The best all-around running back in the 2021 NFL Draft class is Alabama’s Najee Harris, and his draft projection reflects that. Likely to go off the board as the first RB selected, which teams could be the best landing spots for Harris as he begins a promising NFL career?
Najee Harris’ 2021 NFL Draft projection
Think of your favorite superlative that describes the best backs in the NFL, and you can apply it to Harris. Due to the Crimson Tide consistently sporting a loaded backfield, Harris did not break out until his junior season. As the featured back, he rushed 209 times for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 27 receptions for 304 yards and 7 more scores. However, that was not enough for him, and he surprised most analysts by returning for his senior season.
The goal was a National Championship — anything short was a failure. Harris came back and ultimately increased his draft stock. In 13 games, Harris amassed 1,466 yards with a staggering 26 rushing touchdowns, as well as 425 yards and 4 more touchdowns as a receiver.
Best landing spots for Najee Harris
While not described as a burner, his speed is more than adequate, and quite frankly, his tape speaks for itself. A polished and natural rusher, Harris possesses a vision that few match. Prospective teams recognize this as well, which is why we could see Harris buck the “never draft a running back in Round 1” narrative.
Pittsburgh Steelers
There might be no player who Steelers fans would universally love more come draft day than Harris. James Conner’s signing with Arizona signified the Steelers were going to address the RB position in the draft — it is just a matter of how early. If Harris is on the board at pick No. 24, I have a hard time seeing Mike Tomlin and company passing on him.
On the April 21 Draft Insiders show, PFN’s Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline made it clear that the Steelers are looking to upgrade their running game.
“It seems that the No. 1 player they are after is Najee Harris. They need a running back. I said last year they made a mistake passing on J.K. Dobbins because now, rather than handing the ball off to J.K. Dobbins, they’re going to have to stop him running over them with the Baltimore Ravens. (Harris) is a perfect fit. He fits the Steelers’ identity. He’s a three-down back. They have a gaping need at the running back position. So I think and I have been told that he is the guy they’ve been keying on.”
The Steelers completely abandoned the run last season and have no suitable RB1 on the roster. Although the left side of the offensive line is still an issue, the Steelers possess a scheme built for Harris. Conner did enjoy one stellar season, but the Steelers have been searching for a bell cow ever since Le’Veon Bell last stepped on the field. Harris could easily be that player and insert his name to the extensive list of all-time great Steelers RBs.
New York Jets
A critical component of the Shanahan-style offense is a reliable rushing attack. Currently, the New York Jets lack this in their offense. Following the Sam Darnold trade, they are assuredly selecting a quarterback, presumably Zach Wilson.
Having a rushing game to fall back on is pivotal in a young signal-caller’s development, as it takes time to reach the NFL speed and understand the playbook. The Jets have the makings of a decent team under Robert Saleh with a focus on the offensive line. Harris could seamlessly fit into this scheme and be the leading back from Day 1.
Miami Dolphins
One of Harris’ most intriguing draft projections, Miami has a luxury most teams do not with multiple first-round picks in 2021. Sure, some fans are anti-RB in Round 1, but Harris may be able to sway their opinions. Last season, Miami deployed a myriad of rushers and finally settled on Myles Gaskin. He played well, but he is not the Dolphins’ long-term solution.
There is also the instant familiarity as the Dolphins could get the proverbial band back together by selecting DeVonta Smith at No. 6 and Harris at No. 18 to join Tua Tagovailoa. Additionally, Harris’ ability as a pass blocker should not be overlooked — more specifically, his previous experience protecting Tua, who is a left-handed QB. The reads and protections are flipped with a left-handed QB, and Harris would be ahead of any learning curve that could befall another running back.
Atlanta Falcons
Under Dan Quinn, the Falcons were one of the most pass-happy teams in the NFL. In 2020, they ran a passing play on 62.1% of their offensive snaps. With Arthur Smith now as the head coach, I expect this to flip in 2021 and beyond.
Smith was a critical part of the Tennessee Titans’ run-based philosophy. It does help when you have someone like Derrick Henry. Despite their alma maters being the same, both Harris and Henry produce in different ways. Regardless of styles, Harris would be a fantastic fit for a new run-focused approach in Atlanta.
Buffalo Bills
You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has complete confidence in Devin Singletary or Zack Moss. The Buffalo Bills already own one of the scariest offenses in the NFL. Drafting Harris puts them over the top and into the elite territory.
In an offense where teams are focused on stopping Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen, it is well within Harris’ range of outcomes to generate 1,300 rushing yards. At the same time, he could see quite a few of his goal-line touchdowns swallowed up by Allen.
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Tommy Garrett is a writer for Pro Football Network covering the NFL and fantasy football. You can read more of his work here and follow him at @TommygarrettPFN on Twitter.