He was the 24th overall pick, and among offensive players taken, he was 15th. Najee Harris was No. 1, though, in October.
Harris was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Month for October, the league announced Thursday. The Pittsburgh Steelers running back amassed 480 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns over the past four games, three of them victories.
Although many teams played five games during October, and the Steelers enjoyed an idle week, just seven players (rookies and veterans) had more scrimmage yards, and four had more rushing yards. No rookie in the league had more rushing yards or touchdowns during October.
Najee Harris said he’s flown into the end zone from 4 yards out in high school and college but not in the NFL til today pic.twitter.com/02JRaawz4s
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) October 31, 2021
During the Steelers’ three-game winning streak, Harris has averaged 24.3 carries, 98 rushing yards and 130 yards from scrimmage per game. He scored during each of those games.
“He wants to do more than just be a great runner,” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. “Being a running back is about more than just being a good runner. Pass pro, even down the field. I think one of the reverses I was watching, he at least got in the way and created a block. I think he takes pride in wanting to be great, and we’re seeing a lot of growth.”
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