The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Najee Harris as their top selection in the 2021 NFL Draft. After a record breaking rookie season, the running back is everything the Steelers could have hoped for out of a first round running back. The question is, can this continue and will Harris avoid the dreaded sophomore slump this season?
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Reigning AP Defensive Player of the Year, and one of the Steelers’ leaders, TJ Watt already tabbed Harris as the offense’s new leader!
Najee Harris just came up to the @SteelersNRadio table to make sure @dabody52 and I know that he weighs 244 pounds. We aren't lying when we say this man is a beast. Hasn't lost a step either.
— Wes Uhler (@WesleyUhler) May 31, 2022
The Steelers have definitely emphasized the run game with their off-season additions of guard James Daniels and center/guard Mason Cole. The Steelers brought in some veteran experience to go along with their young offensive line. Now, it’s time for the Steelers to sit back and watch Harris go to work behind this new and improved offensive line.
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (left), and guard James Daniels (right), participate in phase two of the voluntary off-season workout program, Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Behind a less than stellar offensive line from a season ago, Harris totaled 1,200 yards and 7 touchdowns on 307 carries on the ground. He also had 74 receptions for 467 yards and 3 more touchdowns through the air. He’s a do it all running back who has shown that he only gets better with each snap.
NAJEEEEEEEEE@ohthatsNajee22 pic.twitter.com/rBIfSBFBDe
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) May 24, 2022
Rumor has it that the Steelers now second-year running back is looking bigger and more athletic at the team's organized team activities (OTA's) this year:
Warning: If you’re a Najee Harris fan. Sit down while watching this video. pic.twitter.com/xCJHXE70DX
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) May 27, 2022
Did you hear that? Josh Rowntree from 93.7 The Fan said this about Harris:
"I am floored by how much more athletic he looks this year. He's gotten bigger. He's got a Derrick Henry, Adrian Peterson look about him."
This is very intriguing! How much stronger can this guy get? How much more of a bruiser can Harris be? He's the epitome of a Pittsburgh Steelers' running back!
What do you think? Did the Steelers' running back get bigger compared to last season's OTAs?
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Najee Harris (22) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Tuesday May 24, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Najee Harris (22) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Thursday June 3, 2021 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Steelers' Harris is poised for big year two
The runner seems to have put a lot of work in this off-season and is poised for a big year two behind the improved Steelers' offensive line. Harris could very well eclipse 2,000 all-purpose yards this upcoming season, especially under offensive coordinator, Matt Canada's offense. This isn't that far-fetched of an idea, since the former Alabama star hit the 1,600 yard mark last season.
If the team is going to be successful no matter who is at quarterback, the offense is going to have to go through Harris. It's as simple as that. The Steelers have to get back to their roots and display the "Steeler Way." In order to help whoever is under center for the 2022 Steelers, the team will have to rely on hard-nosed defense and a hard-nosed rushing attack on offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back Najee Harris (22) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Wednesday May 25, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Behind Harris, the Steelers will be able to do just that. In his rookie year, the running back showed he can be relied on and looked up to as a leader. He just has to continue progressing and he'll become one of the elite runners in the National Football League!
Check out former Steeler Merril Hoge's breakdown of Harris' rookie season tape a little more in-depth here and you'll see how Harris did it all in his rookie year.
Do you think Najee Harris will outperform his record-breaking rookie season from a year ago this upcoming season? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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