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Skip Bayless on "Undisputed" earlier this week said that he believes Ben Roethlisberger could play for another three years if he rededicated himself when it comes to training in the offseason.
Roethlisberger turned 39 last month and attempted 608 passes last season, which was the third-most in the league. The Steelers were one-dimensional on offense in 2020 that relied on quick rhythm passes, as they literally had no running game, ranking dead last in the league in rushing yards per game (84.4) and yards per carry (3.6). Bayless thinks the Steelers need to select a top-tier running back in the draft to not only boost their running game but to help Roethlisberger out, as well
"(Roethlisberger) will be better if they can draft a running back of the highest order," Bayless said. "Like Najee Harris, they have to. It's just sitting on a platter for them. ... Your first priority is to draft a running back. And Najee Harris would be qualified with that pick. It would be worth that pick."
Among mock drafts, Harris is the favorite to be selected by the Steelers at 24th overall. Harris is the most complete running back in this year's draft and he fits the mold of what the Steelers look for in a running back. He stands at 6-foot-2, 230 pounds and displays top-notch patience and power. In his four years at Alabama, Harris rushed for 3,843 yards on 638 carries (6.0 average) and 46 touchdowns. He also had 80 receptions for 781 yards (9.8 average) and 11 touchdowns.
Harris really broke out last season, rushing for 1,446 yards on 251 carries (5.8 average) and 26 touchdowns. In the air, Harris had 43 receptions for 425 yards (9.9 average) and four touchdowns. Harris was a unanimous All-American and first-team All-SEC in 2020.
While many are on board with Harris or a running back being the Steelers' first-round pick, Warren Sharp of Sharp Football and Mark Kaboly of The Athletic are against the idea of drafting a running back in the first round. In fact, Kaboly thinks the Steelers should wait until the third round to select a running back.
Regardless of how the Steelers approach getting a running back in the draft, one thing is for sure, they need to improve their running game immensely and help out Roethlisberger, who's heading into his 18th season with the Steelers.