The RB room

[Burghboy]

If you are going to be serious about being a power running team you really do need more at RB3 than McFarland. At this point we know what he is and it isn't very impressive. Could the Benny Snell we saw for a brief period of time late last season be that guy? Perhaps, except that we've seen enough Benny Snail to be very afraid of going with that as our most desirable option.

[meanjustinbarlow]

Najee Harris carries himself like he's Gale Sayers. You'd think from the way he acts and is treated that he was some All Pro. His cockiness is so unwarranted. On most teams he'd be on the bench and if there was a true competition Jaylen Warren would be the #1 back on this team.

But hey, the goal of this offense is to get to 3rd and 3. And Najee is great at that.

This is such utter bullshit lol

Warren is NOT BETTER THAN NAJEE - his YPC is inflated because he always got the ball in layup run scenarios last year (garbage time, 3rd and long draws)

Harris faced 8 man fronts and had zero blocking. We haven't really seen what he can do aside from some incredible flashes when he does get some daylight (devastating stiff-arms, explosive hurdles over erect tacklers)

No he isn't a home run guy, but he is one of a few true bell cows in the NFL (Taylor, Chubb, Jacobs, Henry, Barkley, Walker). There is a Marshawn-like ceiling here that could be realized with the new and improved O-Line.

This hate for Harris is nonsense. He has leadership skills and his training and conditioning are tone setting.

[meanjustinbarlow]

If you are going to be serious about being a power running team you really do need more at RB3 than McFarland. At this point we know what he is and it isn't very impressive. Could the Benny Snell we saw for a brief period of time late last season be that guy? Perhaps, except that we've seen enough Benny Snail to be very afraid of going with that as our most desirable option.

It seems every time the Steelers have experimented with a scat back since Willie Parker wore down it hasnt worked out. Not sure why but they seem to have a "type" with 6-2 230+ players and thats it. May as well just lean into it

1) Harris
2) Warren
3) Snell or an FA
4) Heyward

[tbsteel]

Warren is NOT BETTER THAN NAJEE - his YPC is inflated because he always got the ball in layup run scenarios last year (garbage time, 3rd and long draws)

You see kids, this is what happens when you just choose to be a dumb homer and don't care about the actual facts.

Jaylen Warren had 77 carries last year. A whole 2 of them came on third down. 39 yard first down carries, 34 second down carries, 2 on third down, and 2 on fourth.

Only 35 of his 79 carries came in the second and he had a 38/39 split for carries when we were behind compared to when we were ahead or tied. So your "he just racked up yards in garbage time" position is 100% wrong.

Harris faced 8 man fronts and had zero blocking. We haven't really seen what he can do aside from some incredible flashes when he does get some daylight (devastating stiff-arms, explosive hurdles over erect tacklers)

Harris actually doesn't face many 8 man boxes at all. And Warren is far more successful vs. stacked boxes. Warren averaged 7.3 YPA against stacked boxes last year for 15 of his 77 carries (19.4%). https://www.ftnfantasy.com/articles/FTN ... ning-backs

As a rookie, Najee only saw 14% of his carries against stacked boxes. https://www.milehighreport.com/2022/4/1 ... econd-year. There's no indication he saw anything more than significant than that last year. Here are the top guys for that last year, with Harris not on the list. https://www.rotoballer.com/nextgen-stat ... ks/1126064

So, in summation, you're 100% dead wrong. You are awarded 0 points, and may God have mercy on your yinzer soul.

[Thrillsseeker]

Warren is NOT BETTER THAN NAJEE - his YPC is inflated because he always got the ball in layup run scenarios last year (garbage time, 3rd and long draws)

You see kids, this is what happens when you just choose to be a dumb homer and don't care about the actual facts.

Jaylen Warren had 77 carries last year. A whole 2 of them came on third down. 39 yard first down carries, 34 second down carries, 2 on third down, and 2 on fourth.

Only 35 of his 79 carries came in the second and he had a 38/39 split for carries when we were behind compared to when we were ahead or tied. So your "he just racked up yards in garbage time" position is 100% wrong.

Harris faced 8 man fronts and had zero blocking. We haven't really seen what he can do aside from some incredible flashes when he does get some daylight (devastating stiff-arms, explosive hurdles over erect tacklers)

Harris actually doesn't face many 8 man boxes at all. And Warren is far more successful vs. stacked boxes. Warren averaged 7.3 YPA against stacked boxes last year for 15 of his 77 carries (19.4%). https://www.ftnfantasy.com/articles/FTN ... ning-backs

As a rookie, Najee only saw 14% of his carries against stacked boxes. https://www.milehighreport.com/2022/4/1 ... econd-year. There's no indication he saw anything more than significant than that last year. Here are the top guys for that last year, with Harris not on the list. https://www.rotoballer.com/nextgen-stat ... ks/1126064

So, in summation, you're 100% dead wrong. You are awarded 0 points, and may God have mercy on your yinzer soul.

