3 best moves that Steelers made in the NFL Draft

Najee Harris will be the closest thing to Le’Veon Bell for the Steelers

The Steelers were one of a handful of teams who could have realistically gone with a running back in the back-half of the first round on Thursday night. There were two running backs who went in the first round, including 2020 Doak Walker award winner Najee Harris to Pittsburgh at No. 24. He may not be the next Derrick Henry, but he can be for the Steelers what Le’Veon Bell once was.

While some would argue that Clemson’s Travis Etienne was the better pass catcher coming out, Harris was the better player last season for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Yes, he may have played alongside several first-round picks in Mac Jones, Alex Leatherwood, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle. However, Harris is the unquestioned real deal when it comes to the running back position.

Admittedly, nobody is the bell-cow beast of Henry anymore, but Harris does have some of the ball-carrying traits of the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner. He is a phenomenal downhill runner and one who plays his best ball down the stretch when you need to close out a game in the fourth quarter. Upon arrival, he will be a major piece to fix what the Steelers’ offense has been missing.

What makes this the best pick the Steelers made this year is two-fold: One, it answers their most pressing need entering the draft process. You cannot win big if you cannot run the ball effectively. And two, he is the only player they added in this draft that we all can definitively say will make a huge impact during his rookie year. Look for Harris to become a fan favorite fast in the Steel City.

What selections do you believe were the best made by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft?