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2021 NFL Draft: Grading every first-round pick after rookie year

By Randy Gurzi

Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) throws the ball during the first half against the Indianapolis Colts at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports /
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2021 NFL Draft
Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) reacts after the pay during overtime against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Grading every rookie from the 2021 NFL Draft: Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

2021 Stats: 

  • 1,200 Rushing Yards
  • 7 Rushing TDs
  • 74 Receptions
  • 467 Receiving Yards
  • 3 Receiving TDs

It’s hard to find a rookie from 2021 who became more of a focal point for their offense than Najee Harris did for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, Ja’Marr Chase had a superb campaign and won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year — as he should have — but even he didn’t see the ball as much as Harris did.

Chase finished with 88 total touches for 1,476 yards and 13 touchdowns which was phenomenal. And while he was way more explosive than Harris, the Alabama running back was a constant force for the Steelers as he had 381 total touches on the season with 1,667 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns.

His ability to keep moving the chains was a huge reason the Steelers had the success they did down the stretch — and made a run into the playoffs. He even had these numbers despite an offensive line that could use some work.

Looking ahead, Harris should continue to be the focal point of this offense, especially considering they’re going from Ben Roethlisberger to Mitchell Trubisky under center. Thankfully for Pittsburgh, he appears to be up to the task.

Grade: A

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