The Pittsburgh Steelers selecting running back Najee Harris with their first round pick in this year's draft shed some light on a position that had the most question marks going into the new year. Harris, will presumably be going into the 2021 campaign as the team's starting running back standing behind future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers, and Harris himself, hope that in bringing Harris to the 'Burgh, the Steelers will be able to go back to playing their style of football on a more consistent basis than what has been previously broadcasted.
Finding “their guy” at this position has not necessarily been the singular issue with this offense. The Steelers have found players who ended up finding success rushing the ball in Pittsburgh mostly in part due to the superior former offensive line this team had just a few short years ago. Running back’s Le’Veon Bell and James Conner were each able to put together at least one Pro Bowl season while in the black and gold, but the problem has been providing those types of Pro Bowl numbers on a weekly basis. As of late, the lack of consistency in the running game has been this team's Achilles' heel (whether that be due to the lack of production by each back himself, or just not being able to stay on the field). The running game needs to be more consistent. Period.
Obviously, there is so much excitement following the selection of Harris. He provides all the tools and has the skillset to be an elite workhorse in this league. There have been some rumblings that the Steelers organization plans on building their offense around Harris and the running game for years to come and if that is the case, that is music to all of SteelerNation's ears. Having said that, nothing is guaranteed in this league, especially when trying to make plans for the future. Every team starts out the same 0-0 and the season begins fresh once another closes. While you can’t predict what will happen, you can always plan for it.
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The running back position is going to be a fun one to watch once camp officially opens up in the coming weeks. We know that Harris is going to be the starter, you don't waste a first round pick on a guy who is not ready to make an immediate impact on that particular football team from day one. Harris hasn't fell short of impressing throughout Rookie Minicamp, even with all eyes on his every move, he excelled. The pressure of rebuilding this Steelers running game is going to be solely focused on Harris himself, and while I do think he is going to get the majority of the workload, there are some talented rushers behind him on the depth chart currently that might be able to take some of the pressure off.
Before Harris officially got drafted, there were some who had confidence in our running game with Benny Snell Jr. set to become the team's new workhorse. Snell has been looked at throughout his short career as a short down back who continuously fights for those extra yards, not necessarily the speed type of running back that now seems to be translating into the NFL, but more of the classic type. He had been Conner's backup for just over two years now, and on some occasions was able to put up better numbers. While Harris will seemingly be the every down back in 2021, having a player like Snell who you can insert in certain positions where extra tough yards are needed to give Harris a break, is beneficial.
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Behind Harris and Snell Jr. are Anthony McFarland, Jaylen Samuels and Kalen Ballage. McFarland and Samuels share some of the same capabilities. Both are the type of running back to not only be comfortable rushing the ball, but also making catches out of the backfield with just as much confidence. While Samuels might have more of a resume to go off of in the NFL, McFarland is a guy who I expect to see a lot more playing time this season compared to last, especially now that his former offensive coordinator at Maryland University, Matt Canada has been hired to the same position with the Steelers. Samuels vs McFarland may be a battle to watch for a roster spot when training camp begins based on how similar their skillsets are.
On the other hand, there is not much to go off of as far as Ballage is concerned. He has been in the league for just three years and has played with three different teams during that time. After having a strong season in 2018, Ballage tore his Achilles' tendon the following year and was released by the Miami Dolphins after his statistics dropped significantly. Although I do think it is a stretch to see Ballage suit up for this team on Sundays, he will have a fair shot to make this team's final 53-man roster competing for that spot under Harris on the depth chart.
If anything, the competition can only bring out the best in each one of these players, in turn helping this organization win football games. If you are going to rebuild a rushing attack, It always starts at the top, and having a player like Harris on your team just means you are one step closer to accomplishing that goal.
Are you confident in this year's running game? Let us know in the comment section below!
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