3 non-quarterbacks the Steelers should consider early in the draft

The Steelers had the league’s worst rushing attack in 2020 by a good margin (84.4 yards per game). They lost James Conner in free agency, after making no concerted effort to bring him back. That leaves Benny Snell, Anthony McFarland and free agent signee Kalen Ballage on the running back depth chart.

The debate on who the No. 1 running back in this year’s draft class is between Travis Etienne and Harris. There’s a chance both are first-round picks. The Steelers have been easy to put in the conversation to take one of them, and Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has confirmed the Steelers are “eager ” to draft a running back early.

Harris became Alabama’s lead back in 2019, averaging 5.9 yards per carry with 20 total touchdowns. But he really took off last season, with 1,466 rushing yards and 26 scores on the ground while adding 43 catches and four receiving touchdowns. In the SEC Championship Game against Florida, he set a record with five total touchdowns as he put up 245 yards from scrimmage.

At 6-foot-2, 230 pounds with a nose for the end zone and plenty of ability as a receiver, Harris has the skill set of an every-down back in the NFL. From projections in very early mock drafts to the team having a strong contingent at his Pro Day, the Steelers and Harris feels like a marriage that only has to get to the altar at No. 24.