Meanjoegreen said what?

Ststs are for pussies? Was that it?

Najee is having fun and is a great teammate, yiubare the one who is wrong.

[Thrillsseeker]

Najee Harris carries himself like he's Gale Sayers. You'd think from the way he acts and is treated that he was some All Pro. His cockiness is so unwarranted. On most teams he'd be on the bench and if there was a true competition Jaylen Warren would be the #1 back on this team.

But hey, the goal of this offense is to get to 3rd and 3. And Najee is great at that.

How in the hell is this your opinion?

Imo you are off by a country mile.

[Orangesteel]

The problem with Najee being selected in the 1st is why he was. It’s the typical Steelers bullshit where a player becomes “destined” to become a Steeler. There was no reason to take him there given the holes that existed on this roster at the time. And you don’t fill the RB hole with a 1st unless you are guaranteed Adrian Peterson in his prime or CMC production.

I’m just happy the Steelers didn’t use the “destined” pick on Porter in the 1st this year. They kinda nailed the Jones/Porter picks so I’ll give them that. But Porter too was destined to become a Steeler.

We need Najee’s production to skyrocket this year. No doubt.

[langer]

We haven't really seen what he can do

Should we put that on his headstone.

He's really good, but we just havent seen what he can do!

He could get straight As, but he just hasn't been given the opportunity.

He could be the best ever, but people just haven't let him.

AB would be ward Fuckin Cleaver if it weren't for Big Ben and his bad leadership.

Bad players have excuses, good ones don't. Hopeful that Najee can play well this year, he can catch and if used in a Roger Craig role, could really do some work.

Or maybe we line up more excuses for his inability to be great.

[SteelerDayTrader]

Roger Craig is a good comparison

I’m not really sure what problem people have with Najee ??

He has been a very solid RB, great teammate, and smart football player

What more is there ?

Is he HOF level ? Probably not. But those are rare players

I like Najee and want him on my team as part a 3 or 4 RB rotation

[stillthere]

Jaylen Warren Full Rookie Season Highlights | Every Run and Target in 2022
12 minute video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgmoL25RYNo

[COR-TEN]

Jaylen Warren Full Rookie Season Highlights | Every Run and Target in 2022
12 minute video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgmoL25RYNo

I watched about half of that 11 min vid. Warren has zero wiggle. Zip. He's as much of a straight ahead downhill runner as they come. Harris at least has some wiggle. And in those 5-6 minutes I watched, he ran right up the gut.

I don't get the Naj hate. He's no first ballot HOFmer, or even an elite, top three back, but he does everything above average - Run, block, catch. Which in my book is good enough to win a SB. They just need to rotate more with Warren and the 3rd back. If I could chose three things tomlin should do differently is 1. NOT run the wheels off RB's, 2. NOT run on first down, like 95% of the time, 3. Don't hamstring your skill guys to keep it close until the end - play to blow your opponent out from the get go. Those three things would probably add at least 2 wins to the season.

As they say, football is won in the trenches, and the steelers O line got better as the season went along. Resulting in more success.

[tbsteel]

Harris has wiggle? Lol dude can't even run outside of tackle. He tries to hurdle everything because he can't change direction without taking two seconds to gather himself.

And why are there the constant empty preambles when discussing Najee of "Well, I'm not saying he's a HOFer, but...." as if that means anything. No shit he's not elite and not a HOFer, lol. Feel free to not waste your time using that empty preamble when discussing Levi Wallace, Cole Holcomb, Mason Cole, and anyone else who's mid like Najee on this team.

It's like this board has to soften the blow on anything Najee-related. Two years in and he's been an inefficient disappointment. Live with it. Breathe that stanky stank in.

[RemoAZ]

I guess I'm in the minority but I don't think we've seen the best of Harris. Hopefully we see a combination of Harris healthy, improved oline and more effective offensive game plan right out of the gate this season. That last one I'm not confident in though.

[bradshaw2ben]

The Steelers seem to be unaware of Chaos Theory & Entropy. The longer your offense is on the field, the more bad things will happen (penalties, turnovers, drops, failures). RBs who get chunks at best and offensive calls that are risk-averse and designed to "stay ahead of the chains" open you up to mistakes/being stopped short of the end zone. You don't need to be a scientist; everyone here has witnessed it with this team for years.

