NFL Network analyst Buddy Brooks picked his five favorite selections from last weekend’s NFL Draft, and one of the Steelers selections is among the list.
Brooks said he chose players that are well-positioned to make an early impact and play at a high level from their first day as a pro.
Among his choices are Steelers running back and first-round pick Najee Harris. Brooks wrote that Harris should give the Steelers the kind of back the team hasn’t had since Le’Veon Bell and that will help the offense overall.
“The Alabama standout is a mix of Matt Forte and Bell, with a game that could enable him to thrive as an RB1/WR2 in Pittsburgh,” Brooks wrote. “Harris’ combination of power running skills and soft hands makes him a rare find at the position as an ultra-versatile playmaker from the backfield. He should immediately alleviate some of the pressure on Ben Roethlisberger to carry the offense as a reliable runner between the tackles with pass-catching skills to turn screens, check downs and quick routes into big plays on the perimeter.”
Brooks isn’t the only one bullish on Harris’ rookie season, as oddsmakers have set the early line for his over/under on the season at 975 rushing yards, which would be close to Franco Harris’ franchise rookie record of 1,055 set in 1972.