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Steelers Rookie Minicamp Recap, Day 2: Najee Harris steals the show, in more ways than one

The Pittsburgh Steelers second day of rookie minicamp is in the books, and it is time to check on how things went.

By Jeff.Hartman
/ new
2021 NFL Draft Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the field, sort of, Saturday when the nine rookies, eight undrafted rookie free agents and a handful of rookie camp tryout players took to the UMPC Rooney Sports Complex for the second day of Rookie Minicamp.

Naturally, there wasn’t much news on the second day of the rookies getting acquainted with their new surroundings and teammates. Nonetheless, with the limited information put out to the public, we package some nuggets of information to give you a small taste of Steelers football.

Let’s dive right in...

Najee Harris is...well...Najee

After Rookie Minicamp Day 2 wrapped up, the Steelers put their prized first round draft pick in front of the media for the first time since he was drafted. Harris displayed a media savvy few ever show, and he has only been a professional for a few weeks.

To try and show what Harris brought to the media session I felt it would be best to just share some of what the media thought when speaking to the former Crimson Tide running back.

Enjoy!

Najee on Coach T

Just because you were a team’s top draft pick doesn’t mean the player will find his new home enjoyable, and like the coach who selected him. As if there was any question, Najee Harris is a big fan of Mike Tomlin. Tomlin is a player’s coach, and while some view this as a negative, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, in today’s modern era of sports, I might suggest it is more important than ever to be able to relate, and connect, with your players.

Let Harris describe his interactions with Tomlin, via Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

Coach Tomlin on Najee

As Harris was talking about Coach Tomlin, Tomlin was also talking about Harris. Tomlin has never been one to splice his words when talking about rookies. He frequently talks about rookies coming into camp and not being in great condition. For those who are curious, being in great shape is not the same as being in great condition. Someone who is in great shape might look great, but not be highly conditioned for strenuous activity.

When Tomlin described Harris, he talked about his being “highly conditioned as anybody out there.” That’s a legitimate compliment to the team’s top draft pick. This from Brooke Pryor of ESPN:

Quincy Roche trying to convert his family

Najee Harris isn’t the only rookie to step up in front of the media Saturday. 6th round pick Quincy Roche also spoke to media members, and as a person who grew up in Baltimore as a Ravens fan, he is doing his best to convert his family.

With some help from the Steelers, he has been delivering some Terrible Towels to family members. I’d suggest he probably still has some work to do...

Q from the U on No. 48

When the Steelers announced their rookie uniform numbers, there were several numbers which made people shake their head. Kendrick Green getting Maurkice Pouncey’s 53 was one, and Roche getting Bud Dupree’s 48 was another. According to Roche, he didn’t really choose the number...it was just the best number available.

Rookie linemen, Rookie OLine coach

While the rookies try to put their best foot forward, and try to make an impression, it might be easy to forget someone like Adrian Klemm. Klemm is getting his first real repetitions as the head offensive line coach for the Steelers. This isn’t to say he is ill prepared. He played in the NFL, and was the assistant offensive line coach for the Steelers under Shaun Sarrett before taking over in 2021. Needless to say, he is getting his feet wet at the same time as the rookies.

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