The Pittsburgh Steelers, historically known for their formidable ground game, have faced a rollercoaster of opinions on their 2021 first-round draft pick, Najee Harris. While the team has recently found some success on the ground, a former NFL scout turned analyst, John Middlekauff, argues that drafting Harris was a significant mistake.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris makes another gravity defying leap over a defender.
Despite the Steelers' overall offensive struggles in the 2023 season, their rushing attack has recently displayed signs of life. The 205-yard rushing performance against the Green Bay Packers in the recent 23-19 victory turned heads, giving Steeler Nation a reason for optimism. Jaylen Warren and Harris led the charge.
Over the last three games, the Steelers' rushing offense has averaged an impressive 147 yards per game, securing the 4th spot in the league during this period. This surge is noteworthy considering the team's overall 20th ranking in total rushing yards for the 2023 season. The Steelers' ground attack will be vastly tested this Sunday as they meet Myles Garrett and the stout Cleveland Browns defense.
Steelers' Najee Harris is "Pretty Average"
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Najee Harris flies over San Francisco 49ers safety, Talanoa Hufanga during Week 1 in 2023.
Middlekauff didn't mince words when discussing Harris on his recent 3 and Out podcast. Middlekauff, who has been closely observing Harris since his high school days and during his tenure at Alabama, expressed disappointment, labeling the talented running back as "pretty average."
"I’ve watched Najee since he was in high school. I’ve loved him. Obviously, one of the biggest recruits in the country. Followed his career closely at Alabama. He’s just pretty average. If you could have that as a do-over, they would have a do-over. Hell, they picked the wrong running back. Back to back picks, it was Najee Harris and Travis Etienne. In 2023, it’s not even debatable who you would rather have out of those two players."
Harris vs. Etienne
Harris entered the NFL with immense expectations after a phenomenal college career. However, Middlekauff's comments bring into question that Harris has been a disappointment in Pittsburgh. Harris made the Pro Bowl in 2021, and rushed for over 1,000 yards in both of his first two seasons wearing the black and gold. In that same time span, Harris collected 14 touchdowns and rushed for 2,234 yards.
It’s no question that the 2023 season has been somewhat of a down year for Harris, but it seems outright silly to state that the Steelers should have taken Etienne instead. At this point in time, sure Etienne has out performed Harris, but it’s way too premature to end this debate. On top of that, Etienne has the benefit of being the lone production back for the Jaguars. Part of the reason Harris’ stats are down are largely due to the emergence of Warren.
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Steelers 2022 Training Camp Star RB Jaylen Warren
Warren is coming off his first ever 100+ yard rushing game and has been a huge spark for the offense. You can't blame Harris for Warren earning more reps and having a two-back system might actually prolong the career of Harris. We all know how fragile the running back shelf life is.
The Impact on the Steelers Run Game
Despite Middlekauff's criticisms, the recent surge in the Steelers' rushing performance indicates that Harris has been an integral part of the team's improved ground attack. Harris has also scored three touchdowns in his last four games. Whether the team could have achieved the same success with Etienne remains speculative as he would have been in a different situation here in Pittsburgh.
As the Steelers continue their 2023 campaign, the debate surrounding the decision to draft Harris intensifies. Middlekauff's assertion that the Steelers made a colossal mistake adds another layer of intrigue to the ongoing discussion. Only time will tell whether Harris can silence the critics and prove his worth as a first-round pick in the NFL.
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional football, draft decisions are often scrutinized, and opinions on player selections can vary widely. The Steelers' choice of Harris over Etienne is a topic that will likely persist, providing fans and analysts alike with ample material for ongoing debate. For now, Steelers fans can remain optimistic that Harris can get back to his rookie season form.
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