Final 2021 NFL Mock Draft: Steelers use No. 24 to push the offense
24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Put in the nicest way that I can possibly do so, I’m not a fan of where the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive roster stands currently. Ben Roethlisberger showed notable regression last season which, at his age, his heavily concerning. Moreover, the wide receiver group lacks a dominant option, even with JuJu Smith-Schuster coming back.
To make matters worse, the offensive line is starting to deteriorate a little bit with some stalwarts on that front leaving, either via retirement or free agency. Therefore, my gut would say that the Steelers should be looking at an offensive lineman at this point. But that doesn’t appear to be happening.
There is some merit to the rumored pick of running back Najee Harris, even with the current stigma placed on addressing the position in the first round. Pittsburgh’s offense was at its best when Le’Veon Bell was cooking and when James Conner was breaking out. Harris can provide a similar boost.
Having said that, taking a running back in lieu of addressing the offensive line is a misguided approach. The line could be a viable problem in Pittsburgh and Harris, for all the talent he has, can’t fully overcome that.
Who I Would Pick: Alijah Vera-Tucker or Liam Eichenberg