4 reasons Steelers shouldn’t be sniffing a RB in the first round of the NFL Draft
By Tommy Jaggi
Running back has been the most frequently mocked position to the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft. Here’s why it shouldn’t even be an option.
There are numerous different philosophies when it comes to building an NFL roster. During draft season, fans and analysts are never shy about sharing their opinions on which direction their team should go. I’ve listened to hundreds of fans express who they believe the Steelers should target with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but one thought I simply cannot get behind is drafting a running back in the first round.
In addition to the lack of evidence that supports this, there are numerous other reasons why Pittsburgh really should be looking elsewhere with such valued draft capital. Here are four reasons why the Steelers shouldn’t even be sniffing a running back in the first round this year:
History does not support a RB in round one
Of the first-round running backs drafted over the past decade, there are several who would have been deemed better overall prospects than players like Najee Harris and Travis Etienne. However, how many are actually worth the selection? Despite using elite draft capital on the position, players like Trent Richardson, Leonard Fournette, Doug Martin, and David Wilson were clearly drafted too high, while others haven’t been worth a second contract.
Even the former first-round running backs who have been very good – like Ezekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon – haven’t come close to living up to the lofty price tag of their second contracts, and have cap hits that are detrimental to their respective teams. Going back even further, the last 25 running backs drafted in the first round since 2008 have combined for just 6 All-Pro honors, according to Pro Football Reference. History simply does not support taking a running back in round one.