Najee Harris isn’t just a high draft choice from Alabama. Here’s why the Steelers running back has the traits to become the best back in the league.
I’m not a big fan of running backs. Their impact in today’s game is smaller than it has ever been and I feel they get a remarkably high amount of praise that largely belongs to their offensive line and scheme.
When the Pittsburgh Steelers took Najee Harris in the first round, I was not thrilled. Even the best backs in the NFL can wear down quickly, and the organization can’t expect more than four or five very good years out of them. With already having a big college workload, Harris could potentially be on his last legs by the end of his rookie deal.
Still, regardless of my opinion on the value of the running back position, I think the Steelers got a very good player in Najee Harris. In fact, I would go so far as to say that he has the potential to be the best all-around running back in the league if the conditions are right. Here are four traits that could make Harris the NFL’s best do-it-all running back:
Workhorse ability
This term is used lightly, but regardless of your definition of a workhorse back, Najee fits the bill. At 6’2” and 232 pounds, Harris has the frame to carry the load. While size isn’t everything for running backs, typically smaller backs tend to get injured more often if asked to touch the ball too many times per game. Being big doesn’t ensure Harris that he’s not going to get injured, but the size helps.
However, perhaps the biggest requirement of a workhorse NFL running back his ability to stay on the field for all three downs and operate as a runner, blocker, and receiver all at a high level. I have no doubts that Najee Harris could do this on par with the best backs in the league, as he excelled at each aspect in college and should only continue to improve in the NFL.