Predicting each rookie’s chances of making Steelers roster in 2021

The Steelers just selected nine players in the 2021 NFL Draft. Here are their chances of making the final roster this year. 

There are mixed opinions so far about Pittsburgh’s 2021 NFL Draft class. While most fans seem to be pleased with the results, many experts argue that the Steelers fell short of expectations this year, and thought they reached with several of their picks.

While these things obviously need time to play out, there were both positives and negatives to take away from the Steelers draft this year. Kevin Colbert was able to fill many of his glaring needs this year, and his offense has a chance to see an immediate boost as a result. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh clearly ignored the ‘best player available’ approach at times in order to address the offense and fill positions of need.

The good news about filling positions of need is that more players from their rookie class should be able to make the final roster. Each year following the draft, I try to predict the chance of every rookie draft choice making the team based on factors like draft position, depth of position, and predicting their performances in training camp. Here are each players’ odds of making the Steelers final roster in 2021:

RB Najee Harris: 100%

I haven’t met a Steelers first-round draft choice who didn’t make the final squad. After investing the 24th overall pick into what was arguably their biggest position of need, Najee Harris will not only make the team in 2021, but he should touch the ball more than any player not named Ben Roethlisberger.

After losing three starters on the offensive line this offseason, it may not be smooth sailing for the rookie running back at first. However, we have to assume that Matt Canada is going to get things going on the ground this year, and Harris is to be a big part of that. As long as he’s under contract, his roster spot is never going to be in jeopardy.