Why Steelers offense will get a huge boost after the 2021 NFL Draft

Steelers made the right choice not waiting to get a RB

The later rounds featured talented backs such as Trey Sermon out of Ohio State and Michael Carter out of North Carolina, among others, but each of these backs, while talented, they project as members of running back committees at the NFL level, with their specialty either being as an early-down back or as a passing downs halfback. These backs could have successful NFL careers, but they did not fit what the Steelers need, as they have not had a true three-down back since Le’Veon Bell’s departure in Free Agency. James Conner showed promise early on and looked like he could be a viable replacement, but injuries piled up for the Pittsburgh native, and the team could not rely on him to be on the field, so they opted to move on from him.

As for Harris, some are concerned with the number of carries he saw at Alabama, and with the fact that he is already 23 years old. However, despite the concerns, Harris is a perfect fit with the Steelers, as he is a physical runner who can run both inside and outside, while also possessing the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, line up out wide, and maybe most importantly hold his own in pass protection. Additionally, he presents a legitimate threat at the running back position, that other teams must account for, which adds a whole new level to the Steelers offense, which the team has struggled to rediscover since losing Bell.

Aside from the player he is on the field, Harris also fits the mold of what the Steelers were looking for off the field. He has displayed true professionalism throughout his time at Alabama, and answered every question professionally throughout the draft process, while also paying it forward and hosting kids from the homeless shelter he lived in as a kid, to an NFL Draft party.