Alabama RB Najee Harris: NFL Draft 2020 profile
RB Najee Harris
–Hometown: Antioch, Calif.
–Classification: Junior
–Height/Weight: 6-2/230
–2018 stats: 117 carries, 783 yards, 4 TD’s
–Strengths: Size, athleticism, speed
–Weaknesses: Pass protection, power (consistent), pass-catching
–Draft projection: Second Round
–Pick selection: Between Nos. 33 and 36
–2020 draft competition: D’Andre Swift (Georgia), Travis Etienne (Clemson), J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State), Trey Sermon (Oklahoma), Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin), Cam Akers (Florida State)
–Summary: Najee Harris was one of the most coveted recruits in the 2017 cycle.
Hailing from Antioch, Calif., he was “Mr. Football” in the state and chose to attend the University of Alabama as a five-star. Harris showed some of his big play abilities as a freshman, totaling 370 yards with three touchdowns in making a contribution to the Crimson Tide’s national title team.
Regardless of Damien Harris being the leader and Josh Jacobs grabbing more NFL attention, the younger Harris boasted the highest yards per carry average (6.69) among backs.
He had 36 less attempts combined in comparison to Damien and Jacobs; however, Najee Harris collected 783 yards and four scores on 117 carries last year.
Pass protection was an aspect that Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs thrived in.
Najee Harris was not asked to do it in 2018; however, it will be expected of him. Along with protecting his quarterback, Harris needs to add more power to his game. He tends to be more finesse in his movements, but first-year running backs’ coach Charles Huff should get that in order.
Becoming a one-cut, downhill runner is the next stage of his development. Lastly, Harris has get comfortable with catching passes. In today’s NFL, backs are used more in the passing game and one’s marketability at the position depends on how versatile it is.
He’s caught 10 passes in two years. With a much-improved offensive line and Nick Saban wanting more balance, expect a big year from Harris as he’s in position to have the bulk of the carries.
Failure to trust its rushing attack in 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2018 not only cost the Tide to not have a 1,000-yard back, but it also cost it a chance at winning a national championship.
Harris is going to have his say this fall.
Week One vs. Duke
-12 carries
-52 rushing yards
-4.3 yards per carry
-Alabama won, 42-3
Week Two vs. New Mexico State
-12 carries
-68 rushing yards
-one TD
-5.7 yards per carry
-Alabama won, 62-10
Analysis: Whether it is him being indecisive or Alabama’s offensive line not finding its chemistry yet, Najee Harris had not had big production in his first two games.
His week two matchup against New Mexico State brought more yards, a rushing touchdown and a higher yards per carry average than week one; however, he has not been able to consistency gain production.
After a season where he totaled 783 yards rushing with four scores on 117 carries, Harris stands as an early second-round projection but could drop if his game doesn’t pick up.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
