Steelers 2021 seven-round mock draft: Retooling the offensive line

Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Round 1: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Najee Harris is the most pro-ready running back in this draft class. He is a physical beast and he showed that every week at Alabama. The Steelers running game was one of the worst in the NFL last season. Bringing in Harris could provide a spark to a stale offensive attack.

As he has shown in his time at Alabama, Harris has that game-changer ability that each NFL team covets. The Crimson Tide product fell to the black and gold in this mock draft, but that is not a common occurrence. It will be interesting to see if he does fall when the first round kicks into high gear. If this player is sitting there when it is time for Pittsburgh to choose, then it will be hard for them to pass on Harris.

The main issue with this pick is that the running back will be 23 years old next month and who had a sizable workload in college. Harris is a little older than most would prefer and with slightly more tread taken off the tires.

That brings up other causes for concern like how much tread is left on the tires and how long can he last in the league? His production is there and that will transfer to the next level but how long will he be able to produce at that output? Using a first-round choice on a running back is becoming rarer but Harris is deserving of that selection. He can do it all and would be a welcomed addition to the franchise.