The Pittsburgh Steelers pick Najee Harris No. 24 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft on Thursday night.
Steelers Pick Najee Harris No. 24 Overall In 2021 NFL Draft
The lack of a run game rendered the Steelers one-dimensional in 2020, so when top-ranked running back Najee Harris fell into Pittsburgh’s lap, snagging him was a no-brainer. Harris has the potential to turn a ground game that was dead last into one of the best in the league and is exactly what the doctor ordered to take some pressure off future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who’s in the twilight years of his NFL career.
At 6-foot-1, Harris is a plus-sized, violent, every-down back who can also contribute as a pass-catcher out of the backfield where he logged 781 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.
Was Harris’s 3,843 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns a product of the Crimson Tide offensive line? It didn’t hurt, but we’ll find out as Harris transitions into the pros. The Steelers O-line was pretty horrible in 2020, but they’ve already made some changes that should make a difference. If Pittsburgh can further improve its offensive line with its next two picks in the draft, Harris could end up in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Najee Harris 2021 Fantasy Football Outlook
Draft Harris with confidence, but you may want to wait a week or two before inserting him into your starting lineup. There’s no doubt the Steelers will run the ball with Harris, but with a new offensive coordinator in town and a possible patchwork front five, there’s no telling how the offense will shake out.
Najee Harris Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook
If Harris is everything he’s cracked up to be — meaning, if he can tap into his true three-down potential — he’ll have value in dynasty fantasy leagues for years to come. He’s arguably the No. 1 pick in many one-quarterback rookie drafts, though Travis Etienne gives him a run for his money there.
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Steelers 2021 Bet Tips With Najee Harris
All Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 NFL Futures bets are provided by BetMGM. (New customers get a Risk-Free Bet of up to $600 by clicking here or using the code THEGAMEDAY.)
Pittsburgh Steelers 2021 Win Total Bet
- Over 8.5 Wins (-120)
- Under 8.5 Wins (+100)
The last time the Steelers won less than 8.5 games was in 2003 (6-10). Take the over of -120 with confidence.
Pittsburgh Steelers To Make Playoffs?
- Yes (+140)
- No (-165)
The Steelers are in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, yet they’re good enough to be playoff contenders year in and year out. A resounding yes to Pittsburgh reaching the postseason again in 2021, especially with seven teams now in the running and with the prospect of Big Ben being healthy.
Steelers To Win AFC North Division Title
Steelers To Win AFC North (+400)
As first-round draft picks should do, Harris immediately makes the Steelers are a better team. Obviously, winning the division is also based on how the three other teams perform, but it’s hard to imagine the Steelers not taking the North with a more explosive offense than they had in 2020 when they won the division.
Steelers To Win Super Bowl 56
Steelers To Win Super Bowl 56 (+5000)
With this likely being Roethlisberger’s last season, the Steelers will certainly be some added motivation to Los Angeles and win their seventh Lombardi Trophy. It’s just not something I would be on happening.
Najee Harris 2021 Prop Bet?
Najee Harris To Win 2021 NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year (+1400)
It’s difficult to bet a running back to win this award when you have the stacked QB class coming into the league. Harris may have a great career but will have to truly ball out to capture this hardware in his first season.