But intently fascinated are they with this style of football. We'll see if they can score despite themselves.

[955876]

This style of football makes it MUCH easier for Jibbs to blame poor performance on execution rather than the dumb game plan.

He is an expert at creating excuses ahead of time.

[Deebo]

Roger Craig is a good comparison

I’m not really sure what problem people have with Najee ??

He has been a very solid RB, great teammate, and smart football player

What more is there ?

Is he HOF level ? Probably not. But those are rare players

I like Najee and want him on my team as part a 3 or 4 RB rotation

Harris is a good teammate and everything. I don't think there's hate or a problem with him. It's just that many people (myself included) are quick to point out that it was dumb to spend a 1st on someone who is being outperformed by a Free Agent. Especially at a position that is extremely fungible.

In short, it has less to do with Harris and more his draft status. I doubt there would be that much consternation if he was a 5th rounder and he's being outplayed by said Free Agent. I want him on the Steelers for this season, but I sure as hell don't want him to be given a C2, but you know they will

[tbsteel]

I don't have a problem so much for using a first round pick on a RB, as to get a great RB you're most likely going to have to spend a top 50 pick on one (two years ago when I looked at it, 14 of the top 21 RBs in the NFL were top 50 draft picks, including Jonathan Taylor, Chubb, Derrick Henry, McCaffery, Cook, Mixon, Barkley, and Elliott)..........

My main problem is that Najee, you know, isn't that good. He'll never be a top 10 guy. He's a plodder with no vision and no juice that should get 10-12 carries a game, and certainly shouldn't be a focal point of any good or dynamic offense.

[Jobu]

I don't have a problem so much for using a first round pick on a RB, as to get a great RB you're most likely going to have to spend a top 50 pick on one (two years ago when I looked at it, 14 of the top 21 RBs in the NFL were top 50 draft picks, including Jonathan Taylor, Chubb, Derrick Henry, McCaffery, Cook, Mixon, Barkley, and Elliott)..........

My main problem is that Najee, you know, isn't that good. He'll never be a top 10 guy. He's a plodder with no vision and no juice that should get 10-12 carries a game, and certainly shouldn't be a focal point of any good or dynamic offense.

There’s the rub…
Najee was drafted to be the hub of the offense, and he is going to be. Every team building move the Steelers have made since BR7s final offseason, drafting Harris in the 1st, drafting a game managing QB in the first, building a sluggish, run blocking O-line including not one but two blocking TEs, has been to enhance Najee Harris status as the offenses focal point. They are going to plunge him between the tackles 25-30 times a game, come he’ll or high water.

[yygy]

I personally don’t like taking rib or lb very early rounds. It’s not 1975. The game changer positions are more speed and skill.

That said, when the Steelers draft these guys, I roll my eyes, but I also hope that they blow the fuck up. As I think Naj can with a better and OL and fully healthy. There’s every reason for me to think he can be a top-five back.

I’m also pretty convinced the offensive mentality is set by the Rooney. CowheCowher talked about how Dan would tell him, gotta run the ball more. So you have defensive head coaches, who just go with the flow.

Best thing Cowher ever dis, was get out of the way in the 2005 playoffs and let the Steelers win with the offense but it’s very easy for any head coach to fall back into the pattern.

Steelers offense has the pieces to be more dynamic and they’re gonna have to be or they’re just gonna be middle of the pack as a whole team

[Deebo]

I personally don’t like taking rib or lb very early rounds. It’s not 1975. The game changer positions are more speed and skill.

That said, when the Steelers draft these guys, I roll my eyes, but I also hope that they blow the fuck up. As I think Naj can with a better and OL and fully healthy. There’s every reason for me to think he can be a top-five back.

I’m also pretty convinced the offensive mentality is set by the Rooney. CowheCowher talked about how Dan would tell him, gotta run the ball more. So you have defensive head coaches, who just go with the flow.

Best thing Cowher ever dis, was get out of the way in the 2005 playoffs and let the Steelers win with the offense but it’s very easy for any head coach to fall back into the pattern.

Steelers offense has the pieces to be more dynamic and they’re gonna have to be or they’re just gonna be middle of the pack as a whole team

By what measure can Najee be a top 5 back? If you give him the ball enough, yes he'll crank out yards and be productive. Warren would equal or surpass Najee if given the same opportunities

You used the term dynamic. That's the rub: Harris isn't that. If you want a dynamic offense, then you don't have Harris as a featured back. These are mutually exclusive events.

[tbsteel]

With all due respect, I just think there’s a portion of the fanbase that will never be able to objectively discuss or evaluate Najee.

There is absolutely zilch he has shown his first two years in the league that even hints that he has top 5 potential. I mean, do those that think that even watch other teams?

