An in-depth study of the position shows just what the value is of the Steelers selecting a first-round running back in the 2021 draft.
I know that I share some different thoughts than with many of you reading this right now in terms of the Steelers selecting Najee Harris in the first round. While Harris looks like a good prospect, the issue with him going in the first is just how important run games have become to NFL success. Gone are the days of needing a 1500-yard rusher to succeed anymore. An efficient running game certainly helps a team, but it doesn’t mean Harris suddenly turns this team into a top competitor. Here is an in-depth breakdown of every first-round running back and how it has affected their Super Bowl chances.
A reference for the Steelers
Attached below is the study that I conducted. The first sheet looks at every back that has been taken in the first round since 2010. The second sheet looks at every Super Bowl-winning team since 2010 and who their leading rusher was for the season.
Every Super Bowl winning team since 2010 leading rusher and round drafted (click to expand) #Steelers #SteelersDraft #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/taSEpG4aE9
— Andrew Falce (@FalceAndrew) May 9, 2021
This is the information that will be used and referenced during this study. Before diving in though, let me once again make this clear: Harris looks like a good running back prospect. No, I don’t think he will be a bust in this league, and he should improve the team’s overall running game. He better, as the team invested a first-round pick in him. The issue is, just how important is having a first-round running back in the modern NFL. Personally, and as will be argued in this study, a first-round running back does little in terms of winning long term in the NFL.