The Alabama passing game gained a lot of attention for its latest national championship with Nick Saban thanks to Heisman-winning wide receiver DeVanta Smith and quarterback Mack Jones. But the Crimson Tide featured Nazi Harris, outpacing its latest elite.
Harris (6-2, 230 pounds) made his way to 1,466 yards rushing and 26 touchdowns in 13 games. He also added 425 extra yards and 43 catches for four more TDs. He was an integral part of balancing and establishing favorable play-action deep shots for Smith and Speedie field-stretcher Jaylen Waddle.
More ALABAMA DRAFT FITS: QB Mac Jones | WR DeVonta Smith
Smith, Wadle and Jones are all expected to go through the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. There is also a chance that Harris arrives from the board on the night of 29 April.
Harris is a strong, strong runner with tree trunks for the legs. But he has proved quick and quick to flash a second gear in the open field. Harris can run through or around defenders. He has served as a reliable asset in the passing game with his hands, routes and blocking.
Recently ‘Bama Josh Jacobs (Raiders) and Damian Harris (Patriots) have spent their moments as NFL runners early in their careers, but Nazi Harris may be a better mix of the two in all of their all-skill sets . Here’s Nazi Harris’ best supporting landing spot breakdown:
Najee Harris Best NFL Draft Fits
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. 31 overall)
The Buccaneers have re-signed just about every key member of their Super Bowl 55-winning team, leaving only Leonard Fournette. He has a void for a complementary runner from Ronald Jones who could also be a big factor in passing Tom Brady. The Bucs are well positioned for a first round “luxury pick” vs. needing a non-desperate defensive tackle.
It could come down to what else they like for Brady – Travis Etienne of Clemson, a slightly more dynamic receiving threat, or Harris, a full power back with underrated receiving skills in the Fournette mold.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 24)
The Steelers have not re-signed James Connor and do not plan to give Benny Snell Jr. a heavy role. He needs to think about tackling aggressively to find a potential immediate starter with Zach Banner, but with his passing game continuing to be off-limits with Ben Roethlisberger, he is one to boost his running game. Can use durable, powerful every-down option.
Harris would be an ideal fit to pound between the nipples and give Big Ben a reliable outlet in the third position. His last name is also correct in Pittsburgh’s backfield.
3. New York Jets (Number 23 or Number 34)
Probably the Jets at No. 2 would be thinking about the quarterback, overall they should move on from Sam Darnold, but his second first-rounder and his first second-rounder would be a good spot to think about Harris if he is available. .
His current best running options are Ty Johnson, La’Mical Perine and Josh Adams. He has worked to upgrade his receiving duct and offensive line, which has a QB change. A back such as Harris would have to complete an essential offensive over-Adam Gess for new coordinator Mike LaFleur.
4. Atlanta Falcons (Number 35)
The Falcons will consider other offensive positions at No. 4 overall (tackles, quarterbacks) and have a substantial defensive need to be re-addressed throughout the draft. But after a volatile year with Todd Gurley, and Bryan Hill also not re-signed, they are looking at the backfield depth chart led by Ito Smith and Qadri Olyson.
New offensive-minded coach Arthur Smith came from the Titans, where another former powerful Alabama trait (Derrick Henry) was featured to help set up a more explosive downfield passing game. The Falcons already have a ‘Bama 1-2 punch at wide receiver with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley. Harris would fill a big hole and be a big immediate impact asset for Smith.
5. Arizona Cardinals (No. 17 or No. 49)
Cardinals like Chase Edmunds, but lost another former Alabama back, Kenyan Drake in free agency to Jacob Raiders. As a fast-paced team around fast-paced QB Kyler Murray, they could benefit from regaining power with him in the backfield.
Getting Harris to start the second half of the first round would be a minor shocker, but not crazy as the Cardinals may already be well positioned elsewhere on their roster to be NFC contenders. It all depends on whether there is an edge rider, cornerback or offensive lineman who will be more worthy of the pick, talent- and scheme-wise. If not in the first, then Steve Keim should be ready to rise slightly to target Harris in the second round.
6. Miami Dolphins (No. 18 or No. 36)
The Dolphins are not taking Harris to No. 3 overall, but they should be on the radar to meet again with Tua Tagovailoa in the first round or in the middle of the second round. It’s not in the starting position because of the “must-address” situation, given how effective Miles Gaskin was with the volume of the previous season, and the addition of former solid Ram backup Malcolm Brown. But Harris would be a good fit if the Dolphins, with their extra picks, want to use one that way.
MORE: Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts break Nazi Harris
7. Buffalo Bill (Number 30)
Biles is a sleeper for Harris who was not in a traditional running game with young Devin Singletary and Zac Moss to complement Josh Allen last season. However, they have other more pressure requirements on the cornerback and edge rusher. Should he get Harris, his explosive offense will add some more necessary dimensions.
Leave a Reply