Steelers make Harris 1st RB selected at No. 24

The Pittsburgh Steelers became the first team to take a running back in the 2021 NFL Draft, selecting Alabama's Najee Harris with the 24th overall pick.

Pittsburgh was reportedly zeroing in on the Alabama back leading into the draft. Harris is expected to be the Steelers' primary back after James Conner's departure this offseason.

The former Crimson Tide star rushed for 1,466 yards during the 2020 season en route to winning the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.

Pittsburgh had stated its intention to improve its rushing attack after a poor effort in 2020. The Steelers averaged just 3.6 yards per attempt last season, ranking last in the NFL.

Harris is the first running back the Steelers have selected in the first round since Rashard Mendenhall in 2008.

Draft profile

Key stats: 1,466 rushing yards, 425 receiving yards, 30 TDs, 5.8 YPC

One could reasonably brand Harris as a physical runner just by looking at his build. You wouldn't necessarily be wrong - he has the ability to run through tackles and wear down defenses. But the Alabama standout sets himself apart with his vision and ability to create additional yards through anticipation and rarely seen lateral movement for a player of his size. As a fluid receiver out of the backfield, he has the potential to fill a true every-down role. While a lack of home run speed may limit Harris' big-play upside, everything else he does screams feature back.