NFL Drops Steelers RB Najee Harris Sharply in Top RB Rankings

Steelers running back Najee Harris did not have the 2022 that he was hoping to have after battling a lisfranc injury early on and only picking up some momentum late in the year. His efficiency got better over the course of the year, but it still fell below the critical 4 yards per carry.

So, when ESPN continued their annual series of ranking the Top 10 players at each position from a poll of executives, coaches, and scouts, it is no surprise to see Harris not on that list. The Steelers running back did receive some votes, but did not get enough qualify as an honorable mention.

That means that, in large, the poll does not consider Harris to be a Top 16 running back in the NFL given there were six honorable mentions. It’s a reality that seems to be one of a consensus from both the NFL and analysts alike. Harris has recapture some magic that he had after his rookie season.

A year ago in this same poll, Harris ranked as the 8th best running back in the NFL after a sterling rookie season. You can contribute his drop to a number of reasons, but the Steelers and Harris himself probably wanted more out of 2022. One coach last year knocked his speed and explosiveness while an executive praised his all around ability as a running back.

“He doesn’t have quite the juice as some of the other backs, but he’s a really good all-around player, really good in space … and has great hands,” the exec said in 2022.

Regardless, Harris will probably tell you that while he ended the season on a heater, barely getting over 1000 yards is not what he planned heading into the year. A number of bumps and bruises contributed to questions about Harris but the emergence of Jaylen Warren did give him more of a consistent break throughout the season. 2023 will be the inflection point for Harris and where he stands in the NFL.