Few teams counted on its rookie class the way the Pittsburgh Steelers did in 2021. Their top four picks, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, Dan Moore Jr., and Kendrick Green were Week One starters. While the Steelers’ rookies went through predictable struggles, NFL.com put them just outside the top ten among the best rookie classes this past season.
Nick Shook ranked Pittsburgh’s class 12th overall, writing about Day One pick Najee Harris:
“Harris became a workhorse, logging over 300 carries and gaining 1,200 yards on his way to a PFWA All-Rookie honor. The fact that he was running behind an inexperienced offensive line likely accounts for his relatively modest per-carry average (3.