NFL mock draft, 3 rounds: QBs, trades, surprises in latest predictions
2021 NFL mock draft: 24th pick
player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB. Alabama. Najee Harris. 24. 55
Steelers GM/HC: Kevin Colbert/Mike Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have watched a number of big-name players walk in free agency this offseason, but they were able to bring back Juju Smith-Schuster and they have Big Ben Roethlisberger back for another go-round.
The Steelers also re-signed Mike Tomlin to a new contract, providing some stability and assurance at the head coach spot for the foreseeable future.
James Conner was one of the big-name free agents to depart Pittsburgh this offseason and although the team seems to be able to plug skill position guys into their program regardless of the round they were drafted and have success, I don’t think the Steelers would wait long to snatch up Najee Harris if he’s on the board at 24.
Many in the NFL Draft community are vehemently against picking a running back in the first round of the NFL Draft on principle, but Najee Harris is truly a rare breed at the position and a guy that would unquestionably be worth a first-round investment, especially this late in round one.
In addition to being an excellent runner with a combination of power, vision, patience, and burst, Harris is one of the best receiving backs I have seen come out in some time. Rarely do you see colleges willing (or able) to split their top running backs out as wide receivers, but Alabama did it with Harris with regularity.
The Steelers could have a rookie of the year on their hands in Harris with the rest of the talent they have offensively around him.