Jaylen Warren better RB than Najee

[DesertSteel]

I watch some of them too and I’ll just have to disagree. They are almost identical. Conner runs straight forward, Harris dilly dally’s a bit before getting to the point. The result is very close to the same.

So even if they’re equal, does that make a first round pick a good one if it only replaces a player at equal ability?

[Mojouw]

At this point, it doesn't matter what round Harris was picked in. That cost has already been paid.

Now, it is about what is the value of Harris and what is the cost of replacing him?

If Harris cost say $8 million per year and that cap hit had zero negative impact on what you did at QB (because that is the ONLY offseason roster question that will ultimately matter) or you had to spend a 2nd round pick to get a similar player....that $8 million doesn't look so bad.

That being said...figure it is easier to get a RB in FA than a WR, DL, or DB.

[DesertSteel]

At this point, it doesn't matter what round Harris was picked in. That cost has already been paid.

Now, it is about what is the value of Harris and what is the cost of replacing him?

If Harris cost say $8 million per year and that cap hit had zero negative impact on what you did at QB (because that is the ONLY offseason roster question that will ultimately matter) or you had to spend a 2nd round pick to get a similar player....that $8 million doesn't look so bad.

That being said...figure it is easier to get a RB in FA than a WR, DL, or DB.

A 4th-5th round pick as a compliment to Warren is sufficient to replace 3.9 YPC.

[Mojouw]

A 4th-5th round pick as a compliment to Warren is sufficient to replace 3.9 YPC.

Is it?

In the last 5 years (list here: https://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/positions/rb) guys drafted after the 3rd round who are better than Harris: Tony Pollard, JK Dobbins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Roschon Johnson, Kyren Williams, Braelon Allen.

I know it used to be said that you can find a RB anywhere....but it doesn't seem to be the case. The revitalization of the position is centered around freakish athletes from the first 3 rounds of the draft. Outside of that...there is about 1 successful guy a class. Maybe 2.

If Arthur Smith and reclamation project QBs are the new path forward....Steelers need a star RB. Not saying Harris is it. Not saying they should resign him. But the likely acquisition cost via FA or the draft is going to be far higher than many expect. And Warren would fall flat on his face as a lead RB. He fumbles far too much.

[ALLD]

They will move at least 1RB in the offseason and draft a top one if it falls to them. They need depth at OL, WR and CB. They could go with the same RB crew in 2025 if they all fit under the salary cap.

[Born2Steel]

The problem is neither Najee nor Warren is under contract for next season. If the going rate is $9M for a starting RB, who are you bringing back for that amount? I would bring back Najee.

[DesertSteel]

Is it?

In the last 5 years (list here: https://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/positions/rb) guys drafted after the 3rd round who are better than Harris: Tony Pollard, JK Dobbins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Roschon Johnson, Kyren Williams, Braelon Allen.

I know it used to be said that you can find a RB anywhere....but it doesn't seem to be the case. The revitalization of the position is centered around freakish athletes from the first 3 rounds of the draft. Outside of that...there is about 1 successful guy a class. Maybe 2.

If Arthur Smith and reclamation project QBs are the new path forward....Steelers need a star RB. Not saying Harris is it. Not saying they should resign him. But the likely acquisition cost via FA or the draft is going to be far higher than many expect. And Warren would fall flat on his face as a lead RB. He fumbles far too much.

Okay then draft one from the 3rd round. Najee at his best was only average. What do you think he'll be like in 2 years? Personally, I think Warren is better and showed it the previous two years. He gets dinged up so pair him with a draft pick and yeah, IMO, you end up better and cheaper.

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The problem is neither Najee nor Warren is under contract for next season. If the going rate is $9M for a starting RB, who are you bringing back for that amount? I would bring back Najee.

Warren is a RFA so his rights belong to the Steelers.

[Mojouw]

Okay then draft one from the 3rd round. Najee at his best was only average. What do you think he'll be like in 2 years? Personally, I think Warren is better and showed it the previous two years. He gets dinged up so pair him with a draft pick and yeah, IMO, you end up better and cheaper.

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Warren is a RFA so his rights belong to the Steelers.

Looking at the same list....there is maybe one or two names from the 3rd round that is better as of right now than Harris.

To get an equivalent player to Harris, I suspect you are looking at a first or second round pick or 10+ million per year in free agency.

