2021 Dynasty Prospect: RB Najee Harris – Alabama
Najee Harris, Alabama 6’2″ 227lbs
Strengths
- Elite vision.
- Refusal to be tackled on first contact.
- Naturally catches the ball out of the backfield.
Weaknesses
- Lack of top-end speed.
- Age, will turn 23 before the draft.
NFL Player Comparison | Steven Jackson
2020 Dynasty Rookie Draft Projection | Mid to Late 1st (assume 12-team league)
Bottom Line
For me, it’s hard to overlook Alabama running backs when they enter the draft, even if they have been in a timeshare during their college careers. Najee Harris is no different as we look forward to the 2021 NFL Draft because of his dominance over the last two years in the SEC.
Harris’s size may be reminiscent of the Tennessee Titans’ running back Derrick Henry, but he may actually be better in short-yardage situations because of his lateral quickness paired with the ability to see holes develop. While at Alabama, he developed solid receiving skills that will make for an easy transition into the NFL. One thing that sticks out to me about Harris, is the ability to break tackles and fight for extra yards consistently and aggressively.
I have seen comparisons that link Harris to Matt Forte, but I believe he more closely resembles Steven Jackson. As you see in the clips, they both lack blazing speed but make it extremely difficult to bring them down, display incredible vision, and are used in the passing game. Eventually, he should become a three-down back for whatever team is lucky enough to grab him.
Harris is my RB2 this year, between Travis Etienne and Javonte Williams respectfully, but I expect great things from the most recent Doak Walker Award winner regardless.
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