NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2020 NFL Draft: Najee Harris’ stock is soaring despite loss to LSU

By Michael Johnson

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 03: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles for yards while being tackled by Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers during a second half run at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 03: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide battles for yards while being tackled by Devin White #40 of the LSU Tigers during a second half run at Tiger Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Alabama won the game 29-0. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Najee Harris and Alabama didn’t bring get the victory over LSU but the running back is a winner as his 2020 NFL Draft stock is soaring after his performance.

Alabama’s 6-2, 230-pound running back Najee Harris has the look of an NFL power back and a serious prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft. However, early on in the 2019 college football season, he didn’t look like a serious candidate to be an early-round selection. Simply put, something was missing from his game.

Starting in Week 6, though, the Alabama offense began relying more heavily on Harris and the running back didn’t them down. Over a three-game period, he ran the ball 54 times for 305 yards four touchdowns.

Against the 14th ranked LSU rush defense in Saturday’s Week 11 matchup, the Crimson Tide fully unleashed Harris and he put on a clinic. Averaging 7.7 yards per carry while he accrued 146 yards and a touchdown, Harris was a star for the Tide. More importantly for the 2020 NFL Draft, though, Harris showed more nuance in his game.

Harris made LSU defenders miss throughout the game, showing off his short-area quickness. He pressed the line all afternoon and felt his way toward cutback lanes. He was able to create his own running lanes when nothing was available as well.

On a number of occasions, Harris was able to get skinny and turn sideways to get some extra yards. It was his vision that allowed him to find the creases to exploit. Harris was clutch as well. When the Crimson Tide needed him most he capped off a 10 play, 85-yard drive with an impressive short-yardage score.

Harris continued to show that he’s a solid receiver out of the backfield in addition to his physicality as a runner. Against the Tigers, Harris finished with 44 yards receiving on three catches and a score. Harris’ sole receiving touchdown came on a back-shoulder fade — and it was a thing of beauty. He showed excellent balls skills and soft hands to reel in the score.

https://twitter.com/mikemjohnson/status/1193690980962250752?s=21

On the season. Harris has 19 catches, 215 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Despite Alabama falling to LSU, Harris showed why he’s one of the best running back prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Next. NFL Power Rankings: Falcons stun Saints, Vikings hold. dark

As of right now, Harris should be a lock as day two prospect who could rise higher given his combine numbers or a team falling in love with him. For teams who run a power running scheme, he’s the man. While he’s comparable to backs Jeremy Hill or Jordan Howard, he’s shown he can do it all. If he keeps up a strong finish to the season, his stock will only continue on this upward trend.

Home/NFL Draft