Steelers: Najee Harris can easily exceed expectations in 2023
The Pittsburgh Steelers have asked a ton from Najee Harris. In his first two seasons, the former first-round pick has touched the ball 694 times. No skill player has recorded more in regular season play since 2021. Sheer volume has been the story of Harris' young career thus far, and translating that volume to efficiency […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have asked a ton from Najee Harris. In his first two seasons, the former first-round pick has touched the ball 694 times. No skill player has recorded more in regular season play since 2021.
Sheer volume has been the story of Harris' young career thus far, and translating that volume to efficiency is the next step in his evolution. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry during his Pro Bowl rookie season, and failed to match that last with a 3.8 clip.
Should the Steelers be a winning team in 2023, Harris will need to have his best season yet.
Despite a lack of efficiency, Harris has already proven to be one of the better all-around backs in the NFL. Are there really 18 players who play the position better? And is one of them J.K. Dobbins of the Baltimore Ravens?
In Pro Football Focus' rankings of the top 32 running backs in the NFL, Harris was slotted in the 19th spot, just one spot below Dobbins. Trevor Sikkema also cited the need for Harris to make more out of his many carries.
"Harris has been solid throughout his NFL career. He’s rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons but did so with a sub-4.0 yards-per-carry average. So far, he’s been a product of his volume more than efficiency. We’ll see if he can take that next step in 2023." – PFF's Trevor Sikkema
Harris' production may be derived from consistent opportunity, but creating the yards he's made behind subpar offensive line play is worth contextualizing. Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled to open running lanes for Harris over the past two years, and changes have been made up front to remedy that.
The entire left side of the Steelers' offensive line has been upgraded this offseason. It began with signing Isaac Seumalo, a player Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce was not a fan of losing, to a three-year deal. Seumalo will add stability to the left guard spot that hasn't existed since Matt Feiler was in town.
Trading up for Broderick Jones in the first round was another aggressive move the Steelers had to make to fortify the line. Jones is a powerful run blocker with a knack for finishing defenders. He'll be a force to reckon with at left tackle, and he'll continue to play alongside Darnell Washington, who's one of the best blocking tight ends to come into the league in a while.
Harris hasn't played behind an o-line this talented since his days at Alabama. Running through open holes for a change will also help change the narrative around the 25-year old back.
