NFL Draft 2021: Who Will The Steelers Select In The First Round?

PITTSBURGH, PA — The opinion is not unanimous. But with the NFL draft beginning Thursday, the consensus is that the Steelers will take Alabama running back Najee Harris with their first-round pick.

The move would make sense. The Steelers had the worst rushing game in the NFL last season and their lead running back, James Conner, recently signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Steelers CEO Art Rooney II indicated a need to upgrade the team's running game in his season-ending meeting with reporters, and team owners usually get their way.

Harris is Alabama's all-time leader for total touchdowns in a career with 57 (46 rushing, 11 receiving), as well as the university's career leader for rushing scores with 46. He totaled 3,843 career rushing yards to rank atop the Alabama all-time list and had 4,624 all-purpose
yards for his career, good for second all-time status at Alabama.

Here's what pro football writers across the country predict will happen when it's the Steelers turn to pick in the first round:

Peter King, NBC Sports: Najee Harris, running back, Alabama.

Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Creed Humphrey, center, Oklahoma.

Patrik Walker, CBS Sports: Alijah Vera-Tucker, offensive lineman, USC.

Jenny Vrentas, Sports Illustrated: Harris.

Vinny Iyer, Sporting News: Harris.

Todd McShay, ESPN: Harris.

Steve Palzaalo, Pro Football Focus: Asante Samuel Jr., cornerback, Florida State.

Maddy Hudak, USA Today: Harris.

Dale Lolley, DK Pittsburgh Sports: Travis Etienne, running back, Clemson.

Chris Pokorny, SB Nation: Harris.