Najee Harris Draft Position

[TIDE-HSV]

If Najee did in fact get a 3rd round grade, I think he has to go. He’ll never get a first round grade with today’s NFL not valuing the RB position all that much. So if he comes back, maybe he gets a second round grade if everything goes right.

For the difference between 2nd and 3rd round money, the risk management decision is to take third round today, rather than hoping for 2nd round after another year of wear and tear and exposure to major injury.

Don’t know if it’s possible with a rookie contract, but maybe he can negotiate performance incentives to possibly raise the potential ceiling on his goal compensation.

I don't think he even got a 3rd round grade...

 

[TideEngineer08]

Worst part about it is sitting at home watching our biggest two rivals duke it out for a championship.

I can't consider either our biggest rival. The history is too great with Auburn and Tennessee. And we are fresh off an 8 game winning streak vs. LSU. I still lean much heavier towards this year being a flash in the pan than some sign of a run they are about to go on. As for Clemson, well, they aren't on our schedule and they are in a different conference. The 4 straight post season games were something, yes. I can't call them a rival though, in any sense of the word.

And you know what? All things considered, losing Tua, I think we've done ok by keeping the juniors that have decided to stay.

 

[Con]

I don't think he even got a 3rd round grade...

Well that doesn't sound good at all.

 

[CajunCrimson]

I wouldn't - Swift is a typical NFL RB - he could plug into any offense and have success without them changing anything. Najee is a great RB, but he needs holes to run through (think Henry).

I would love to see Najee play TE in the NFL. He is a freakishly good receiver.

I know it's not that easy to switch positions -- but geez -- can you imagine moving Najee to the TE position? At 6' 2" is he too short for an NFL TE? But, that would be a great idea!

 

[Cruiser]

Najee is very like Derrick Henry who will be a free agent for the Titans this year. If they don't franchise Derrick, perhaps they could draft Najee in the first round.

Najee does not have near Henry's breakaway speed

 

[CajunCrimson]

Draft Hunt: Alabama RB Najee Harris

Najee Harris has become a popular name in Raiders mock drafts, so let’s take a look at his NFL projection

www.silverandblackpride.com

Interesting overview -- if this is a typical NFL view of Najee -- I can see why he's not seen as having 1st/2nd round value...

Overall
Najee Harris is a running back from University of Alabama who has been a member of a back-by-committee power-zone approach for the last three seasons. Harris was touted as a five-star prospect in high school, and was ranked as the No. 1 overall running back and No. 2 overall player in the class of 2017 by 247 sports. He is tall with broad shoulders and thick, long legs. He’s a tough runner, but tends to simply go through the motions when he knows the ball isn’t coming his way.
Run Game
Harris is a violent sledgehammer with an upright running style. He almost never goes down on first contact, bouncing off would-be tacklers or churning his legs for extra yards. He’s patient behind the line of scrimmage, showing trust in his blockers as he allows plays to develop and scans the defense to find a running lane. Once he hits the hole, however, Harris can get tunnel vision and tends to miss obvious cutback lanes. He seeks contact on the second level rather than running toward open space. Harris tries to call upon a large bag of tricks to add flash to an otherwise typical power running style, using an array of jump-cuts, spins, hurdles and stiff arms. His cuts and spins usually slow him down more than anything, however, while oncoming defenders are either stymied or straight up thrown to the ground by his powerful stiff arm. When he runs with decisiveness and gets away from finesse moves, he shows efficient and effective power running and can be a little reminiscent of Derrick Henry. Harris has the long speed to hit a home run, but his average quick-twitch acceleration limits his ability to break off big plays. He’s got long, powerful strides and polished footwork, but he’s heavy-footed and doesn’t have the juice to simply plant-and-go when he sees an open lane.
Pass Game
Harris is often disinterested in the passing game unless the ball is coming his way, yet he is still able to make a positive impact with athleticism alone. Alabama got him more involved as a receiver as this past season wore on, and he was able to routinely take advantage of slower linebackers on screens and flat routes. His routes are sharp when he knows he has a chance to be targeted, otherwise he’ll run them lazily. As a pass protector, Harris has the ability to be special when engaged. He stands far too high in his stance as a blocker, and for almost any running back that would be a death sentence as a blocker, but Harris is so big that he still manages to stonewall blitzing linebackers.
Last Word
At the next level, Harris projects as a downhill power back who thrives in a power-running scheme and cashes in on goal line and short yardage situations. Considering the limited tread on his tires and his consistent health at Alabama, he doesn’t have the wear and tear of a typical college power back. Harris is an emerging threat a receiver and his build and low center of gravity will allow him to become a high-level pass blocker with some seasoning. With his size and natural toughness, Harris could contribute on an array of special teams if he is properly engaged.

 

[CoolBreeze]

I can't consider either our biggest rival. The history is too great with Auburn and Tennessee. And we are fresh off an 8 game winning streak vs. LSU. I still lean much heavier towards this year being a flash in the pan than some sign of a run they are about to go on. As for Clemson, well, they aren't on our schedule and they are in a different conference. The 4 straight post season games were something, yes. I can't call them a rival though, in any sense of the word.

And you know what? All things considered, losing Tua, I think we've done ok by keeping the juniors that have decided to stay.

I should have emphasized "championship" rivals rather than traditional rivals. Clemson is number one in that category since they have been winning it when we haven't been lately. And now, the corndogs have suddenly burst on the scene as our number one championship rival since they have this unstoppable offense and are in our division. Hopefully, we will find some D next year in Death Valley.

