Najee Harris gave the Pittsburgh Steelers 4 high quality years of operating again play. Whereas Harris wasn’t essentially the most explosive participant within the league, he was constant. That got here in some really ugly Steelers offenses, too. Harris wasn’t usually operating behind a top quality offensive line. Nevertheless, the Steelers let him depart in free company this offseason, with Harris signing with the Los Angeles Chargers. Jerome Bettis appreciated what he noticed from Harris in Pittsburgh, and he wouldn’t have minded in the event that they re-signed him.
“I assumed Najee, you noticed him from his first yr to his final yr, he developed and grew yearly as a operating again,” Bettis stated just lately in an interview with Professional Soccer Community. “And I used to be impressed with him on the finish of his run in Pittsburgh. I assumed he was somebody that, if that they had re-signed him, it might’ve made a whole lot of sense.
“The truth that they didn’t, I perceive it, however nonetheless, he’s a kind of guys that when you would’ve re-signed him, there wouldn’t have been a query mark about that signing in any respect as a result of he’s undoubtedly deserving of one other contract. However I used to be joyful for him that he was capable of go to the Chargers, and so they’re going to love what they get from Najee.”
Throughout his time with the Steelers, Harris by no means completed a season with lower than 1,000 speeding yards. He additionally by no means missed a recreation, which is especially spectacular contemplating the place that he performs. Whereas his ceiling won’t be excessive, the Steelers actually might’ve performed worse at operating again.
Nevertheless, Pittsburgh determined to go in a distinct course with their backfield this yr. Jaylen Warren continues to be there, however they added Kenneth Gainwell and Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, specifically, might take over because the Steelers’ lead again. Bettis has praised him earlier than.
The large knock in opposition to Harris is that he isn’t very explosive. His career-long run is 37 yards, which got here throughout his rookie season. It wasn’t usually that Harris would break free for lengthy runs. He was extra of a hammer, pounding away at defenses over the course of a whole recreation. In distinction, Johnson showcased breakaway velocity in school, even when his 40-yard sprint time wasn’t too notable.
Harris now has an opportunity to show that he is usually a high-level participant. Sadly, he was just lately concerned in an accident, so hopefully that doesn’t affect him an excessive amount of this season.
Additionally, the Chargers spent their first-round decide on operating again Omarion Hampton, so Harris might discover himself splitting carries. Nevertheless, he might money in once more subsequent offseason if he performs properly. He’s been a superb NFL participant, and in the precise offense, perhaps he can improve his worth. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh loves operating the soccer, so Harris might be in for a productive yr.