[beerbrother]

Najee doesn't have elite vision or speed.

He is a good overall back that can block, catch and protect the ball.

I believe he is more athletic than Warren however Jaylen hits the hole like he was shot from a cannon.

[Kodiak.]

Najee doesn't have elite vision or speed.

He is a good overall back that can block, catch and protect the ball.

I believe he is more athletic than Warren however Jaylen hits the hole like he was shot from a cannon.

I'm afraid Najee and Pickett are complete JAGs, playing for the worst OC in the league.

Sure, Pickett was a rookie but he gave few, if any, reasons to expect he can be even an average starter in this league. Najee has been an average RB, at his best, which has been rare.

They don't turn the ball over. They made a few plays. That's the kind of stuff you like to be able to say about a 4th receiver.

[Ice]

With all due respect, I just think there’s a portion of the fanbase that will never be able to objectively discuss or evaluate Najee.

There is absolutely zilch he has shown his first two years in the league that even hints that he has top 5 potential. I mean, do those that think that even watch other teams?

Even if you didn't watch other teams, you'd still hopefully notice Joe Mixon, Nick Chubb and JK Dobbins twice a year each.

[stillthere]

Steelers sign RB Darius Hagans

Death knell of Benny Snell???? Inquiring minds want to know.

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-si ... -williams/

Hagans (6-0, 210 pounds) had 1,012 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games for Division II Virginia State last season. A 2,000-yard rusher over three college seasons, Hagans took part in the HBCU combine that Steelers general manager Omar Khan spoke at. He was released by the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Receiver Cody Chrest was released. Chrest, who joined Hagans as undrafted rookies initially signed by the Colts, had joined the Steelers two weeks ago.

The moves leave the Steelers’ offseason roster at its league-mandated max of 90.

Kid has tape on youtube. He covered kicks on KO team in college and was what appeared to be the starting RB.

[DP39]

Steelers sign RB Darius Hagans

Death knell of Benny Snell???? Inquiring minds want to know.

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-si ... -williams/

Hagans (6-0, 210 pounds) had 1,012 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games for Division II Virginia State last season. A 2,000-yard rusher over three college seasons, Hagans took part in the HBCU combine that Steelers general manager Omar Khan spoke at. He was released by the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Receiver Cody Chrest was released. Chrest, who joined Hagans as undrafted rookies initially signed by the Colts, had joined the Steelers two weeks ago.

The moves leave the Steelers’ offseason roster at its league-mandated max of 90.

Kid has tape on youtube. He covered kicks on KO team in college and was what appeared to be the starting RB.

Kid's a hometown (757) guy for Tomlin. He still can't help himself.

[Jobu]

Kid's a hometown (757) guy for Tomlin. He still can't help himself.

The kid must live on the other side of the street…Steelers are doing things differently now.

[stillthere]

Steelers sign RB Darius Hagans

Death knell of Benny Snell???? Inquiring minds want to know.

https://triblive.com/sports/steelers-si ... -williams/

Hagans (6-0, 210 pounds) had 1,012 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in 10 games for Division II Virginia State last season. A 2,000-yard rusher over three college seasons, Hagans took part in the HBCU combine that Steelers general manager Omar Khan spoke at. He was released by the Indianapolis Colts last week.

Receiver Cody Chrest was released. Chrest, who joined Hagans as undrafted rookies initially signed by the Colts, had joined the Steelers two weeks ago.

The moves leave the Steelers’ offseason roster at its league-mandated max of 90.

Kid has tape on youtube. He covered kicks on KO team in college and was what appeared to be the starting RB.

Kid's a hometown (757) guy for Tomlin. He still can't help himself.

Maybe Terry Kirby has some nephews in that area as well. Maybe hit up the maxpreps website to look for NFL bloodlines now and get ahead of the curve.

[Steel City Fan]

Najee doesn't have elite vision or speed.

He is a good overall back that can block, catch and protect the ball.

I believe he is more athletic than Warren however Jaylen hits the hole like he was shot from a cannon.

I think this is where I am. Harris is a “good” all around back but not one you spend a 1st round pick on. Having said that, I think he’s going to have a good year based on the upgrades to the o-line and TE group (Washington).

All of which will lead to a big fat new contract.

Maybe he’ll improve on his career long run of 28 yards

[stillthere]

Maybe he’ll improve on his career long run of 28 yards

What is the old saying "I will eat my hat or my shoe or some other leather based product!!"
I am all in. I believe he has a 40 yard run in him this year.

I would like to see the odds on him busting off a 50 yard run though. That might even be worth a sprinkle depending on the odds.