NFL Running Back Rankings for 2021: Derrick Henry stiff-arms competition
By Randy Gurzi
22. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles
There were some big shoes to fill at Penn State when Saquon Barkley headed to the NFL but Miles Sanders was up to the challenge. He ended up doing well enough to land with the Philadelphia Eagles who took him at No. 53 overall in the 2019 NFL Draft.
In two seasons, Sanders has 1,685 yards with nine touchdowns. He took some steps forward as a runner this past season but saw his reception total dip from 50 for 509 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie to 28 for 197 yards with no scores last season.
He’s still a capable player and with more consistent play under center from Jalen Hurts, he could be even better.
21. Najee Haris, Pittsburgh Steelers
After losing James Conner in free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers took Najee Harris at No. 24 in the 2021 NFL Draft. This came after he ran for 1,466 yards and an unreal 26 touchdowns for the Alabama Crimson Tide in his senior season.
Harris should be able to restore the Steelers once vaunted running game but since he’s a rookie, we need to temper our expectations for now. But he’s still a 230-pound running back who could take a lot of pressure off the shoulders of Ben Roethlisberger.