The Steelers wrapped up their rookie minicamp Saturday at the UPMC-Rooney Sports Complex, a process Mike Tomlin called a chance for the young players to learn the ropes of what is expected of them moving forward.
Lesson one for first-round draft pick Najee Harris Saturday is that your every move is scrutinized, even in practice.
The running back made a one-handed catch high over his head Saturday of a pass downfield, then nearly hauled in another pass behind his back along the sideline, showing off good ball skills.
But when I asked him about it after practice, he showed surprise that there were reporters on hand to view the session.
"You saw that?" he asked.
"Yeah, I saw that," I replied.
"You guys were here?" he asked again.
"Yeah, we were here," I replied.
"Where were you guys at?" he continued.
"We were up on the balcony," I replied.
"Man, I though y’all were boosters. That’s crazy," Harris said.
Yep, Najee, one of the things about being in the NFL is that many teams have open practices. And perhaps even more media around that you had even at a powerhouse such as Alabama.
That was just one of the many things Harris learned this weekend -- and his new teammates learned about him. Put a ball in Harris' zip code and there's a good chance he'll use his 80 7/8-inch wingspan -- easily the longest of any running back in this draft class -- and 10 1/4-inch hands to haul it in.
"I always do that. Not to brag or nothing, but it wasn’t luck," he told me. "It’s not something I work on. I’ve been doing that since middle school. I’ve got big hands."
And apparently a big desire to learn, as well.
Harris said he's trying to take in the new playbook like a sponge, but feels like he's starting over from scratch -- mostly because that's how he attacks things.
"I’m starting back at step one and trying to get better at being more explosive, footwork, having better eyes, catching the ball better and just trying to be more of an explosive player," he said. "The competition level between college and the NFL is two different places. It’s all about starting at step one and building. Any time I’m at a new level, I want to start at step one and work my way up."
That's one thing Tomlin can appreciate. He had a lengthy conversation with his new running back as everyone stretched prior to Saturday's practice.
Mike Tomlin sharing words with Najee Harris during stretch today. #Steelers #dkps pic.twitter.com/h4xRpWuuZ9
— Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) May 15, 2021
Tomlin wants to learn as much as possible about the team's newest offensive weapon, a player expected to fix a running game that ranked dead last in the NFL last season.
"I think he is as highly conditioned as anybody out there and that is a great place to begin," Tomlin said of Harris. "I think he has a nice foundation from that perspective. He is a sharp guy. 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."
Tempering that excitement and continuing to build a foundation are what the next few weeks will be about as Tomlin and his staff continue to instruct the young players and get them ready for the upcoming season.
That will include plenty of film study.
"We do a lot of studying at 'Bama. Here, it reaches another level," Harris said. "They want me to know multiple positions. But I don’t have school any more, so I have no issue spending that much time in the film room because it’s something I like. I’m ready for the challenge. It’s something they picked me for. I’m glad to be in my position to block for Ben (Roethlisberger), to learn all the formations."
There's a lot to take in and a lot to learn. Roethlisberger invited some of the rookies, including Harris, second-round tight end Pat Freiermuth and third-round center Kendrick Green to dinner Saturday night to help the process along.
It's as much about taking in the playbook as it is learning the new players with which they'll be working.
It's also about learning how they fit into things in the grand scheme of things. There are high expectations surrounding Harris.
"I would never try to blend in anywhere. I’m me, so I feel like I always stand out," Harris said when asked whether he considers himself a leader this weekend or if he's simply trying to blend in.
"Becoming a leader, I feel like that’s something that comes in time. I barely even know the offense. The veterans aren’t here yet. I haven’t met them. It’s all about taking things step by step. When it comes to that point when I am a leader, then it comes. Now, it’s not something I’m really thinking about. It’s about learning the offense and my teammates, learning what kind of person they are and bonding with them."
