2020 NFL Draft: Which running backs will end up getting paid?
By Ian Higgins
Najee Harris, Alabama
Najee Harris is a balanced back out of Alabama, finding success through the air and on the ground. He runs with power and still retains the elusiveness to slide out of tackles in the open field. His top-end speed is enough to make breakaway plays and his receiving ability out of the backfield makes him a viable third-down option.
Harris possesses sufficient talent in all of these areas, but none of them jump out and wow you on film. He doesn’t have elite explosiveness, shiftiness or receiving abilities that could make him a specialized player. This well-rounded skillset makes Harris an intriguing prospect because a coaching staff can build upon what they find important for their system.
Harris had one of the best offensive lines in college football at Alabama, so it’s difficult to judge his ability to read his blocks when the intended lane was open the majority of the time. He does do well though to hit the hole with power and speed, taking on tacklers in the hole.
Harris reminds me of a former Georgia product currently residing in Los Angeles, named Todd Gurley. Gurley has had time in the league to develop his skill set and abilities, molding himself into a back that can do anything with impressive effectiveness.
Whether he is running inside or outside the tackles or catching the ball out of the backfield, Gurley can impact the game through a variety of ways at the running back position. Harris is one of the most interesting running backs in the 2020 NFL draft class and could very well be the next top back if he is able to develop a well-rounded style of play.