Steelers Great Jerome Bettis Thinks Najee Harris Can Be Special With Rebuilt Offensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers have invested heavily in the offensive line in the past two offseasons. Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis thinks it could elevate Najee Harris to another level. Harris has consistently contributed to the team, compiling three 1,000-yard seasons while starting every game since being drafted in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. The organization might push the former Alabama Crimson Tide standout even more after declining his fifth-year option. Bettis thinks he could prosper with the upgrades on the offensive line. 

Bettis joined The Joe Starkey Show on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday and explained why he thinks Harris is in line for more success in 2024 after the team committed to putting together a more potent offensive line. 

"I thought his first year and a half, he didn't have the success he would've liked," Bettis said. "But I do believe the Steelers didn’t put the offensive line out there that was going to give him success. Realistically, last year was the first year they had an offensive line that really could be good at run-blocking."

Bettis said it's unfortunate that many look only at a running back's numbers to determine if the player is successful. He said there's not enough of an emphasis on the situation. When Harris arrived in 2021, the Steelers were in the middle of rebuilding the offensive line. Long-time franchise cornerstones, center Maurkice Pouncey, and guard David DeCastro, retired at the end of the 2020 season, leaving Pittsburgh to scramble for new starters. 

When the Steelers played the Buffalo Bills in Week 1 of Harris' rookie season, the starting lineup included two rookies, center Kendrick Green and tackle Dan Moore Jr., and a largely inexperienced second-year guard in Kevin Dotson. Dotson and Green are no longer with the team, and Moore's job as a starter is in question after the team used a first-round pick on an offensive tackle for the second consecutive year. 

Bettis said having a good line can make all the difference in the world for a running back. During his time in Pittsburgh, he had a Hall of Fame center, Dermontti Dawson, for the first five years and another Hall of Famer, guard Alan Faneca, from 1998 until Bettis retired after the 2005 season. He said he thrived statistically because he had those great players blocking for him. 

Steelers Have Made A Concentrated Effort To Improve The Offensive Line

The Steelers have drafted an offensive tackle in the first round in the last two drafts. In 2023, the team moved up to take Broderick Jones with the 14th overall pick, and in 2024, Troy Fautanu landed in their laps at pick 20. The team also added center Zach Frazier in the second round in 2024 and guard Mason McCormick in the fourth round.

Bettis said the team wouldn't have made such a heavy investment in the unit if they didn't realize it was a problem. He didn't even mention the additions of guards James Daniels in free agency in 2022, and Isaac Seumalo as a free agent in 2023. 

"That’s showing you that the offensive line is not where it needs to be," Bettis explained. "They’ve made it a point of emphasis, which means as a running back, you’re going to be much better. 

The team's new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith, rose to fame as the Tennessee Titans play-caller, and it was another former Alabama running back that helped his rise. Derrick Henry led the league in rushing attempts and yards in his two seasons as the workhorse back for Smith.