2021 NFL Mock Draft: Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. give their final picks for the Steelers

The time is finally here. The 2021 NFL Draft leaves experts like Todd McShay and Mel Kiper Jr. with just one last chance to predict what will happen when the picks are actually made over the course of the next three days.

Both McShay and Kiper released their final mock drafts of the 2021 draft season, and it was fitting they both had the Pittsburgh Steelers taking running backs. The difference was they both selected different players.

Take a look at McShay’s pick in his latest, and final, mock draft:

Todd McShay

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Najee Harris, RB, Alabama

In another spot where offensive line is a consideration, the Steelers replace running back James Conner with Harris, a powerful back who is slippery between the tackles. Pittsburgh averaged the fewest yards per carry in the NFL last season.

With McShay taking Harris, Kiper would be the one to go outside the box, sort of, with his running back selection. Take a look at Kiper’s pick from his latest, and final, mock draft:

Mel Kiper Jr.

24. Pittsburgh Steelers

Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson

The Steelers have needs at offensive line and corner, but there have been rumblings that they like the top running backs. Etienne’s pass-catching skills will give Ben Roethlisberger easy throws.

The Steelers fan base is pretty split when it comes to the thought of the Steelers taking a running back in the first round. Many believe the team could still get a great back in later rounds, while others just don’t think any of the aforementioned prospects are worthy of a Day 1 selection.

But then there is the fraction of the fan base who are clamoring for the Steelers to finally take a legit running back, something the team hasn’t had since Le’Veon Bell was drafted out of Michigan State.

What will the Steelers do? No one knows, and they likely don’t know either considering they will have to adapt to the changing board as players are selected. Either way, would you be happy, or upset, if the Steelers took either Harris or Etienne in the first round? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the best NFL Draft coverage of the Steelers anywhere on the internet.