Please, compare Najee Harris to the last Steelers 1st round RB

The Steelers didn’t get there with Mendenhall

The next three seasons make up the prime of Mendenhall’s career. He essentially took over as the primary back in 2009 as Parker became more injured and less of an impact player. He started 12 of 16 games, amassed 1369 total yards (1108 were rushing yards), and eight scores (seven of which were on the ground).

He had his best statistical year in 2010, starting every game and totaling 1440 yards and 13 scores (he rushed for 1273 yards and all 13 touchdowns). 2011 was his last effective season, playing in 15 games and logging 1082 total yards (928 on the ground) and nine touchdowns.

During those three seasons, the Steelers did make it to one Super Bowl (the loss to Green Bay) and were mostly a competitive team. While the era of passing dominance wasn’t upon us yet, the league was shifting its focus. The Steelers were no different, as the young money crew was beginning to take hold of this receiving offense.

Despite statistically posting fine seasons, Mendenhall isn’t remembered as a good back. Part of that has to do with his fumble in the Super Bowl loss, but that lone play seems to cap off the general sense that he wasn’t a good first-round pick.