2021 NFL Draft: One legend that each first round draft pick reminds us of

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 07: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Clemson Tigers celebrates with the trophy after his teams 44-16 win over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi's Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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Najee Harris (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft 2021: Pittsburgh Steelers pick Najee Harris, compares to Adrian Peterson

Some running backs simply look to get the first down, others will look to get a bit more if given the opportunity. Most backs look to avoid contact at all costs, mainly because every hit for them is akin to a car crash.

With that said, running backs Najee Harris and Adrian Peterson enjoy those wrecks.

Running out of bounce simply isn’t an option when there are still yards to be had on the field. Harris is a violent runner, something Peterson is known for as well. Unlike most backs whose body falls apart due to the pounding, both Harris and Peterson get stronger with the more carries and hits they absorb. Harris rarely missed a game during his time in Alabama and in the case of Peterson, although he has been banged up in the past, he never lets a few serious injuries keep him down for long.

They both seek contact and in fact, appear as though they need to get hit a few times to get into the flow of a game.

Adrian Peterson is an all-time great and revered by his peers. But he’s also on the backend of his career. With the curtains slowly closing on his time in the league, Harris appears ready to carry his torch.

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