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2021 NFL draft: 3 Early Candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year

By Michael Hanich

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks on prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers looks on prior to the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Najee Harris, Alabama football (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Najee Harris (Running Back) – Pittsburgh Steelers

There were several angles the Pittsburgh Steelers could have gone with the 24th overall pick. The Steelers needed to find the future starting quarterback for an aging Ben Roethlisberger and a consistent player for a depleted offensive line. One player that the Steelers couldn’t turn away from was Alabama running back Najee Harris.

Last season, the Steelers were last in the league in rushing yards per game (84.4). They also accumulated only 81 first downs through the rushing game and 12 rushing touchdowns. This was with an unstable and injured offensive line and running back James Conner, who had his most unproductive season this past year. With Conner gone, Harris will be the instant starter in the backfield for the Steelers.

Harris is one of the most dynamic and well-balanced athletes in this 2021 NFL Draft class. His rare blend of speed, agility, strength, and skills as a receiver makes him a reliable for Pittsburgh to utilize in several offensive schemes.

The most difficult part of being selected by the Steelers is that the offense is projected to have another disappointing season due to the problems with the offensive line and Roethlisberger’s continued regressing. Harris will be given an early role as the projected MVP of the offense in the 2021 season.

Harris has the potential to be dominant for the Steelers for years to come. They had some great success in bursts with Le’Veon Bell and Conner for several seasons but Harris will be able to be consistent throughout his whole career. The Steelers have had four players that have won the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year with the last one being Roethlisberger in 2004.

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If given the time, patience, and a stable offensive line this season, Harris could be the second running back to do it since Franco Harris in 1972.

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