One of the more polarizing players on the Pittsburgh Steelers offense for the past three years has been former first-round pick, Najee Harris. Given the position he plays, it is easy to argue that the pick was forced and perhaps a reach. With Ben Roethlisberger’s career winding down and the team desperately looking for the final piece to make one last run, the pick was supported by the media and fans alike. Harris was selected by former General Manager Kevin Colbert, who is no longer with the organization in that capacity.
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Former Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger (7) embraces Najee Harris (22).
After a tremendous rookie year, including an electric game-sealing run against the Cleveland Browns in Roethlisberger's final home game, expectations were high for the first-round pick. His second year was tough while battling injuries and his third year included members of the fan base and media calling for his job. After a strong finish, fans and media alike are asking a similar question: What will the Steelers do with his fifth-year option?
Some will argue that his yards per carry is too low (career 3.93 YPC) and that he doesn’t have the burst needed to be an elite back. Some even went as far as to compare the 25-year-old back to infamous first-round bust, Trent Richardson.
Under The Radar Success
Let’s look at the positives surrounding Harris both on and off the field. From a numbers standpoint, it is hard to deny he has been effective. Harris has rushed for three straight 1,000-yard seasons to begin a career for the first time in Steelers history. When you think about the backs that this franchise has had during its illustrious history, that seems unfathomable. Also, Harris has been as dependable as they come at this point of his career. He has never missed a game due to injury, despite seeming to battle through injuries every week.
2023 was the first time in his career that Harris averaged over four yards per carry. The offensive line play during his short tenure thus far has been subpar at best. Now that the Steelers have infused money and high draft picks into the line (with potentially more to come), it is not a coincidence that Harris had his most efficient season yet.
If you look at Harris off the field, there is no question that he should be back. At 25 years old, he already has valuable leadership traits. He seems to hold himself and his teammates to very high standards. Sometimes, even the coaches. That has been seen during his press conferences throughout his career. He is not afraid to comment on his frustrations and what he thinks can be changed to help the team. Also, the way he has embraced and helped Jaylen Warren, a man fighting to steal his job, has been a delight to see. The two have become a dynamic duo in the backfield and the way they both support each other has been amazing to see. The man just wants to win by any means necessary.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Is a Najee Harris Fan
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) and Najee Harris (left).
Finally, we know Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin loves him some Najee. Whether it’s videos of them together, or the quote that the Steelers put out on social media this week, that is evident.
“He’s been what we needed him to be. He’s a 1,000-yard rusher three straight years….. and I just think that speaks to his consistency, availability. He’s been really solid.”
That is a glowing compliment from the man in charge.
Arthur Smith Has a History With Alabama Running Backs
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Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry (#22) carries the football during an NFL matchup.
Also, Harris could potentially even be a late bloomer like his fellow Alabama alumni Derrick Henry. Through three years, Harris has 3,269 yards and 22 touchdowns. Henry had 2,293 yards and 22 touchdowns. Both are very big for running backs and both carry a viscous stiff arm with them. Speaking of Henry, it was new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith who helped transform Henry’s career.
With Smith as Henry’s offensive coordinator, Henry had by far his best two seasons. Henry rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2019 and somehow was even better in 2020 when he rushed for 2,027 yards and 17 touchdowns. While Henry has shown that he is still good without Smith, he was clearly at his best with Smith calling the plays. The Steelers obviously cannot expect Harris to take that drastic of a jump, but it would be wise to see if Harris can take another step forward in Smith’s gap run scheme.
No matter what side of this discussion you find yourself on, it will be interesting to see what Tomlin and company decide to do.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Does Harris deserve the extra year? Comment below!
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