bama any more, that’s for sure. We’d better get O-line lucky on Day 2.
Big pickup for the Steelers. Day 2 should be focused on the offensive line and maybe get a WR.
One of the worst kept secrets in the draft. We knew steelers were taking a RB.
I feel like they just drafted him for his good looks?