5 best positional groups on the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021
By Tyler Jaggi
4. Running Back
Starters: Najee Harris
Role Players: Anthony McFarland Jr., Benny Snell Jr.
Reserve: Kalen Ballage, Jaylen Samuels, Trey Edmunds
Positional grade: B-
Steelers 1st round pick Najee Harris will be the new feature back for the Steelers for the foreseeable future. He’s an older prospect but ready to be an instant impact starter for Pittsburgh. He has a similar skillset as former Steelers RB Le’veon Bell as far as being a physical runner and good receiver but might lack the big play ability with limited speed. He will surely help take the load off Ben Roethlisberger.
PFF just did an article ranking the 32 best running backs heading into the 2021 season. They had this to say about Steelers Najee Harris that was rank 20th.
“Ranking rookies is always a tough ask without any real knowledge of how they will perform at the next level. Harris is a complete back who can be a force in the passing game as well as on the ground, and he could get a huge workload as the Steelers look to justify their pick and rejuvenate their run game. Harris averaged 3.7 yards after contact per carry in college.”
Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell will both have their roles. McFarland should be the change of pace scat back while Benny Snell will likely be the true backup and goal-line running back if Najee Harris ever gets injured. Overall, Steelers RB group is in the best shape it’s been in since Le’veon Bell left.