Najee Harris NFL Draft 2021 Prospect Profile: 3-Down Back An Early 2nd-Round Pick?

Frank AmmiranteSenior Sports Writer
@FAmmiranteTFJ
Last Updated: Apr 9, 2021

This is The Game Day’s Najee Harris NFL Draft Prospect Profile. After you read our Najee Harris Scouting Report, check out our full 2021 NFL Draft Guide and Marcus Mosher’s first 2021 NFL Mock Draft for Rounds 1-3.

Najee Harris NFL Draft Prospect Profile

Najee Harris: Bio & Measurables

  • College: Alabama
  • Class in Final Season: Senior
  • Age on NFL Draft Day: 23 Years
  • Height: 6-foot-2
  • Weight: 230 lbs.

Najee Harris: Scouting Report

Strengths

  • Patient runner between the tackles with excellent vision
  • Elusiveness allows him to make big plays in the open field
  • Strong pass-catcher with good contact balance
  • Elite production against tough competition

Weaknesses

  • Does not have elite speed
  • Needs to improve in pass protection
  • Played in a stacked offense at Alabama, which may have elevated his production
  • Entering NFL as 23-year-old rookie running back, which may make him less desirable for long-term plans

Najee Harris NFL Outlook

Harris had a spectacular career at Alabama and ended on a high note, putting up 1,466 rushing yards (5.8 YPC) and 26 touchdowns and 43 receptions for 425 yards and four touchdowns.

He is a physical runner with great vision. His excellent contact balance allows him to shake off defenders and gain yards after contact. Harris is a patient runner that does a great job setting up his blocks.

Harris’ frame will allow him to carry the load as a three-down back. This is a big back who is able to catch passes out of the backfield.

While he needs to improve on his pass protection, he’ll likely at least have a role on early-downs and red-zone situations as a rookie tailback.

Harris could be the missing piece for an elite passing offense that desperately needs an infusion of talent in its backfield. Harris needs to go to a team that will allow him to assume a high workload right away.


Najee Harris NFL Comparison

Le’Veon Bell: Harris has similar measurables to Bell. Both running backs have excellent patience with the ability to defenders miss in the open field. Harris also excels in the passing game like Bell, which confirms his three-down ability.

Bell’s career really took off once he shed some weight following his rookie season; perhaps this would benefit Harris as well.

The Game Day’s Marcus Mosher and Adam Kramer see the Bell parallel, too:

Author

Frank Ammirante

Frank Ammirante is a Senior Sports Writer at The Game Day. Previously, he wrote for 4for4 Football and RotoBaller. Frank is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writer's Association while maintaining an active presence within the community. He has competed in industry contests like the Scott Fish Bowl, The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational, and more. Frank will be making his debut in Tout Wars this year. He's got a diverse sporting background, but specializes in football and baseball.

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