3 options for Steelers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft

The Steelers have multiple options in the first round with several big positions of need. Here are three players they could go with in the NFL Draft.

The Steelers will be picking 24th on Thursday, April 29th. We have learned that hitting on a first-round pick is crucial to building the roster of a team. The Steelers have a few likely options that will be good and this will be an opportunity for the Steelers to add a piece that can help them for the next 10-15 years.

There are three names that come to mind when talking about the Steelers in the first round and I will take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Option 1: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

The Steelers could really be looking to take Najee Harris with the 24th pick in the draft. The Steelers running back room is weak right now with Benny Snell Jr, Anthony MacFarland, and Kallen Ballage as the front-runners to make the roster. Jaylen Samuels has some experience, but I don’t think he will make the team in 2021.

The Steelers have a history of tough bruising backs that include Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris (I know he was a fullback), and James Conner. Sure there were smaller options like Willie Parker and Amos Zereoue but I think Anthony MacFarland is the candidate to fill that role.

There are also a lot of things to like about Najee Harris as just the best player available. He is 6’2 and 230lbs which makes him a bruising back. He is also an elite athlete with elite body control. The Steelers can use him a lot in the misdirection of today’s NFL.