Draft Analysis: Najee Harris

April 21, 2021 /
  • Height: 6’2″
  • Weight: 232
  • College: Alabama
  • Tape watched: Notre Dame, Georgia, Florida, Ole Miss
  • NFL Comparison: Steven Jackson

Pros

Najee Harris is the premier punisher of the 2021 running back class. He very rarely is tackled for a loss, and absorbs contact as well as anyone. What separates him from typical bruising backs is his ability to avoid early contact at the first level. He has exceptional quickness through the line of scrimmage and is good at “getting skinny” to fit through small holes in the line. He has a deadly jump cut and is fantastically agile for his size. He has great hands for a running back, attacking the ball with his hands instead of letting the ball into his body. He shows great route running for his position, with good IQ on choice routes and scramble drills.

Linebackers are not covering choice routes like this. Harris will be a threat through the air.

Cons

While there are very few weaknesses in Harris’ game, he can improve on some details for his first NFL season. Harris will need to prove he can be trusted in pass protection. He usually identifies his responsibility well, but can throw shoulders ineffectively or not set up a good blocking base. While his jump cut is excellent, he often times relies on it too much and opts for the risky big play rather than taking free yards ahead of him. Harris has a lot of wear on his tires, accumulating over 200 carries the last two seasons, and most notably 251 in 2021 (ranked 2nd in all of college football). For a back that is going to make a living punishing defenses with his physicality, longevity will always be a question.

Harris should anchor-in or meet the lineman at the line. He is late to his assignment and ends up forcing a hurried throw and a QB knockdown.

Overview

Najee Harris is a special running back worthy of a late first round selection. He has the blend of size, power, and finesse that shows up on all three downs. He can immediately improve a running game, and should be a long-time NFL starter. He may give up early career third down work until he solidifies his pass protection game, but he can be a threat in the passing game.