Why Najee Harris was the best option for Steelers in the NFL Draft

Matt Canada’s Offense needed a Running Back

With Matt Canada’s promotion to the offensive coordinator, he obviously has some schemes and designs for the running game. James Connor did not fit into that. One thing that stood out in 2020 the Steelers used the wide receivers in the running game.

Why not? Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster have the traits and physical makeup that can gain a lot of yardage if they catch the defense napping. Still, without a capable running back, it makes it harder to run rushing plays incorporating the wideouts.

Now with Harris involved, he will always be a threat in the gadget plays involving the wide receivers. Which will make plays like that harder for the defense to diagnose. Thus they have a higher chance of success. Much like Le’Veon, Harris is a bell-cow who will never really need to leave the field. His ability to run, catch, and block will allow Matt Canada’s offense to keep opposing defenses on their heels.

Many said ahead of the draft the Steelers need a center or a tackle or a linebacker. It’s true that those were areas of concern. However, without a star running back, regardless of who you put on the offensive line, how many times would Ben Roethlisberger be forced to pass the ball every game next season?  A lesson was learned in the loss to the Browns, and Najee Harris is exactly what the Steelers need.