Analyst doesn't believe Steelers' Najee Harris is 'special' or a top-five RB?

While speaking on a recent edition of "The Pivot Podcast," Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named running back and 2021 rookie Najee Harris as somebody who could step up as a new team leader following the retirement of longtime quarterback and future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger. 

Harris more than proved his worth on the field during his debut season. Per ESPN stats, he ended the 2021 campaign fourth overall with 1,200 rushing yards and second with 307 carries. The 24-year-old also recorded seven touchdowns on the ground and 74 receptions for 467 yards and three additional scores. 

One could not blame Steelers fans for assuming the sky is the limit regarding Harris' potential. However, former offensive lineman and current analyst Ross Tucker explained during a Friday morning appearance on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan he is rather underwhelmed with what he is seen from the ball-carrier. 

"I thought he played better the last couple games, but I was not overly impressed by him," Tucker said about Harris, per Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. "Like, I don't see it. I mean, I think he's fine, but I don't think he's like a guy, guy. I don't think he's what Le'Veon Bell was. I think he's fine. I think he's a good starting running back, but I don't think he's a star player.

"When I watched him last year, I didn't really see a special player."

Tucker continued: 

"I'm just talking about when he had the ball. I didn't see like rare power. I didn't think he made many people miss. I didn't see a whole lot of explosiveness. I thought he was fine. I mean, I thought he was a good rookie starting running back, but I don't think we're ever gonna be talking about him as the best running back in the NFL. I don't know that we'll ever talk about him as one of the five best in the NFL." 

Kevin Patra of the league's website noted earlier this month that Harris admitted he will be "taking time off" and "will not be on the field for certain plays" to help manage his in-season workload and keep him as physically fit as possible through the fall and early winter months. One wonders, though, if Harris will use such criticisms as bulletin-board material to show he can be an every-down back and also an offensive Most Valuable Player beginning in year two of his career.