Are we expecting too much of Najee Harris?

I listen to The Fan here in Pittsburgh daily. The am and pm teams have been discussing if too much is being expected of the Steelers first round draft pick, running back Najee Harris. They thought 45 to 50 catches, 1,100 yards was reasonable. I didn't look at the numbers, but from what I gathered, these totals were similar to Bell's rookie campaign. They talked about the fact that he hasn't even been in pads yet, let alone played in an NFL pre season game. I don't think those numbers in a 17 game NFL season are unobtainable or unreasonable. However, the on air personalities seemed to be concerned about wear and tear by Thanksgiving. It would be a luxury if they got some quality snaps from Snell, McFarland or Bellage. What say you?

 

Yes we are probably expecting too much from him in his rookie year.
I think the success of the team this year is going to mostly depend on Harris any the offensive line

 

Yes. I think we are all expecting too much from Harris in year one. I think he will be a vast improvement over what we have been used to. He will probably flash greatness at times. I think his numbers will be good but not great in 21. His best years will probably come in 22 and 23.

 

OL will make or break his first season

 

Harris will demand more attention than Bell did imo. He has the goods to handle that pressure.

 

Yes.

I also think fans are expecting too much out of a 3rd round offensive lineman.

 

2k rushing yards, 1k receiving, 25 tds or bust

 

I think this is definitely possible.

 

Steelers fans?

Expecting too much?

Never seen it

 

Exactly! We always expect our 1st round pick to be an all time great. But we're not delusional. We don't expect all our UFAs to be perennial Pro Bowlers. Just some of them.

 

Way I see it we are going to need this guy to be big the next few years because we are not going to have a franchise QB for awhile.

O-line is everything. John Riggins said if he was on any other team he would have had a lot less yardage. Then again he may have just been giving a compliment to "The Hogs".

 

Just wondering what happened to the MT policy of not burning out first year players like he did last year. Does that only happen with WR's named Claypool? Could this be why Harris' coach is telling him to tone it down right now?

 

I think all rookies hit a wall after 12 or so games. T.J. did the same thing.

 

To whom much is given much will be required.

Translation when the rock is placed in your hands you best find the endzone. Run son run. Run like you stole some sh@! from Kmart.

Editor's note: For you young whippersnappers Kmart was a retail store that was a tier below Walmart and two beneath Target known for their blue light specials and having their merchandise shoplifter frequently. Thus endth the lesson

 

I expect 1,000 yards rushing, 30-40 catches, and him being effective in short yardage situations.

 

Remember though Alabama teams are usually use 2 a 16 game schedule.

 

Our local K-Mart still sits empty four years after it closed. It opened in 1959. It was a landmark and I was a little sad when it closed. I wish they'd turn it in to something cool like an indoor go kart facility.

Anyway, I also think too much is being expected of Harris. But your point is well taken. They did spend a first round pick on him, so I think 40 to 50 grabs and 1,100 yards isn't out of the question, even with the uncertainty surrounding the o-line. I just hope he can stay healthy.

 

Alabama doesn't schedule cakewalks? I don't follow the SEC, not really watch college ball anymore.

 

Good point, and the pressure is tremendous. They aren't just expected to be a contender for the national championship, they are expected to win it.

 

All College teams schedule cake walks, and some are teams that are in their conference.
What I'm trying 2 say is they are use 2 playing 16 games usually(Last season excluded)...if they Go 2 the National Championship.

 

I see Najee had close to 300 touches last year, comparable to a NFL season.

 

Fantasy Football Steelers fans may be a bit disappointed with those numbers since there are no passing TD's or 50 yard FG's.

 

He may be learning how to jump in front of the snap and how to strip the ball from a old QB without hurting him.. This is what a inside source is saying is the reason for the late night sessions.. Ben is going to do what Ben is going to do,, Harris is like I be damn I going to get mine ..