Minkah Fitzpatrick on Najee Harris: “He’s never going down on the first tackle”

[Steeler Nation]

After the Pittsburgh Steelers had a day off on Sunday, the team was back at it again today at Heinz Field. OT Zach Banner was in pads practicing for the first time this off-season, rookie Pat Freiermuth continues to impress, and the stock of LB Buddy Johnson, QB Dwayne Haskins, and WR Rico Bussey all continue to rise.

In other news, RB Benny Snell and LB Marcus Allen missed practice today and will be further evaluated.






Even with all of the above mentioned happening, all eyes still seem to continue to be on rookie RB, Najee Harris. He seems to be winning all of his one on one match ups, proving he’s an excellent blocker & receiver (not just a runner), and according to All-Pro S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Harris has “ridiculous” contact balance as a ball carrier.

“I love Najee. He’s a great dude at heart. He’s a hard worker. He’s in the facility all day trying to get better. He’s never going down on the first tackle, his contact balance is ridiculous. He’s a guy I’m really excited to have on our team.” – Minkah Fitzpatrick

Watch more of Fitzpatrick’s interview with Steelers reporter, Missi Matthews following today’s practice below:

It was #MinkahMonday on our #SteelersCamp Wrap Up Show today. @minkfitz_21 filled us in on the goal line drill to end practice, putting in extra work, @ohthatsNajee22 and more! pic.twitter.com/7wy1BLOIHW

— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) August 2, 2021

More training camp coverage to follow throughout the week. Stay tuned!

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[Steelr4evr]

I'm looking forward to watching him play.

 

[Coach]

The players know best. Harris is going to be a beast.

 

[wig]

Ah... Training Camp... Where every rookie is Hall of Famer and every offensive formation is unbeatable and the defense is an enormous wall, seemingly built with the intent of keeping King Kong himself out of the endzone.

And then... Week 1.

 

[Badcat]

Ah... Training Camp... Where every rookie is Hall of Famer and every offensive formation is unbeatable and the defense is an enormous wall, seemingly built with the intent of keeping King Kong himself out of the endzone.

And then... Week 1.

Pipe down Debbie Downer!! Some of us need something to look forward to!

 

[SteelerSask2]

Ah... Training Camp... Where every rookie is Hall of Famer and every offensive formation is unbeatable and the defense is an enormous wall, seemingly built with the intent of keeping King Kong himself out of the endzone.

And then... Week 1.

I agree but this was what I hoped to hear on Harris. I don't expect him to make 9 yard runs out of nothing but with the reducing size of NFL linebackers once this young man hits level two he is gonna be a problem. The thing with JC was that he couldn't hit you with the home run or grind you. I have three high expectations coming from what I hear in camp. The Steelers will have a much better run game with Harris. Highsmith will be hard to take off the field and Friermuth will be in a lot of 11 personnel.

 

[TDX27]

The other thing about Najee is his receiving ability. The dude has shown already in camp he catches anything thrown near him. The dude is a freak. Him coming out of the backfield will be as good a Bell was and in a year, maybe better.

 

[Drink IRON City]

A-N-D not ony the Najee Harris show but this will make BEN way better as well. We will find out soon enough but that 10-7 / 11-6 / 12-5 is looking better as we progress.

EDIT: Had to add another "E" to the running back name.

Salute the nation

 

[SteveA]

Ah... Training Camp... Where every rookie is Hall of Famer and every offensive formation is unbeatable and the defense is an enormous wall, seemingly built with the intent of keeping King Kong himself out of the endzone.

And then... Week 1.

Well Wig, at least YOU are in mid-season form...

 

[wig]

I agree but this was what I hoped to hear on Harris. I don't expect him to make 9 yard runs out of nothing but with the reducing size of NFL linebackers once this young man hits level two he is gonna be a problem. The thing with JC was that he couldn't hit you with the home run or grind you. I have three high expectations coming from what I hear in camp. The Steelers will have a much better run game with Harris. Highsmith will be hard to take off the field and Friermuth will be in a lot of 11 personnel.

Actually, that was one of the things I liked about Conner is that he COULD break some big runs now and then. I got used to watching... (cough cough) other running backs rarely break a run of 20 or better and suddenly he came along and actually did it now and then.

All that said, I would love NOTHING more than to see a strong dominant back with the Steelers. I am absolutely hopeful that it's not all just camp-hype.

 

[SteelerSask2]

Actually, that was one of the things I liked about Conner is that he COULD break some big runs now and then. I got used to watching... (cough cough) other running backs rarely break a run of 20 or better and suddenly he came along and actually did it now and then.

All that said, I would love NOTHING more than to see a strong dominant back with the Steelers. I am absolutely hopeful that it's not all just camp-hype.

My recollection is different. I'm not saying never but to me JC had a lot of 15 yard type runs that I was like that should have been huge. But I could be wrong. If Harris could be 1-4 year Cough Cough running back I'd be more than satisfied. His personality would have to take a major nose dive to get to Cough Cough.

 

[Steelworth]

All that said, I would love NOTHING more than to see a strong dominant back with the Steelers. I am absolutely hopeful that it's not all just camp-hype.

I think you're going to be happy. In addition to him having such god-gifted ability, he's a workhorse by all accounts and the 6% body fat is a testament to that IMO. This kid's going to be a stud. Can't wait to watch him in action.

- Professional Armchair GM

 

[FSF]

Ah... Training Camp... Where every rookie is Hall of Famer and every offensive formation is unbeatable and the defense is an enormous wall, seemingly built with the intent of keeping King Kong himself out of the endzone.

And then... Week 1.

In 2005, there was **** ton of complaints the Steelers starting offense did not score all preseason.

Then they exploded out of the gate with offense.

Let’s just get into the season healthy and ready