Ranking the Steelers among AFC North running back groups

3. Steelers lack of depth behind Najee Harris makes them lower on the list

The Steelers might be a shocker at not being the worst group at running back in this division. The AFC North has some talented groups at the position, but Pittsburgh has a talented starter with Najee Harris. He has been a difference maker and proved himself during his rookie year despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in football.

He fought his way to a Pro Bowl nomination in 2021 and that really made him stick out among this group. He could be argued as the best running back in the AFC North even though there are at least two other legit stars at his position. He has a long career ahead of him, but his rookie campaign helped prove his efforts were bountiful.

Running backs are not highly valued in the NFL, but the Steelers still decided to use their first-round pick in 2021 on Harris. It worked out well for them and started to show a glimmer of hope for the future of this running game on offense. The main issue why the black and gold are in consideration for the worst group in the division is their lack of depth.

They have the star player, but at his current rate and lack of quality depth behind him, he will have a shorter career. There are no proven quality backs behind him that have good starting experience in the NFL. Benny Snell and Anthony McFarland have not done a lot in this league and should not be the only options to make the roster behind Harris.