Steelers HC Mike Tomlin sees 'a lot to be excited about' in Najee Harris

The Pittsburgh Steelers improved their running game significantly when they selected Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 draft. 

Harris didn't do all that much in rookie minicamp over the weekend. However, he made a positive impression on his new head coach, Mike Tomlin. 

"He is a sharp guy," Tomlin said, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "He is a football guy. You can tell he is passionate about football. He can articulate the game very well, so it's a lot to be excited about.

"It is more noticeable simply because there's not a lot of people to work with. He's getting an opportunity to work one-on-one with coach [Eddie] Faulkner at the running back position that provides plenty of opportunity for him to verbalize his knowledge and things of that nature."

The Steelers finished last in rushing yards last season. With Harris onboard, that should change in 2021. The former Alabama running back ran for 1,466 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. He also caught 43 passes for 425 yards and four scores. 

Harris recently discussed his transition from college to the NFL in Team Whistle's "No Days Off," saying he was in Texas to begin training about 48 hours after the college football championship game. 

If he transitions well to the NFL, he could end up being one of the best running backs in the league.