Steelers Take Alabama RB Najee Harris In NFL Draft: Reaction

PITTSBURGH, PA — The pick was as surprising as an overcast day in the city. The Steelers took Alabama running back Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL draft on Thursday in an attempt to upgrade a running game that has been putrid for the past several seasons.

Harris was widely predicted to be the Steelers first-round pick prior to the draft.

Harris is Alabama's all-time leader for total touchdowns in a career with 57 (46 rushing, 11 receiving), as well as the university's career leader for rushing scores with 46. He totaled 3,843 career rushing yards to rank atop the Alabama all-time list and had 4,624 all-purpose
yards for his career, good for second all-time status at Alabama.

Here's what football writers across the country had to say about the selection:

• Chad Reuter, NFL.com: Harris has "power, agility, receiving ability and a strong work ethic. The Steelers really needed to find a special back in the Le'Veon Bell mold to diversify the offense and make the most of Ben Roethlisberger's remaining time in Pittsburgh. I figured Harris would be off the boardby the time the Steelers picked, but I can't fault GM Kevin Colbert and head coach Mike Tomlin for taking this playmaker instead of addressing the offensive line." Grade: A.

• SI.Com: "Harris has Hall of Fame potential, and the Steelers addressed their most prominent need. Harris is an elite pass-catcher, can pass block, and is the best ball carrier in the draft. He has rookie of the year written all over him and could help bring the Steelers back to the playoffs. This was the best pick for Pittsburgh's current roster. The offensive line class is excellent, and there will be value in the 2nd round. With the lack of talent later on in the draft at the running back position, the Steelers are getting a true three-down back. This is one of the best picks so far." Grade: A-plus.

• USA Today: Harris is the best, most complete back in this year’s class, and he’s exactly what this offense needs to reestablish their identity. He’s athree-down playmaker who will make a huge impact from Day 1." Grade: A.

• Rob Rang, Fox Sports: Harris is "remarkably agile, an eye-popping leaper and possesses terrific hand-eye coordination to adjust to passes and keep his momentum. The fans in Cleveland and football analytics crowd might hate this pick. I love it. And believe me, so will fantasy football enthusiasts." Grade: A.

• Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports:"Harris certainly fits what theSteelers look for in their backs: He’s big, he’s an excellent receiverand he can make people miss at 232 pounds. Harris just doesn’t hit homeruns, and that’s fine if — and it’s a big if — the Steelers can findsome better blockers up front. " Grade: B.

• Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: "Getting the elite, powerful, durable workhorse back also works to revamptheir running game as a massive upgrade from James Conner. Harris can pound between the tackles well with his size and strength, but also has some burst into the secondary. He also is adept in the passing game as aprotector and receiver to stay on the field for three-down impact." Grade: A.