MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Najee Harris #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stands on the field during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The Steelers are already experimenting with Najee Harris playing a huge role in the offense like Le’Veon Bell used to do.
The Pittsburgh Steelers used a first-round pick on Alabama running back Najee Harris in what was widely seen as a great move. He adds a dynamic weapon on offense that fits the style of play in Pittsburgh.
While Harris did run for nearly 1,500 yards in 2020, he also had 43 receptions for 425 yards. He is more than just a runner and serves as a major upgrade over the departing James Conner.
The Steelers once had a do-it-all back in Le’Veon Bell. Harris recently said he expects to be doing it all on offense as well for his new team.
Steelers ready to get creative with Najee Harris
Getting Harris out wide on offense allows the Steelers to utilize the screen game in a whole different way. A quick pass to Harris means he has plenty of open field to work before the defense can react.
Being the X receiver could also mean Harris is used in motion to further confuse opposing defenses. This adds a whole new dynamic to the offense and gives Ben Roethlisberger a much-needed weapon. The veteran throwing the ball 50 times per game is not a recipe for success.
The Steelers did not get much receiving production from the running backs in 2020. Conner led the way with 215 yards and had zero touchdowns through the air.
Expecting Harris to be the next Bell is a lofty expectation. Bell had over 100 targets twice in his Pittsburgh career and had 854 receiving yards in 2014. But the formula is there and Roethlisberger is not stranger to this type of player in his offense.