Matt Waldman’s Rookie Scouting Portfolio shares three plays of Alabama running back Najee Harris and what sets him apart as a 2021 NFL Draft prospect. 

Najee Harris and Travis Etienne are the two running backs most NFL Draftniks mention at the top of the position’s talent boards. I have seen enough of Harris to appreciate his game, although I think a lot of the praise I’ve seen unintentionally uses supporting film work that vastly overstates his value.

Some of these clips laud Harris for press-and-cutback skills that you’ll find with the first 2-3 backs on 85 percent of the NFL’s depth charts for the position.

So here are three plays that will give you a more realistic understanding of what makes Harris a compelling prospect.

A few plays from #Alabama RB Najee Harris.

Not a blazer and could argue he's a one-speed guy in terms of acceleration. But his C.O.D. is sudden enough to hang with the top defenders.

And the back-shoulder fade with jump-back technique and foot drag versus Patrick Queen? YES pic.twitter.com/aosdzSQk9o

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) July 11, 2020

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