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What Does Najee Harris Have to do to win Offensive Rookie of the Year?

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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back, Najee Harris has received plenty of attention as we approach training camp. Both local and national media believe he has the potential to be a star in the NFL. We know he is going to run hard and drastically change the Steelers’ offense, but will that be enough to contend for the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award?

Since, 2010, four running backs have won the award and the position is tied with the quarterback for the most awards won since 2000 (nine each). Heading into the 2021 season, Harris has the second best odds to win the award (+500 via DraftKings Sportsbook), with Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence having the best odds (+300). Harris is the only running back in the top 10 of most likely to win the award.

Harris’ potential and work ethic is already there, but he won’t be the deciding factor on if he wins the award. The Steelers have completely remodeled the offensive line and with the news of David DeCastro‘s release, Harris’ job just got even harder.






I believe the Steelers line has potential heading into the 2021 season, but releasing your leading run blocker is not what Harris or any member of the Steelers offense for that matter wanted to see happen.

I believe Kendrick Green is a vital piece to this Steelers offense, but newly added free agent Trai Turner is going to be the X factor. There are not many veterans on the offensive line in the locker room with DeCastro’s departure. If Turner can return to his Pro Bowl form this season, it could be the difference in an average first year for Harris and an award winning season for the tailback.

Harris is expected to be the workhorse, but because of his overload of snaps and carries at Alabama, I expect head coach Mike Tomlin to give guys like Benny Snell Jr. and Anthony McFarland Jr. a shot to earn some carries early in the season. If Harris only receives around 10-15 carries a game for the first few weeks, it may be tough to catch up to guys like Lawrence who will be playing every snap.






This award is not necessarily Harris’ to win, but more so the revamped offensive line of the Steelers. It would be great to have a dynamic offensive line that opens up not only holes for Harris, but the play action in Matt Canada‘s offense.

We know the defense will be good. We know Ben Roethlisberger will give the Steelers a chance to win. We know Harris is going to run hard and be effective. But this season and Harris’ chances at AP Offensive Rookie of the Year may all come down to the success and effectiveness of the brand new group of guys up front.



What do you think, #SteelerNation? Can Harris win the Offensive Rookie of the Year on his own? Or does he need help from the entire offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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He will definitely need help. It's a team sport. For him to have a chance, I'd have to think he will need somewhere around 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 10 TD's. I think that's possible. If any rookie QB has a good year, it will be tough to beat the QB in any year.
 
Join a different team.
This oline will be lucky to be average. Even if he crushes it, this team is shunned for awards
 
Carry use to the SB. Then he has a 50/50 shot.
 
They have already put Trevor Lawrence's name on that award. The Golden Child is getting it even if he only plays halfway decent football. Marketing and PR over everything. Ask TJ about that.
 
I don’t need him to be rookie of the year. I do need him to be a successful piece of the offense and to relieve Ben of having to carry this team. If he gains 1000 yards rushing and catches 50 balls that’s more than what we need.
 
Acolades are for when the season is over.


Harris will do what he does best and that is carry / catch / decoy.......

Oh, he could also drive my Luxury S10 while accepting the award(s)


Salute the nation
 
One thing that will help Najee win ORY is to consistently beat off defenders.

That reminds me of an Earl Campbell story.

Earl Campbell after being tackled would get up really slow and take his sweet *** time.

Bum Phillips was asked if he was annoyed by that .

Phillips replied that Earl Campbell getting up slow doesn't bother him because Earl Campbell goes down really slow.
 
Stewey said:
One thing that will help Najee win ORY is to consistently beat off defenders.

That reminds me of an Earl Campbell story.

Earl Campbell after being tackled would get up really slow and take his sweet *** time.

Bum Phillips was asked if he was annoyed by that .

Phillips replied that Earl Campbell getting up slow doesn't bother him because Earl Campbell goes down really slow.
Click to expand...
not sure i want to see Harris beating off anyone


Campbell was a straight up beast. Loved how he always just tossed the ball to the ref after a TD. No showboating no "hey look at me" just going about his business of being one of the best RBs ever.
 
CoolieMan said:
not sure i want to see Harris beating off anyone


Campbell was a straight up beast. Loved how he always just tossed the ball to the ref after a TD. No showboating no "hey look at me" just going about his business of being one of the best RBs ever.
Click to expand...

Yep. Barry Sanders was the same way. Two entirely different running styles, but the same kind of class after a TD.
 
Walter Payton fits that catagory as well




Salute the nation
 
Probably need to switch teams. ;)
 
I would prefer him winning super bowl mvp. He's is going from homeless to Disney world!
 
1500+ yards and 12+ TD's might get it, but likely one of the rookie QB's will win no matter what.
 
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