The new year of the league is scheduled to start in less than two weeks, and NFL Draft experts are in full swing publicizing their predictions, draft simulations, to the public before the NFL team needs to change drastically when the free agency begin.
Once the adulteration period begins on March 15, these simulated drafts will change depending on which team makes which changes to the free agency. For example, if the Pittsburgh Steelers went out and signed a free agent center, it would move the central position further down on their draft board before the NFL’s 2021 Draft.
With that in mind, ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay released his latest draft mock, and he has the Steelers doing something that many fans fear they will do – take a spin in the first round. Many fans would agree with McShay’s prediction, but recent history dictates that the Steelers would not have to catch a big name running in the first round to revive their dead racing game. In fact, most would agree that the offensive line should be the focal point for the team heading towards the draft process.
However, here’s who McShay got the Steelers to look at in their latest simulation sketch:
24. Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
Ben Roethlisberger is now under contract for 2021 and has many weapons. But with James Conner walking towards the free agency, the racing game needs a punch. Harris is that and more, presenting the ball’s speed, size, determination and safety as a rusher, as well as the upper part as a receiver and pass protector. Pittsburgh’s attack fell a lot in the second half of last season, and the best player still on the list is Benny Snell Jr., who managed just 3.3 yards per load last year. Harris averaged 6.0 over four seasons in Alabama, and his 26 running touchdowns in 2020 led to college football.
Brooke Pryor in his attack with the Steelers: For a team that started 11-0, Steelers has a list of needs in the 2021 draft, and running back tops that wish list. Harris would be an instant starter on a team that would likely split from Conner as a free agent. The Steelers urgently need to rejuvenate the racing game and really keep it going this season. Adding Harris is the first step.
Harris is a household name for those who watch college football. His move for Alabama speaks for itself, especially when Crimson Tide advanced to another National Championship in 2020. But if you are not so familiar with Harris, below is a sketch of the running back profile, via The Draft Network:
Harris is a versatile threat that was a rare case of a defense defender who has played all four seasons in Tuscaloosa. A tall, upright runner, Harris is a mix of strength, determination and versatility as a runner between tackles and a perimeter running threat. A comfortable pass catcher outside the defense field, he has made strides in his ability to receive passes throughout the seasons. A running back who may have passing concepts designed around his abilities, he can routinely place second-level defenders in a trap with patterns designed for attack coverage. A runner who always seems to fall forward on contact, he is a highly determined and physical aggressor who forces defenders to knock him to the ground through the echo of the whistle. Harris is not a running back that contains multiple gears, as he is a flat-footed runner who walks his way through defenses. Another important attribute in your resume is the ability to finish laps with touchdowns. Few match Harris’ willingness and “desire” to enter the final zone, as he led the country in scores in that area last season.
Ideal Paper: Featured top option running back.
Adjustment scheme: The multiple scheme fits both the man / gap / power blocking scheme and the zone-based blocking scheme.
What do you think of the Steelers beating Harris in the first round? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section and stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes on black and gold as they prepare for the new year of the league, NFL Free Agency and the NFL Draft 2021.