Najee Harris Fantasy Outlook: The Pittsburgh Steelers' Rising Star

Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! Buckle up as we dive into the Najee Harris fantasy outlook for the upcoming season. The Pittsburgh Steelers' rookie running back has been making waves, and we're here to serve up some piping hot analysis on what you can expect from the former Alabama standout. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and najee harris fantasy outlook.

Harris' College Career: A Brief Overview

Before we delve into his fantasy potential, let's take a quick look at Harris' college career. A three-year starter at Alabama, Harris racked up an impressive 3,843 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns. He also chipped in with 45 receptions for 476 yards and four scores. His collegiate resume speaks volumes about his ability to handle a heavy workload and contribute in the passing game.

Why the Hype? Najee Harris' Skill Set

So, what makes Najee Harris such an enticing fantasy option? Let's break down his skill set:

- Between-the-tackles runner: Harris is a bruising back who can run through arm tackles and pick up tough yards. He finished his college career with an impressive 5.7 yards per carry. - Pass-catching ability: As mentioned earlier, Harris caught 45 passes in his final two seasons at Alabama. He's got reliable hands and can be a safety blanket for his quarterback. - Elusiveness: Despite his size (6'2", 232 lbs), Harris has shown the ability to make defenders miss in space. He forced 63 missed tackles on just 215 carries in 2020.

Landing Spot: The Pittsburgh Steelers

Harris couldn't have asked for a better landing spot. The Steelers have a long history of producing fantasy-relevant running backs, and Harris is set to inherit a workhorse role in an offense that loves to run the ball. Here's what you can expect from his new team:

- Heavy rushing attack: The Steelers ranked eighth in rushing attempts in 2020, and there's no reason to believe that will change with Harris in the fold. - Opportunity: With James Conner departing in free agency, Harris is the clear-cut lead back in Pittsburgh. He should see a healthy workload, especially in the red zone. - Passing game involvement: The Steelers have used their running backs extensively in the passing game in recent years. Harris should see plenty of targets out of the backfield.

Najee Harris Fantasy Draft Strategy

Given his expected workload and the Steelers' offense, Harris should be drafted as a high-end RB2 with significant upside. Here's how you can approach drafting him:

- Early-mid round target: Harris should come off the board in the second or third round of most drafts. He's a safe bet to finish as a top-15 running back in fantasy. - Handcuff potential: If you're a Harris believer, consider drafting one of his Steelers teammates (like Anthony McFarland or Benny Snell) later in your draft as a handcuff. They could provide valuable depth if Harris goes down. - Best-case scenario: Harris becomes the total package, handling a heavy workload and contributing in the passing game. He could flirt with top-five fantasy running back numbers.

Potential Roadblocks

While Harris has the talent to be a fantasy superstar, there are a few potential roadblocks to keep in mind:

- Offensive line: The Steelers' offensive line was a weakness in 2020, and while they've made some moves to improve it, Harris might still face some resistance at the line of scrimmage. - Quarterback situation: With Ben Roethlisberger on the decline, the Steelers' offense could struggle overall. If the passing game suffers, it could limit Harris' fantasy upside. - Rookie growing pains: Harris is still a rookie, and there could be some growing pains as he adjusts to the NFL game. However, his college resume suggests he's ready to make an immediate impact.

Final Thoughts on Najee Harris' Fantasy Outlook

Najee Harris has all the tools to be a fantasy force in 2021. He's got a workhorse role in a run-heavy offense, pass-catching ability, and the physical skills to make defenders miss. While there are some potential roadblocks, Harris should be drafted as a high-end RB2 with significant upside. If you believe in Harris' talent and the Steelers' offense, don't hesitate to pull the trigger on him in your fantasy drafts.

So, there you have it, folks! Our comprehensive look at the Najee Harris fantasy outlook. We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision when it comes to drafting the Steelers' rookie running back. Until next time, happy drafting!