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After the 2020 season, we could see a significant changing of the guard at multiple positions on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster. No one knows how much longer quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be able to play and there’s a real possibility the Steelers won’t sign running back James Conner back.
Our friends over at Draft Wire put out a new 2021 NFL mock draft and addressed the future of both of these positions in two rounds.
In the first round, they have the Steelers drafting Alabama running back Najee’ Harris. Harris is an interesting case and the Steelers running back depth chart is just as interesting. Even if Conner leaves, there are some talented players behind him including Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. so I’m not sure if running back is a first-round priority at this point.
Moving to the second round, they have the Steelers drafting Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan. Morgan has been the most significant part of the Gophers resurgence as he led the team to 11 wins last season. He has all the physical tools to be a very good NFL starter and plays with a high football IQ.
But looking at how the draft played out, it’s hard to see the Steelers draft Harris in the first round and then see Georgia quarterback Jamie Newman go just a handful of picks later. He’s got the potential to be a really special player on par with players like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes in terms of combo athleticism.
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