A rookie puts the boom back in the Steelers run game
Boom
Najee Harris, Pittsburgh
The last time Pittsburgh drafted a running back this high that player touched the ball just short of 300 times. The Steelers took Le’veon Bell in the 2nd round of the 2013 draft, and he touched the ball 289 times during his rookie year.
Harris, a first-round pick, is built similarly to Bell and is expected to be a focal point of new offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s rush attack.
The Steelers have not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Bell’s last full season in 2017, and Harris will break that trend this season.
Bust
D’Andre Swift, Detroit
Several experts believe the second-year RB will make the jump to become an RB1.
However, a preseason groin injury, the presence of Jamaal Williams and an offense that is expected to be one of the worst in the NFL will keep Swift’s expectations low from me.
New offensive coordinator Anthony Linn also prefers a running back by committee approach.
Sleeper
Mike Davis, Atlanta
I’ve been preaching Davis will be league winner all preseason, and there has been pushback.
But here are my reasons why Davis could be the perfect guy to add to your team to make a run at your league championship.
1. No experienced competition
2. New coach Arthur Smith’s offenses focus around the running game
3. Davis heads into the season as the expected starter
He showed glimpses last season taking over for an injured Christian McCaffrey, but he was the back-up to start the season. Some guys prepare differently when heading into the season when they know they are the man (have you seen the preseason quads pic).