A high replacement cost is not a great reason to keep a player, but I think we should be realistic about what letting Harris go looks like during the off-season. Honestly, depending on what they do at QB - they might not be signing much of anyone.

[DesertSteel]

Looking at the same list....there is maybe one or two names from the 3rd round that is better as of right now than Harris.

To get an equivalent player to Harris, I suspect you are looking at a first or second round pick or 10+ million per year in free agency.

A high replacement cost is not a great reason to keep a player, but I think we should be realistic about what letting Harris go looks like during the off-season. Honestly, depending on what they do at QB - they might not be signing much of anyone.

You have a higher grade on Najee than I do.

[Mojouw]

You have a higher grade on Najee than I do.

Look through the list of drafted RBs. Who from the 3-7 rounds do you think would perform better than Harris in the Steelers offense?

All I’m seeing is mostly guys sitting on NFL benches or struggling to produce.

Would these dudes be better on the Steelers?

[DesertSteel]

I see teams like the 49s and the Browns that have those backups come in and perform nearly as well as the stars. And Najee ain’t no star. And if he was a star, I’d still be reluctant to give him a second contract unless his name was Henry, Barkley or CMac. Najee can’t carry their jockstraps.

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I’ll give him credit for his durability and for having 3-4 good games a year.

[Mojouw]

I see teams like the 49s and the Browns that have those backups come in and perform nearly as well as the stars. And Najee ain’t no star. And if he was a star, I’d still be reluctant to give him a second contract unless his name was Henry, Barkley or CMac. Najee can’t carry their jockstraps.

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I’ll give him credit for his durability and for having 3-4 good games a year.

Ok. Nothing wrong with that.

Would you want Jerome Ford starting at RB for the Steelers next season?

That’s kind of the “typical” round 3-7 RB from the past 5 draft classes.

[pczach]

Is it?

In the last 5 years (list here: https://www.drafthistory.com/index.php/positions/rb) guys drafted after the 3rd round who are better than Harris: Tony Pollard, JK Dobbins, Rhamondre Stevenson, Roschon Johnson, Kyren Williams, Braelon Allen.

I know it used to be said that you can find a RB anywhere....but it doesn't seem to be the case. The revitalization of the position is centered around freakish athletes from the first 3 rounds of the draft. Outside of that...there is about 1 successful guy a class. Maybe 2.

If Arthur Smith and reclamation project QBs are the new path forward....Steelers need a star RB. Not saying Harris is it. Not saying they should resign him. But the likely acquisition cost via FA or the draft is going to be far higher than many expect. And Warren would fall flat on his face as a lead RB. He fumbles far too much.

On one of the NFL shows they listed who had the most rushing yards in the second half of games. Saquon Barkley was #1, Derrick Henry was #2, #3 was Najee Harris. He was a far distant #3, but #3 nonetheless. The second half is where teams use the running backs to take over games and finish out games.

It's an obscure but pretty cool stat.

[Mojouw]

On one of the NFL shows they listed who had the most rushing yards in the second half of games. Saquon Barkley was #1, Derrick Henry was #2, #3 was Najee Harris. He was a far distant #3, but #3 nonetheless. The second half is where teams use the running backs to take over games and finish out games.

It's an obscure but pretty cool stat.

It is!

I think I read somewhere that Harris is the only back with 4 consecutive 1000 yard seasons.

I get that Harris isn’t a star or anything it he’s going to cost more in draft capital or cap bucks to replace than it might first appear.

The Raiders thought Jacob’s was easy to replace. That went poorly.

[86WARD]

I see teams like the 49s and the Browns that have those backups come in and perform nearly as well as the stars. And Najee ain’t no star. And if he was a star, I’d still be reluctant to give him a second contract unless his name was Henry, Barkley or CMac. Najee can’t carry their jockstraps.

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I’ll give him credit for his durability and for having 3-4 good games a year.

That’s all system…especially in the case of the Browns and 49ers. Isaac Guerendo will be the next back to come in for the Niners and they won’t miss a beat at that position because that’s how their system works.

Look at Barkley last year, he put up great numbers for what system he was in. But they weren’t overall great. He wasn’t as good as Najee according to the numbers. 3.9 v 4.1. Wasn’t anywhere near the player he is this season though. Eagles system…much better and more talented. These systems make or break a player more times than not…and that’s why the Eagles got a bargain on Barkleys contract.

Harris will get good money.

[DesertSteel]

Ok. Nothing wrong with that.

