The worst kept secret in the 2021 NFL draft was how much the Pittsburgh Steelers wanted to draft former Alabama running back Najee Harris. The path was perfect for Pittsburgh as no one team either viewed Harris as a first-round pick or didn’t prioritize running back at all.
This allowed Harris to just fall into the laps of the Steelers giving them the most talented running back they have had since Le’Veon Bell. A strong case can be made that Harris is a better back than Bell was coming out of college.
So where does Harris fit? Right at the top of the depth chart. Yes, we know that head coach Mike Tomlin will ceremoniously keep Benny Snell at the top of the depth chart but once the season starts, Harris is going to be the man. And rightfully so. Without Harris this is perhaps the most woeful running back depth charts in the NFL.
Harris instantly made one of the veteran backs on the depth chart expendable, mostly likely Jaylen Samuels but if the Steelers only keep three running backs, newly-acquired Kalen Ballage has an uphill battle as well.
