Najee Harris eager to show value as Pittsburgh Steelers receiving ...

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Najee Harris ran downfield Saturday afternoon, reached up and snagged a high pass in a smooth one-handed grab.It was an impressive catch to the few onlookers at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the second day of the Steelers’ rookie minicamp, one that stood out even more with Harris surrounded by young draft picks and NFL hopefuls.But it’s the kind of thing the 6-foot-2, 230-pound first-round pick has done for years.An NFL player for less than a month, Harris handled the query about his one-handed catch like a pro, self-assured and confident in his abilities not only as a running back but also as a receiving weapon.“I’ve always been catching the ball, man,” he said with a sly laugh. And the 2020 Doak Walker winner -- and his hands -- figures to be used in a plethora of roles in coordinator Matt Canada’s offense as the Steelers attempt to overhaul the league’s worst rushing unit from a season ago.That won’t be anything new to Harris, who has already found similarities in his college scheme and Canada’s plans after a short time with the playbook.“There’s a lot of things that are similar -- it’s just different terminology,” Harris said. He averaged 8.6 yards per catch as the X receiver and scored one touchdown, coming as he lined up wide right.Harris was most productive as a receiver when he began in the backfield, recording 66 receptions for 666 yards and 10 touchdowns, according to ESPN Stats & Info research.A running back’s versatility is highly valued in Canada’s offense, and Harris said he believes with a little film work, he’ll be more than capable of juggling the many responsibilities in the scheme.The Steelers figure to utilize the versatility of rookie running back Najee Harris. • Steelers' 2021 schedule » | All games »Emphasizing his final point, Harris held up both hands to the camera to make sure everyone on the post-practice Zoom call got a good view of his 10-inch mitts.Harris was one of college football’s best running backs during his four seasons at Alabama. And the 2020 Doak Walker winner -- and his hands -- figures to be used in a plethora of roles in coordinator Matt Canada’s offense as the Steelers attempt to overhaul the league’s worst rushing unit from a season ago.That won’t be anything new to Harris, who has already found similarities in his college scheme and Canada’s plans after a short time with the playbook.“There’s a lot of things that are similar -- it’s just different terminology,” Harris said. He averaged 8.6 yards per catch as the X receiver and scored one touchdown, coming as he lined up wide right.Harris was most productive as a receiver when he began in the backfield, recording 66 receptions for 666 yards and 10 touchdowns, according to ESPN Stats & Info research.A running back’s versatility is highly valued in Canada’s offense, and Harris said he believes with a little film work, he’ll be more than capable of juggling the many responsibilities in the scheme.“I’m about to be utilized everywhere, so they want me to know multiple positions,” Harris said.