Would you want Jerome Ford starting at RB for the Steelers next season?

That’s kind of the “typical” round 3-7 RB from the past 5 draft classes.

I’d say draft a running back from Notre Dame and they’ll be okay. They produce good backs there and this year is no different. The last running back we had from Notre Dame played okay too.

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That’s all system…especially in the case of the Browns and 49ers. Isaac Guerendo will be the next back to come in for the Niners and they won’t miss a beat at that position because that’s how their system works.

Look at Barkley last year, he put up great numbers for what system he was in. But they weren’t overall great. He wasn’t as good as Najee according to the numbers. 3.9 v 4.1. Wasn’t anywhere near the player he is this season though. Eagles system…much better and more talented. These systems make or break a player more times than not…and that’s why the Eagles got a bargain on Barkleys contract.

Harris will get good money.

I predict he won’t. Lots on here were saying the same things about JuJu. How he was gonna sign a fat contract and catch a hundred balls. I didn’t see that either. If the market goes up he’ll benefit from that. But whoever signs him will cut him before year two is up.

[86WARD]

I’d say draft a running back from Notre Dame and they’ll be okay. They produce good backs there and this year is no different. The last running back we had from Notre Dame played okay too.

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I predict he won’t. Lots on here were saying the same things about JuJu. How he was gonna sign a fat contract and catch a hundred balls. I didn’t see that either. If the market goes up he’ll benefit from that. But whoever signs him will cut him before year two is up.

That’s quite possible that he gets cut but I think he’s much closer to the $7.5-$9 M than the $6M range.

[DesertSteel]

I’ll take Cam Skattebo from ASU in rounds 3-4 and be set. I’ve watched him a few times this year and he’s almost impossible to bring down. His contact balance is 10/10. He’s tearing it up today in the Big 12 Championship.

[hawaiiansteeler]

I’ll take Cam Skattebo from ASU in rounds 3-4 and be set. I’ve watched him a few times this year and he’s almost impossible to bring down. His contact balance is 10/10. He’s tearing it up today in the Big 12 Championship.

10 carries for 140 yds with 2 TDs @ halftime.

Very impressive...

[DesertSteel]

10 carries for 140 yds with 2 TDs @ halftime.

Very impressive...

It's yards after contact that are amazing.

[Steeler-in-west]

Harris is ok, hes got power, but hes slow, and sometimes his vision is not there. But hes durable and takes care of the ball. Warren is quicker and faster but he gets hurt more often and loses the ball occasionally. I think they compliment each other well. I think Barry Foster, the Bus, were better than both these guys.

[86WARD]

Harris is ok, hes got power, but hes slow, and sometimes his vision is not there. But hes durable and takes care of the ball. Warren is quicker and faster but he gets hurt more often and loses the ball occasionally. I think they compliment each other well. I think Barry Foster, the Bus, were better than both these guys.

Much better.

[ncgjka]

Again the studder.... Harris is not extended if you ask me

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[tube517]

Y'all leave Scottie Miller alone!

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[pczach]

Y'all leave Scottie Miller alone!

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He's better than people here give him credit for.

[tube517]

Dammit

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[tube517]

Wrong thread

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[pczach]

Dammit

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Hurray!!!

[86WARD]

It’s very curious how they call these plays sometimes.

First - Patterson should NEVER be in the game running the ball.

Secondly - Harris has enough problems stutter stepping when running north and south, to pitch the ball to him and try to run him outside is just asinine. It didn’t work when Conner was in Pittsburgh and it has never worked with Harris. That’s a Warren play. Harris is a North/South, maybe one cut, runner. He’s not a Le’Veon Bell, wait for the hole and go guy.

Lastly - stop with the draw play from the shotgun formation. It doesn’t work in Pittsburgh.

[Mojouw]

It’s very curious how they call these plays sometimes.

First - Patterson should NEVER be in the game running the ball.

Secondly - Harris has enough problems stutter stepping when running north and south, to pitch the ball to him and try to run him outside is just asinine. It didn’t work when Conner was in Pittsburgh and it has never worked with Harris. That’s a Warren play. Harris is a North/South, maybe one cut, runner. He’s not a Le’Veon Bell, wait for the hole and go guy.

Lastly - stop with the draw play from the shotgun formation. It doesn’t work in Pittsburgh.

Outside runs against a wide 9 scheme designed to stop outside runs.

Seemed an odd choice.