The Steelers got their man in the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night.
After their rushing offense ranked dead last in the NFL in 2020, Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin knew they needed to add someone special to their run game, and they did that by selecting the first running off the board in Alabama's Najee Harris.
With the 24th pick in the #NFLDraft, we select RB Najee Harris. #SteelersDraft pic.twitter.com/uKyA7FqK0e
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 30, 2021
Harris came from a tough background, born in Martinez, Ca. and growing up in the San Francisco area. At times he lived in a car, hotel or even a homeless shelter in his young days. He hasn't forgotten his roots, and even hosted his draft party at the homeless shelter he spent time at in his youth:
Whatever team drafts Alabama's Najee Harris is getting a special person. Today he threw a draft party for kids at the homeless shelter where he lived for several years growing up. He told me it was emotional the first time he went back to visit. @kron4news #NFLDraft #RollTide pic.twitter.com/JadBIFh4pd
— Kylen Mills (@KylenMills) April 30, 2021
But even with those struggles, he became the highest rated running back in the country in 2017 class, committing to Alabama in 2015.
At Alabama, Harris would set school records with total touchdowns scored (57) and rushing touchdowns (46). His 3,843 career rushing yards also was the most in Crimson Tide history, while his 4,624 all-purpose yards rank second-all time for the program.
In 2020 he earned several awards, including the Doak Walker Award for the nation's top running back, was a unanimous First-Team All-American, while leading the nation with 30 total touchdowns and 26 rushing touchdowns.
Harris played a big role in Alabama winning the National Championship in 2020, and his combined skills at running back made him a dangerous weapon out of the backfield. He caught 43 of 53 targets for 425 receiving yards.
Now he gets to join the Steelers to continue his career.