With so much riding on the Steelers first-round pick this season, this is a realistic best-case and worst-case scenario for Harris.
The Steelers made the not-so-surprising decision to draft Najee Harris in the first round of this past draft. While there are some questions as to the value that presents, no one should be projecting him not to start by week one. For those that play fantasy or are curious about what his rookie season could look like, it would be wise to temper expectations. With all of that said, here is a best-case and worst-case scenario for Harris’s rookie season.
How a best/worst case works
When breaking down Harris’s rookie season, it should be noted that this takes as realistic of an approach as possible. The worst-case scenario is that Harris looks like a bumbling fool while the best-case scenario is that he rivals the likes of Derrick Henry and rushes for over 2000 yards during the season. While both options are, in theory, possible, neither are exactly realistic when it comes to what will likely happen.
What will be taken into account, on the other hand, are some of the more likely scenarios. For example, with the running back position, it is rare for any player to make it a full season without getting injured, thus Harris getting injured is in play (albeit not a season-ending injury). As well, the Steelers offense is built to throw the ball and has a rebuilt offensive line. Thus factors will be considered when trying to come up with Harris’s final best- and worst-case scenarios.