Najee Harris transferring up the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Yr odds
The Pittsburgh Steelers made an unpopular decision in the 2021 NFL Draft, according to some fans and experts. With the 24th overall selection, the team decided on a running back instead of addressing obvious needs along the offensive.
By now, fans know that Najee Harris was Alabama’s standout, but few debate whether Harris was worth the pick, even after just six games. In fact, at the start of the 2021 regular season, Harris was able to produce some impressive stats:
Games: 6
Start of the game: 6
Rushes: 102
Yards: 388
Yards per wear: 3.8
TDs (rushing): 2
Receptions: 34
Yards: 244
Yards per reception: 7.2
TDs (receive): 2
While Harris ‘skyrocketing numbers don’t jump off the page, his overall contributions to the Steelers’ offense cannot be overlooked. If you can imagine someone else, like Benny Snell Jr. or Jaylen Samuels, being the primary running back for this offense, it would be much worse if it was a rush.
Harris has unique abilities in terms of size, speed, and agility. While he’s not a Brenner who will overtake defensive backs, he’s capable of playing games as both a runner and a receiver, and this makes him move up the list for the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award to win.
Take a look at the latest odds per Draft Kings Sportsbook:
Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals WR, +300
Mac Jones, New England Patriots QB, +450
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars QB, +750
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers RB, +800
Justin Fields, Chicago Bears QB, +850
Trey Lance, San Francisco 49ers QB, +1000
Odds / lines can change. The terms and conditions apply. Visit Draftkings.com/sportsbook for more information.
If you look at the list above, you can see how the Steelers’ primary ball carrier could move up the list. Obviously, the NFL is a quarterback-driven league, so players like Jones and Lawrence will be the easiest to move up this list, but someone who might bet money on these odds might want to consider Harris a serious contender.
With Chase in the lead at this point in the season, you have to wonder if a rookie receiver can hold up those odds, considering he relies on someone else, Joe Burrow, to help with his overall production.
It won’t be easy, but if the Steelers keep on sticking to the run, using Harris as both a runner and a pass catcher, there is no doubt that he should be considered for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and advice on the black and gold as they prepare for the Cleveland Browns in week 8 of the 2021 regular season.
