3 players Steelers should take in 2021 NFL Draft to reclaim AFC North

This is how the Steelers can solve their ongoing running back issues

While it would be cool for the Steelers to go with back-to-back Alabama standouts in the draft with running back Najee Harris in the first round and Dickerson at center in the second round, the guy the Steelers need to take at No. 24 to solve their running back issues has to be Clemson Tigers star Travis Etienne. He would have been the first running back taken in last year’s draft.

Etienne decided to return to Clemson for his senior season in 2020. While he did not accomplish all that he set out to achieve, Etienne leaves Dabo Swinney’s program as a two-time All-American, a two-time ACC Player of the Year, a three-time All-ACC First Teamer and a national champion in 2018. Etienne will go down as one of the most prolific running backs in ACC football history.

In four years at Clemson, he amassed 4,952 rushing yards on 686 carries and 70 rushing touchdowns. As a receiver out of the backfield, Etienne had 102 career receptions for 1,155 yards and eight additional trips to pay dirt. While Harris was the more dominating runner in college football last year, Etienne’s body of work and overall versatility more than speak for themselves.

Though Harris could go as high as No. 18 to the Miami Dolphins, No. 24 will be around the time when Etienne might come off the board. He could go to teams like the Steelers, the New York Jets or the Jacksonville Jaguars with any of their top-40 selections. By adding Etienne, the Steelers will have the production and the star power at running back they have not had since Le’Veon Bell.

Ultimately, the Steelers have to get better on the offensive side of the ball if they want to reclaim their rightful place atop the AFC North standings. Though drafting a quarterback could be an option, keep in mind that Ben Roethlisberger will be the starter for as long as he plays in Pittsburgh. By adding talent around him to elevate his declining play, Pittsburgh can have success.

If Pittsburgh goes offense-heavy with their first three picks in the draft, the Steelers can win big.