Because of the seemingly never-ending pipeline of talent that head coach Nick Saban had on his roster last season, especially on offense, former Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris became somewhat of a forgotten player leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. Because of the presence of quarterback Mac Jones and the wide receiver tandem of Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, Harris hasn't been talked about nearly as much as his ex-Alabama teammates.
Nonetheless, the Pittsburgh Steelers have apparently made Harris a priority, as the franchise officially selected him with the no. 24 overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. It is also worth noting that Harris has become the first running back off the board on Thursday evening.
The 23-year-old Harris spent four seasons at Alabama en route to stringing together quite the impressive campaign as a senior in 2020. After rushing for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns on 209 carries as a junior, Harris then upped the ante in 2020-21 by rushing for 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns on 251 carries. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry as a junior before averaging 5.8 yard per carry as a senior
Although his production as a junior and senior trended upward, he actually averaged a whopping 6.7 yards per carry on 117 carries as a sophomore back in 2018-19.
It remains to be seen as to whether or not Najee Harris can make an immediate impact at the NFL level, but his work ethic and will to win surely won't be an issue moving forward. Harris absolutely has what it takes to continue the trend of the talented Alabama running backs that have come before him.
For the Steelers, after James Conner signed with the Arizona Cardinals, the need for a running back was even more pressing and they get the best one available in the class.
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