In the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected running back, Najee Harris and the team hasn't looked back since! The rookie RB exploded onto the scene, breaking Steelers legendary RB Franco Harris' rookie rushing record for the franchise.
The Steelers caught a lot of flack for selecting a running back in the first round, due to the need of offensive linemen being seen as a lot higher on the priority list by a lot of analysts and fans. Harris proved the team right in their selection of him as he amassed 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.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris (#22), during a regular season game between against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA at Heinz Field. The Steelers beat the Broncos 27-19. | Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers
In an article by Bleacher Report released Wednesday morning, writer Joe Tansey provided a few “Hot Takes” for the Steelers offense for the upcoming 2022 season. His first take was titled, "Najee Harris Takes Aim at 1,500 Yard Season and Rushing Title."
"Harris could pose a tougher challenge to [Jonathan] Taylor in the rushing title race in 2022 because of how much the Steelers will call on him with a rookie quarterback on the field."
But why would the running back have a better year than last? Can he avoid the dreaded sophomore slump this upcoming season? Tansey continued in his article about why the Steelers RB could be much improved even following a stellar rookie campaign from last season.
"The Steelers relied a lot on Harris with Ben Roethlisberger under center, and they could rely on his experience in the pocket to work with the wide receiver corps.
Kenny Pickett may take a few games to adjust to the speed of the NFL, and that may result in a heavier reliance on Harris in September.
A strong start could propel Harris to the top of the rushing leaderboard, and he may not leave that position.
Harris only had one 100-yard rushing performance in the first eight games of his rookie season. He could easily eclipse that in 2022 with a larger set of responsibilities.
Harris can also increase his touchdown production and become one of the most coveted fantasy football running backs.
He reached the end zone seven times on the ground in 2022. It is not unrealistic to think he will double that touchdown total if Pittsburgh increases its red-zone trips under Pickett."
No matter who is under center for the Steelers in 2022, Harris has is eyes set on a 2,000-yard season!
AP Photo / Keith Srakocic
“So I have personal goals, I want to achieve a lot of stuff. Rush for 2k, you know what I mean,” said Harris earlier this off-season.
Harris is poised for an impressive second year as the Steelers running back, especially behind a much improved offensive line that welcomed guard James Daniels and center/guard Mason Cole. The team brought in some veteran experience via free agency 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.
What do yinz think? Can Najee Harris eclipse the 1,500-2,000 yard mark in 2022 and take over the rushing title? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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