It seems like a foregone conclusion that Najee Harris will leave the Steelers once free agency begins. He should have a decent market as it proves to be a weaker free-agent class. He has proven to be a consistent force running the rock, but he has never been a top-level player. Teams interested in signing Harris should not expect a spectacular star like Saquon Barkley.
Harris skipping town to cash in might be a perfect solution to the Steelers' woes. In the NFL, offense wins games. The Steelers must decide who their quarterback will be, but you better believe Arthur Smith will direct this offense based on their success running the ball. Despite the outcry, don't expect this team to change much going into the next campaign.
With a draft class stockpiled with talent at running back, expect the Steelers to attack the need in April.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
The headline prospect going into the draft process is Ashton Jeanty. He will probably get picked before the Steelers have a chance at him. He is an explosive runner and dragged a Boise State team into the College Football playoffs. He can become one of the best backs during his rookie campaign. Jeanty is a special player with plenty left in the tank.
Some might voice their concerns about Jeanty potentially losing some tread on his tires since he was used so much at Boise State. He would be a focal point in the Steelers offense, so it is good that he is used to being the main character in an offense. His mix of compact size and speed is something that will make him a dangerous runner at the next level for the next decade.
Most draft evaluators project Jeanty as a top 15 pick in the upcoming event.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
We go from a top pick in Jeanty to a likely middle-round prospect with Bhayshul Tuten. The Virginia Tech product has produced fantastic numbers throughout his college career. Things began at North Carolina A&T, where he established himself as a strong running back. He transferred to Virginia Tech for his final two collegiate seasons, where he continued to produce jaw-dropping plays.
Tuten has speed for days and would provide an explosive spark on offense.
If people are impressed with Jeanty, they better keep their eyes on Tuten too. He would be of tremendous value in the middle rounds of the draft. This prospect fits exactly what the Steelers want at the position, and he could be someone to circle as a favorite to land in Pittsburgh.
READ MORE: Steelers hit offensive trifecta in groundbreaking 3-round Mock Draft
TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Ohio State
Out of this crop of running backs listed, TreVeyon Henderson is the slowest, but not by much.
Not many running backs have enjoyed as good of a career at Ohio State than Henderson. He did all of it while sharing a good number of his carries. Despite others sharing the bounty, this fourth-year Buckeye managed to gain two 1,000-yard rushing seasons. The past two years alone saw him total 1,942 yards on the ground and tally 21 touchdowns.
One of the underlying positives in Hendersons game has been his all-around showing as a playmaker. He can catch the ball and make blocks when needed. Few backs are coming out who are comfortable with a duo in the backfield, which Pittsburgh employs. Henderson would be a terrific fit as someone projected to go on day two of the draft.