PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers get the 24th overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday. We gathered our 93.7 The Fan experts together for who they would pick if Steelers GM. Here are the names we think could be the Steelers selection.
Najee Harris-RB-Alabama (6’2”, 230-pounds)
· Joe Starkey-“Mike Tomlin's offense runs best when he has the so-called "bell cow" running back, whether it was Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall, Le'Veon Bell or James Conner (when Conner was healthy a few years back). Harris is a three-down beast who can do a little bit of everything. Get that position filled and figure out the blocking later.
· Chris Mack-“When you look at Harris, his size, his breakaway ability, the route running and pass catching traits he showed off at Alabama's pro day, he is not just a Day One starter in the NFL, he is a Day One star in the NFL. He is exactly what the doctor ordered for an offense that needs a running game not just now -and despite an ongoing O-line rebuild- but also for the future when transition at the quarterback position may lead the Steelers down the path of a run-first offense.
· Joe Kapp-“I think the Steelers really missed having a RB that could carry the load and take all of the pressure off Ben out last year…and with James Conner off to Arizona they are very thin in the depth chart for anyone to be that bell cow type of guy. I know they have issues on the O-line which might make it silly to take a RB without blocking but the need is there to have a weapon and there should be a real weapon for them at 24….they can address line in later picks.”
· Matt Koll-“I've hopped on the bandwagon. In what will likely be Ben's last dance, give me as many playmakers around him as possible. The offensive line ultimately needs more help, yes. But I think they will almost naturally get better, especially in run blocking, by: Al Villanueva NOT being in it, Kevin Dotson being in a starting role, David DeCastro returning to road grader form after an injury-impacted season and the addition of whoever else they may draft outside of the 1st round. Modern day NFL wisdom says a 1st-round running back isn't worth it, but the experts say this is another deep offensive line class outside of the center position.
· Jim Colony-“The Steelers’ major needs are – in no particular order – running back, center and tackle. I’m guessing one of these 3 will be available when they go on the clock at number 24 - RB Najee Harris, his Alabama teammate C Landon Dickerson and Oklahoma State tackle Teven Jenkins. If all 3 are there, in a close call, I would take Harris over Jenkins and consider moving up in round 2 to draft Dickerson.”
Teven Jenkins-OT-Oklahoma State (6’6”, 320 pounds)
· Colin Dunlap-“Who are we kidding here? The Steelers can ‘find’ a running back — but they can’t just ‘find’ really good offensive linemen. Jenkins, to me at least, projects to be great.
And here’s the hook: He can play either the left or right tackle spot and slide in right away, from Week 1, to start. He is the man I want, and the guy the Steelers should get, to start to build this line for the future.
· Paul Alexander-“I would like to see the Steelers select Teven Jenkins from Oklahoma State. I know he's a right tackle and hasn't really been tested as a pass protector but his size and athleticism is off the charts. He would be a 10-year starter and a tremendous asset to help turn the run game around. Thanks for the time horse.
· Josh Rowntree-“Unless one of the top quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mac Jones slip significantly (they won’t), the Steelers need to target the offensive line. It’s not sexy, but it has clearly become the team’s biggest weakness, especially in run blocking. If he’s there, elite run blocking tackle Teven Jenkins from Oklahoma State would be a solid pick.
· Kraig Riley-“I would be thrilled if they draft Jenkins. He has the ability to start right away, would make the Steelers better because I don’t like the idea of sliding Chukwuma Okorafor from right to left tackle. He wasn’t even very good as a right tackle last year. I predict, though, they will draft Harris.”
· Andrew Limberg – “As much as I would like to see Harris drafted, he isn’t going anywhere if the Steelers don’t have an offensive line. They had one of the worst run games in the league last season and that is largely due to ineffective run blocking. Jenkins is a right tackle but can also play the left side. He’s even played guard a time or two.
His pass protection is good and his is run blocking will only continue to improve, but like Kraig, I think the Steelers are very high on Harris and will likely go with him if he is still on the board at #24.
Javonte Williams-RB-North Carolina (5’10”, 220 pounds)
· Andrew Fillipponi-“The Dolphins take Najee Harris with the 18th pick. Setting up my doomsday scenario. The Steelers still desperate for a running back, take a guy who wasn’t even the Tar Heels leading rusher in 2020. And pass on Travis Etienne to do it.
Landon Dickerson-C-Alabama (6’6”, 325 pounds)
· Dorin Dickerson-“With the departure of Maurkice Pouncey, Dickerson can fill the center position. He can also be a swing guard which makes him valuable for depth.”
Alijah Vera-Tucker=G/T-USC (6’4”, 308 pounds)
· Jeff Hathhorn- “Steelers love versatility and Vera-Tucker has played guard and tackle at the college level. While he might begin at tackle, I think he could be the replacement for David DeCastro at guard. Won the Pac-12 Morris Trophy as conference lineman of the year and is one of the best run blockers in the draft.”
Travis Etienne-RB-Clemson (5’10”, 205 pounds)
· Chris Mueller-Much to my chagrin, I think the Steelers are dead-set on picking a running back in the first round. I suspect their preference would be Najee Harris, but they'll settle for Travis Etienne or Javonte Williams if Harris is off the board. If they do this, it will be a shortsighted decision; without an offensive line upgrade, any back the team brings in will be faced with a difficult task. My guess is that Harris is gone, and the Steelers are forced to go with Plan B, or in this case, Plan E, as in Etienne.