Many draft analysts going into the 2021 NFL draft have said drafting a running back in the first round would not be a good value for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Typically the Steelers do not draft a running back in the first round of the NFL draft. In fact, the last time the Steelers have drafted a running back in the first round was in 2008 when they picked Rashard Mendenhall. He did bring the Steelers (2) 1,000 rushing yard seasons, but overall his value did not bring one that was worth a first-round pick.
Going into the 2021 NFL draft it is a different story for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They can justify bringing in a running back in the first round especially if it is Najee Harris. The Steelers have finished ranked in the bottom 20 the past three seasons in regards to the running game and I believe Art Rooney II has seen enough of it. If the Steelers want to get their running game back they will need to draft some good offensive linemen and a premier running back. That is where they should look at going into the early rounds of the 2021 NFL draft.
Mike Tomlin did say the Steelers are capable of playing better with the players they currently have in regards to the running game but do you really believe that statement because I sure don't. That just seems to be Tomlin playing coy at the idea of the Steelers taking a running back early on in the 2021 NFL draft. I don't blame Tomlin either because why would you want to tip your hand?
Colbert did address the value of the running back position and said he doesn't think you can ever underestimate the value of a quality player at any position, including running back. That is music to my ears because I believe the Steelers should key in on Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, or Javonte Williams going into the 2021 draft, and from the vibe I got today from Colbert that very well could be what they will do, but keep in mind the Steelers are very unpredictable when it comes to the draft so it wouldn't be a surprise if they went with the best available player in the first round.