Many are split on who will be the first running back selected in the 2021 NFL Draft between Alabama’s Najee Harris or Clemson’s Travis Etienne. My latest big board has Harris tops at the position, and here are the latest rumors that I’m hearing regarding potential landing spots for the Alabama RB.
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According to rumors, Najee Harris unlikely to land in Arizona
There’s a popular belief on the outside that the Arizona Cardinals will select Harris with the No. 16 overall pick of the draft. Those close to the situation tell me that’s very unlikely to happen. The 16th pick of Round 1 is a bit too early to select Harris. Also, he’s not a great fit for the Cardinals’ scheme. I’ll have more on what I’m hearing about the Cardinals in a future article.
What are Harris’ potential landing spots?
Are the Miami Dolphins in play for Najee Harris?
The next spot could be two selections later, with the Miami Dolphins at pick 18. I’ve reported since the Senior Bowl that the Dolphins are very high on Harris. Additionally, the team has a big need at running back. Still, while I won’t completely discount it at this point, I think it’s less than 50-50 that the Dolphins choose Harris.
Will Harris wind up with the Jets at pick 23?
For the past month, I’ve known that the New York Jets like Harris a lot. However, I doubt they take him with their second pick in the first round at No. 23. Again, it’s a scheme fit situation. Additionally, I’m told the Jets are high on Michael Carter and Khalil Herbert, who are both Day 2 selections.
The Steelers could be in a prime position to draft Harris at 24
So once again, it comes back around to the Pittsburgh Steelers, another team that’s sky-high on Harris — as I’ve reported since the Senior Bowl. Those close to the situation tell me it’s a perfect fit. The Steelers desperately need a No. 1 running back. Harris fits the team’s identity, and the cupboard is bare on Pittsburgh’s type of ball carrier during Day 1 or 2, outside of Harris and Trey Sermon.
Who else could the Steelers consider with the 24th pick?
Which other names are ones to watch when the Steelers are called to the clock with the No. 24 overall selection? Over the past month, I’ve mentioned offensive tackle Teven Jenkins as a player they like and could target. I’m told center Landon Dickerson is also in the conversation with that pick. And while I like Dickerson as a player and grade him as a Day 2 prospect off the film, his checkered medical history dating back to Florida State is a major concern for many.
If the Steelers snag Harris in Round 1, Wisconsin-Whitewater offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz could be the target at pick 55, if he’s available. The Steelers like Meinerz, and he’d be another terrific fit. However, there are questions as to whether he lasts to the team’s pick at the bottom of Round 2 or not.
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