Using a first-round pick on a running back is always a huge risk when it comes to theNFL Draft. Running backs aren't as durable as they were and they're pretty much expendable for most teams. That's why multiple people thought the Pittsburgh Steelers were making a mistake by using the 24th overall pick in Najee Harris.
Harris was a huge difference-maker during his stint with the Alabama Crimson Tide, improving on a yearly basis and helping them win a national championship. He's 6'2, strong, and has a solid ability to change directions and break tackles.
That prompted the Steelers to use their first-round pick on him, as they believe that he's just the perfect player to take their offense to the next level and take the division away from the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns again.
Steelers' GM Says Najee Harris Is An NFL-Ready, Three-Down Back
When asked about their pick, Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert said that Harris was making NFL runs in college already and that Urban Meyer's system in Alabama would help him have a smooth transition to the pros:
“Najee is a well-rounded running back that played in a pro system. He made NFL runs routinely, and he could also play in the passing game, both as a receiver and as a blocker. He’s basically a three-down back coming from an NFL-like system, plugging into a similar type system. He made NFL runs at the collegiate level. He did it at a high level. He helped them win a national championship, so hopefully he can help us win some games," Colbert told ProFootballTalk Radio.
Colbert Says Harris Will Make The Steelers' Offense Better
Colbert added that he believes that Harris will make an immediate impact as their bell-cow running back. He thinks that the Steelers' revamped offensive line plus the addition of Harris will help them take their offense to a whole new level:
“Well, we think anytime you talk about the running game, you talk about what starts up front,” Colbert added. “You talk about your receivers being able to get open, your quarterback being able to complete passes. Having a well-rounded passing game that opens up for the running back in addition with having a capable runner. We had capable runners last year. Our offensive line went through a transition. Hopefully, we’re going to come out the other side of it. It’s comprehensive. When we had the opportunity to take a guy like Najee, we think that’ll help significantly with our run game.”
Pittsburgh's running game last season was pedestrian at best. James Conner was inefficient and often hurt, and Ben Roethlisberger's game didn't do much to open up lanes on the ground either. Hopefully, Harris will be that running back they've been craving since Le'Veon Bell's departure.
