Initial draft grades for every Steelers 2021 draft selection

With the Steelers draft wrapped up, here are some early grades based on who the team selected over the weekend.

The Steelers didn’t hide their goals in this draft, as the team ran with Art Ronney’s mandate to fix the run game. The first four picks did just that, as all were dedicated to beefing up this blocking unit to get their prized rookie running back space to move.

While official grades can’t be had until a few years from now, these are purely based on how the prospect fits the team and what their value was based on where they were drafted. At the end of the day, I hope all of these players play better than what my perceived grade was right after the draft. With all that said, here are my early grades for the Steelers 2021 draft class.

Round 1: Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

Grade: C+

Let me start off my grade by once again saying that Najee Harris was the best running back prospect in the draft. The fact that he fits the Steelers scheme and was the best player at his position is the reason this grade didn’t earn a “D” or lower. Harris should be a fine player at the NFL as he runs with good power and can contribute as a receiver out of the backfield.

That said, running backs in the first have done very little in recent years to improve their team’s records overall. While Harris should boost the running game, will that be enough to cover the other issues this team could have addressed instead? I would have to guess no. As well, Harris is a bit older and has a lot of wear and tear from the college level. I’m not sure he can hold up health-wise over the duration of his rookie deal based on the heavy usage he received at Alabama. As a player, this grade sits somewhere around a B. The issues are his value and longevity on the team.