With The First Pick
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2021 NFL Draft Stock Watch: Najee Harris shines in Rose Bowl

By Garrett Ballard

Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) runs against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40) in the third quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Najee Harris (22) runs against Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Drew White (40) in the third quarter during the Rose Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Najee Harris
Najee Harris. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Najee Harris makes his claim for RB1 in the Rose Bowl

The first of the two college football playoff semifinal games has concluded, and 2021 NFL Draft prospect and Alabama running back Najee Harris had another big day. The Senior running back for the Crimson Tide has been one of the major cogs that has kept this offense so explosive, and this game didn’t change that at all. Harris is off of a five touchdown performance against Florida in the SEC Championship and followed it up with another big game.

Harris had 15 rushing attempts, for 115 yards. In addition he had 4 receptions for 30 yards. Harris is a bigger back, but possesses a set of sweet feet that he can quickly move and get around defenders. Harris, literally, hurdled over the competition tonight on his way to another statement performance.

Looking at draft stock of Najee Harris

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In recent weeks, Harris has seen his 2021 NFL Draft stock take a massive jump. A few weeks ago, most people viewed Travis Etienne of Clemson, the consensus RB1 for the 2021 NFL Draft. Najee Harris must have taken that personally, because that is anything but true anymore. Harris finished fifth in Heisman voting, and that is looking to be like a major mistake by the voters. Come draft day, Harris might very well be the first running back off the board.

The 2021 NFL Draft running back class is not the greatest we’ve ever seen, but players like Harris make us rethink that. The last two weeks have been some of Harris’ best performances, and they have come against some of the best competition.

Daniel Jeremiah of NFL Network sees a little Matt Forte in the game of Harris:

"“Harris has a tall, athletic frame for the running back position. He’s a smooth, fluid runner with a gliding gate. He’s very patient on inside runs and has the ability to get skinny through traffic. He drops his pads on contact and possesses tremendous contact balance. He’s elusive in the open field and can deploy a nasty stiff-arm.”"

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If he can have another big performance in the National Championship, who knows where his stock will land. Currently, expect to hear his name called on Day 2, but if there’s a team who wants to take a running back in late round one, he could very well be that guy.

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