NFL Draft rumors are already buzzing about Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris, who starred this past season on the way to becoming a national championship. With the bruising all-purpose back already making a strong impression at the Senior Bowl, it seems plenty of NFL teams are taking notice.
Harris arrived in Mobile, Alabama, this week with an opportunity to impress all NFL scouts in attendance. Even before taking the field for drills, everyone took notice of his incredible size. Not only is Harris an outstanding all-purpose threat, but he packs plenty of power as a 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back.
Unsurprisingly, with so many great talents landing big contracts in the NFL, teams are eyeing Harris as the next star weapon to come out of Alabama.
NFL Draft rumors: Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers very high on Najee Harris
Najee Harris is coming off an incredible 2020 campaign for the Crimson Tide. As the featured back in Steve Sarkisian’s offense, Harris rushed for 1,466 yards and 26 scores in 13 games. The senior was equally explosive catching the football out of the backfield, finishing with 425 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 43 receptions. Thanks to his incredible 30-touchdown season, Harris won the Doak Walker Award and was a unanimous All-American selection.
WATCH: Najee Harris best touchdown – Superman touchdown in Iron Bowl
Needless to say, that caught the eye of general managers across the NFL and the interest in Harris is already evident.
According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, both the Miami Dolphins and Pittsburgh Steelers have already expressed a ton of interest in Harris. Miami specifically is believed to be “super high” on the former Alabama running back.
Both teams would benefit from improving their rushing attack. Pittsburgh’s offense averaged the lowest yards per carry (3.6) and finished last in rushing yards (1,351) this past season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins didn’t have a single run of 40-plus yards and they had the fourth-worst yards per carry (3.9)
The Dolphins would be a very intriguing landing spot for Harris. He and Tua Tagovailoa shared the backfield at Alabama and the two have a very close relationship. Putting them back together could help make Miami’s offense a lot more exciting in 2021.
WATCH: Najee Harris stiff-arms, then hurdles defenders on electric 42-yard touchdown
In the latest 2021 NFL mock draft, Najee Harris fell out of the first round. But thanks to his strong showing this week at the Senior Bowl, plus the buzz around him, he’ll likely be a top-30 pick this year. If that happens, he can join Josh Jacobs (2019, 24th overall), Trent Richardson (2012, 3rd overall) and Mark Ingram (2011, 28th overall) as recent Alabama running backs to land in the first round.