It wouldn't take anyone long to find NFL Draft analysis about how the running back position isn't worth first round picks in today's NFL.
That's been a debate around the Steelers' selection of running back Najee Harris with their first round pick Thursday, after the Steelers' rushing offense being the worst in the NFL in 2020.
When asked about the narrative against running back value Friday, Harris was clear about where he stood on the debate.
"I honestly don't think running backs should be devalued," Harris said. "I guess that's what the media is saying."
The Steelers are an organization that's tried to build a backfield without investing at top pick at running back by selecting a running back outside of the top 100 picks in each of the last four drafts. But none of them stuck, just like I've showed that most running backs picked in such groups haven't for the teams that drafted them.
Harris' selection in the first round made him the first Steelers running back picked higher than the third round since Le'Veon Bell was selected in the 2013 NFL Draft. Since Bell left the team, the Steelers have yet to win a playoff game and have dropped from ranking 14th in 2016 to 32nd in 2020.
"I'm glad (the Steelers) think the same way as me," Harris continued about running back value. "Now that I'm here, we're going to work on the running game to be better. I'm just glad I'm a Steeler."
When asked if he had any thoughts on how the Steelers might use him, Harris said he wasn't sure, but he was excited based off what he's watched from the Steelers in past years.
"I've seen how they've utilized running backs," Harris said about the Steelers. "Especially when Le'Veon was here and how they were used in the passing game and the running game. I like how they get used as a three-down back and even line up wide. I feel like I can do all that stuff and get better. I'm excited to learn more."