Predicting which Steelers 2021 rookies will have successful NFL careers

RB Najee Harris

It may be a bit peculiar to stick a first-round draft choice in the honorable mention category. However, since Jerome Bettis retired, the Steelers track record on running backs has not been stellar.  Franco Harris and Jerome Bettis had careers of at least ten seasons. After that, the longest-tenured running backs for the Steelers are Merril Hoge six seasons and Frank Pollard, nine seasons. With the exception of Willie Parker and Walter Abercrombie, who played six seasons, Lev’eon Bell, James Conner, Barry Foster, Bam Morris, Tim Worley, Rashard Mendenhall all played five seasons or less for the Steelers.

Combine that track record with the average life expectancy of a running back in the NFL at no longer than 2.81 years. The odds of a long career for Harris do not seem probable. That said, the Steelers are due to get a running back that has a prosperous career finally. Harris could finally be the back they have been seeking.

Assuming he’s not an injury-prone player, it’s likely to presume he should at least hit the five-year mark, the length of his rookie contract. After that, with free agency, he could stay in the league but with another team. Could Harris be the running back to buck the trend for the Steelers at that position? One can only hope. But history has shown us that the average career span of a starting running back doesn’t last long.