As usual, the Alabama Crimson Tide were at the center of college football in 2020. COVID-19 couldn’t even stop that from happening.
In years past that has been the case because of the stout defense Nick Saban has built but more recently it’s their outstanding offense. Included in that is dynamic running back Najee Harris.
On Friday, NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein released his latest mock ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft in April. In it, the Bills select Harris. It’s the second time that Harris has been mocked to the Bills in a prominent mock draft recently as ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. did the same.
Considering his talent, Harris to the Bills is an intriguing idea.
On the latest Bills-Harris connection, here’s the NFL.com reasoning:
The Bills took a big step forward in 2020, but they need more balance in their offense. The physical three-down runner with talent as a receiver out of the backfield could immediately upgrade not just the running game but the offense overall.
In selecting Harris in this mock, the Bills take the second rusher off the board as Clemson’s Travis Etienne is taken by the Jets at No. 23. However, some do consider Harris as the No. 1 running back prospect.
Harris projects as the type of do-to-all running back that the Bills lack. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss currently have their own jobs, but the Bills would add Harris as a guy that can do what they both bring to the table.
Harris, a four-year player for the Crimson Tide, averaged 5.9 and 5.8 yards per carry the past two seasons, respectively. The 6-foot-2, 230 pound rusher displayed his dynamic abilities as he rushed for 79 yards (3.6 avg) and two touchdowns while also adding a third touchdown via seven catches and another 79 yards receiving in the recent National Championship game.
What helps with the idea of Harris to the Bills is Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane. During his end of season press conference, he did suggest that a focal point of his offseason will be improving the team’s rushing attack. Harris would certainly be a move that shows he is serious about doing so.
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