 

[CoolBreeze]

I don't think he even got a 3rd round grade...

Man, if that is true then he should almost have to come back to up his stock, no?

 

[TNElephantitis]

I know it's not that easy to switch positions -- but geez -- can you imagine moving Najee to the TE position? At 6' 2" is he too short for an NFL TE? But, that would be a great idea!

Delanie Walker I believe was 6'0-6'1 but was always a good TE when healthy.

 

[B1GTide]

Man, if that is true then he should almost have to come back to up his stock, no?

Not necessarily - RBs are not valued in the NFL.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

I don't think he even got a 3rd round grade...

Wow. I’m surprised.

Draft Hunt: Alabama RB Najee Harris

Najee Harris has become a popular name in Raiders mock drafts, so let’s take a look at his NFL projection

www.silverandblackpride.com

Interesting overview -- if this is a typical NFL view of Najee -- I can see why he's not seen as having 1st/2nd round value...

Seems the main criticism in the article is a lack of consistency regarding (1) focus on the nitty details and (2) engagement in his assignments. They seem to think that when he is focused, he does fine, with the exception of missing cutback lanes once he’s to the second level of the D.

Guessing that lack of consistent focus is what kept him from being a true feature back in Tuscaloosa.

Also guessing that, while Najee might feel he’s been mis-used, the coaches’ position is that they can‘t use him the way he wants until he proves he can handle all aspects of the position.....especially when he‘s neither carrying the ball nor in the passing pattern. Shame it’s taken three years to get to this point.

 

[Con]

Wow. I’m surprised.



Seems the main criticism in the article is a lack of consistency regarding focus on the nitty details and engagement in his assignments. They seem to think that when he is focused, he does fine, with the exception of missing cutback lanes once he’s to the second level of the D.

Guessing that lack of consistent focus is what kept him from being a true feature back in Tuscaloosa.

Also guessing that, while Najee might feel he’s been mis-used, the coaches’ position os that they can‘t use him the way he wants until he proves he can handle all aspects of the position. That especially holds when he‘s not carrying the ball or the primary target of a pass. Shame it’s taken three years to get to this point.

I wonder how much of this could be attributed to him being the focal point of his high school team and not being prepared for not being the focal point of his college team.

 

[Saban4Ever]

Man, if that is true then he should almost have to come back to up his stock, no?

Maybe he can come back and also continue to get the ball more in the passing game, since both Jeudy and Ruggs are gone. Not sure if Brian Robinson, Trey, others will have that part mastered early in the season.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

Perhaps he'll be back...

 

[bamaga]

I would be shocked if Najee came back regardless of grade or whoever else goes out.A running back only has so many YAC yards in him, and it never surprises me when they leave early. They pretty much all do.

Beside that, we just signed three guys. Add them to Trey, the two Robbies, and Ford and that's seven guys on scholarship. If Najee did come back I could see at least one and maybe two of those other guys leaving.

Tell that to Derrick Henry! I dare you!

 

[denver]

The returning OL could factor into his decision. We may be more traditional run orientated next year since we would have either Mac/BY at QB and the offense would be different to that under Tua...who could pick apart any defense with his arm. It could be run first like traditional Bama dominant teams. In that case he could be a feature back and increase his draft position. But seems like any optimism and logic gets shot down by a "I'm off to the NFL" declaration!

 

[bamaga]

Maybe he can come back and also continue to get the ball more in the passing game, since both Jeudy and Ruggs are gone. Not sure if Brian Robinson, Trey, others will have that part mastered early in the season.

Unfortunately, Trey and Keilan will be ahead of Brian by the start of next year! JMHO! If Najee comes back, I don’t know where that leaves Brian.

Not necessarily - RBs are not valued in the NFL.

Rookie contracts are good, 2nd contracts rarely work out for NFL teams, with the few exceptions being Mark Ingram, Frank Gore, Adrian Pederson , Zeke Elliot and a few others. More reason to get all you can on the first contract. Another reason to stay in school!

 

[rgw]

The returning OL could factor into his decision. We may be more traditional run orientated next year since we would have either Mac/BY at QB and the offense would be different to that under Tua...who could pick apart any defense with his arm. It could be run first like traditional Bama dominant teams. In that case he could be a feature back and increase his draft position. But seems like any optimism and logic gets shot down by a "I'm off to the NFL" declaration!

I said it about Derrick Henry and I think the same is true here. If you want Harris to maximize his potential we must play a single back or pistol heavy offense that has more designed runs than RPOs. Just so happens the likely starter at QB seems most comfortable off a hard play fake. OL going to be experienced. If he ain’t happy with his grade, next year would be a year to highlight his true value.

 

[B1GTide]

I said it about Derrick Henry and I think the same is true here. If you want Harris to maximize his potential we must play a single back or pistol heavy offense that has more designed runs than RPOs. Just so happens the likely starter at QB seems most comfortable off a hard play fake. OL going to be experienced. If he ain’t happy with his grade, next year would be a year to highlight his true value.

Yep, with Mac this offense is going to be a lot more conventional.

 

[81usaf92]

Najee’s appeal to the NFL is that he is running back with great receiving skills. I think if Etienne declares the Najee would be the 4th best running back in the draft.

The problem though is how much could he realistically improve his stock? Also if reports were true, “who would be the starter between him and Sanders?”