PFF Projects Steelers’ Najee Harris as Rookie Rushing Leader

Steelers running back Najee Harris has been rated by Pro Football Focus as the rookie most likely to lead the 2021 class in rushing this year. 

The 24th-overall pick is projected for 1,033 yards according to PFF, 110 yards ahead of the next closest rusher Javonte Williams of the Broncos (923).

The San Francisco 49ers’ Trey Sermon (666) and the New York Jets’ Michael Carter (534) rounded out the top four.

Most projected rushing yards by #NFL rookie RBs

1. Najee Harris, Steelers – 1,033
2. Javonte Williams, Broncos – 923
3. Trey Sermon, 49ers – 666
4. Michael Carter, Jets – 534 pic.twitter.com/27eOKQujMD

— PFF College (@PFF_College) August 26, 2021

Harris rushed for 3,843 yards— 6.0 yards per carry— in four seasons at Alabama including a career-high 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns in 13 games as a senior. In three preseason games, Harris dashed for 42 yards on 13 total carries along with a 46-yard reception against the Detroit Lions.