There is not much to argue when someone considers Jerome Bettis, Le'Veon Bell and Willie Parker as the Pittsburgh Steelers best running backs of the century. There were some mixed in between that had some talent such as Rashard Mendenhall and James Conner, but no one compares to the three above. That is, until the Steelers drafted Najee Harris in the first round back in 2021. Harris only has one season under his belt, but has the opportunity to cement his name in Steelers history the next few years. He has all the traits from the top three and they are mixed into one super talented back.
Steelers Harris Has Bettis' Power
Harris was listed at 6'1, 232 pounds on the Steelers roster page in 2021. Bettis was 5'10 and 255 pounds in his last season. It is crazy to look at the body types of the two players and see how different they are. Harris has a stunning amount of power and can run north and south as strongly as Bettis did.
Pittsburgh Steelers Jerome Bettis runs in for a one-yard score against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 13, 2005. (Photo by Sean Brady/NFLPhotoLibrary)
Harris has the capability to not only run through defenders, but get into the end zone. He had seven touchdowns during his rookie season which is exactly what Bettis had in his first year with the Los Angeles Rams. We all know that Bettis went on to score 94 career regular season touchdowns and became a member of the Hall of Fame. Harris' power that can be compared to Bettis' is one of the main features that makes him dangerous out of the backfield. His agility and ability to contribute in the passing game is another attribute that he possesses.
Harris and Bell's Quick Feet And Receiving Capability Are Alike
The Steelers current RB1 had 74 receptions in 2021. Bell had only 45 his first year as the starting ball carrier. His best two years, he had 84 and 75, respectively. Harris was the most prominent player on the offense last season and it wasn't just because of his 1,200 yards on the ground. He was a constant threat in the air for Ben Roethlisberger and was second on the team in catches.
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Le'Veon Bell #26 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
We knew Bell for his patience and ability to stop on a dime and Harris has shown the ability to do both that and explode if a hole opens up. The similarities between these two backs are probably the most significant out of the three guys and that is both a compliment to Harris and positive sign for Steelers fans.
Harris Has The Speed and Big Play Ability Of Parker
We all remember Parker for his incredible record-breaking run in Super Bowl XL. But, the undrafted running back had several other breakout plays during his time in Pittsburgh. Harris showed his big gain play ability in his rookie season with six rushes of 20+ yards and that was with a struggling offensive line that is bound to improve this upcoming season.
A classic Steelers run play set Parker off on his record touchdown scamper. Damien Strohmeyer / Sports Illustrated
Parker's speed completely changed the complexion of the Steelers rushing attack. He had Harris by about .17 seconds in the 40-yard dash, but when you combine all of Harris' abilities together, that .17 seems very miniscule.
The main thing that Harris is lacking out of this is a serviceable backup. If the current backup situation is addressed, Harris will be able to take a breather every once in a while regardless of how much of a work horse he truly is. Bettis had Duce Staley and Parker. Bell had Conner, and Mendenhall was backed up by Isaac Redman. The last thing that these four backs need to have in common is a trustworthy guy behind him.
Harris is very much so a mixture of the three best Steelers' running backs of the 21st century. There is no doubt that he could play into being one of the best backs in the franchise's history if he stays healthy, the line continues to improve and he plays with all of the traits that his dominant predecessors did.
Do you see a little bit of Bettis, Bell and Parker in Harris? Let us know in the comments below!
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