Just how effective will Steelers RB Najee Harris be as a rookie?

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.

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.