Who Is Bigger, Derrick Henry Or Najee Harris? A Deep Dive Into NFL Running Backs
When we talk about the most impactful running backs in the NFL, a couple of names often pop up, and that's Derrick Henry and Najee Harris. These two phenomenal athletes, both with roots at the University of Alabama, often spark conversations among football fans and fantasy enthusiasts alike. So, you might be wondering, who actually has the physical edge when it comes to sheer size? It's a question that, you know, really gets people thinking about their play styles and how they dominate on the field.
It's pretty interesting, isn't it, how their paths have, in a way, crossed so many times? From their college days under the guidance of Nick Saban to their current roles as featured backs in the NFL, their careers share some striking similarities. People often compare them, especially when a new talent like Najee Harris, projected to go in the first round of the NFL draft, comes along. Matt Williamson, for instance, drew some direct parallels between him and the former Alabama running back, Derrick Henry, which is that kind of thing you hear a lot.
This comparison goes beyond just their college alma mater, though. It touches on their running styles, their body types, and even how they fit into today's NFL offenses. We're going to take a really close look at what makes each of these players special, and just how they stack up against each other, particularly when it comes to their physical dimensions and, you know, what that means for their game. We'll even get into the fantasy football implications, because, frankly, that's where a lot of us are making some big decisions.
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Table of Contents
- Derrick Henry: A Look at the King's Stature
- Najee Harris: The Steel City Bruiser's Build
- The Alabama Connection: A Shared Legacy
- Running Styles: Power vs. Polish
- Fantasy Football Face-Off: Who to Start, Who to Draft?
- The Arthur Smith Factor: Snap Shares and Impact
- People Also Ask
- Final Thoughts on the Big Comparison
Derrick Henry: A Look at the King's Stature
Biography
Derrick Henry, often called "King Henry" by fans, has made a truly significant mark on the National Football League. He burst onto the scene with his incredible size and speed, quickly becoming one of the most feared running backs in the game. His journey started, as you know, in Yulee, Florida, where he was a standout high school player. He then took his talents to the University of Alabama, a powerhouse program known for developing top-tier talent, and that's where he really honed his skills.
During his time at Alabama, Henry showcased the kind of dominant running that would later define his NFL career. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2015, which is a pretty big deal for a college player, after a truly remarkable season. His college career was a testament to his sheer physical ability and his relentless drive, setting him up for a successful transition to the professional ranks. He's, you know, just always been a player who stands out.
Here are some quick personal details about Derrick Henry:
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| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derrick Henry |
| College | University of Alabama |
| Position | Running Back |
| Drafted | 2016 NFL Draft |
| Notable College Award | Heisman Trophy (2015) |
His Physical Presence
When it comes to the question of who is bigger, Derrick Henry or Najee Harris, the consensus among those who watch them closely is that Henry is, in fact, a little bigger. This slight difference in size, which is that kind of thing you notice on the field, translates into a very distinct style of play. Henry is renowned for his powerful, downhill running, often shedding tackles and breaking into the open field with surprising speed for someone his size.
His college career at Tuscaloosa, for instance, showed a lot of explosive runs, and that's because he had this incredible breakaway speed and finishing speed. This combination of size, power, and surprising quickness makes him a truly unique force. Arthur Smith, the Steelers' offensive coordinator, who, you know, worked with Henry when he was with the Titans, has seen firsthand the kind of impact Henry's physical presence can have on a game. When Smith joined the Titans in 2019, Derrick Henry saw a pretty significant increase in snaps, going from a 60/40% snap share in the backfield to an 85/15% share, which, you know, really highlights the trust placed in his ability to handle a massive workload.
This kind of usage, where a single back dominates the snap count, is becoming less common in today's NFL, which typically opts for more of an even backfield split. But Henry's size and durability, you know, allowed him to defy that trend for a good while. His physical stature isn't just about looking imposing; it's a fundamental part of his game, allowing him to wear down defenses over the course of a game and, frankly, just be a pain to tackle. He's a very, very physical runner, and that's a big part of his identity.
Najee Harris: The Steel City Bruiser's Build
Biography
Najee Harris, a prominent running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, also shares a storied past with the University of Alabama, much like Derrick Henry. Harris was a highly touted recruit coming out of Antioch, California, and chose to play for Nick Saban's Crimson Tide, which, you know, is a pretty common path for top talent. His time in college was marked by consistent improvement and, eventually, record-breaking performances.
Interestingly, Najee Harris made the decision to return for his senior season in 2020, passing up on the NFL draft at that time. This choice allowed him to further refine his skills and, in a way, solidify his legacy at Alabama. During that senior year, he truly shined, becoming Alabama's career leader for rushing scores with 46, surpassing the previous record of 42 held by both Mark Ingram and, you know, Derrick Henry himself. He also totaled an impressive 3,843 career rushing yards, which is just a huge number, really.
Here are some quick personal details about Najee Harris:
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Najee Harris |
| College | University of Alabama |
| Position | Running Back |
| Drafted | 2021 NFL Draft |
| Notable College Record | Alabama Career Leader in Rushing TDs (46) |
His Physical Traits and Versatility
While Derrick Henry is considered a little bigger, Najee Harris possesses a very similar running style and body type, which, you know, makes their comparison so compelling. Harris is a powerful runner in his own right, known for his ability to break tackles and gain tough yards. He's got that kind of physical presence that allows him to absorb hits and keep moving forward, which is very important for a running back in the NFL.
However, where Najee Harris really distinguishes himself is his ability in the passing game. This is a crucial aspect of his versatility that, you know, adds another dimension to his play. He's not just a bruising runner; he can catch passes out of the backfield, run routes, and be a legitimate threat as a receiver. This dual-threat capability makes him incredibly valuable in today's NFL, where offenses often look for backs who can contribute in multiple ways.
Arthur Smith, who is now the Steelers offensive coordinator, has praised Derrick Henry, but he also seems to see something special in Najee Harris. Despite the league's trend towards shared backfields, there's a belief that Najee Harris might just be "that guy" for the Steelers, meaning he could handle a high percentage of the snaps, similar to how Henry was used under Smith. This suggests a recognition of Harris's durability and his all-around skill set, which, frankly, is a big compliment.
The Alabama Connection: A Shared Legacy
It's truly remarkable how both Derrick Henry and Najee Harris came through the same college program, the University of Alabama, under the legendary coach Nick Saban. This shared background, you know, isn't just a coincidence; it speaks to the kind of talent that Alabama consistently recruits and develops. Both players were groomed in a system that emphasizes discipline, physical toughness, and, very importantly, a strong running game.
Their time at Alabama, in a way, laid the foundation for their professional careers, teaching them the fundamentals of being a dominant running back. They learned to run with power, protect the football, and contribute to a winning culture. This common lineage, you know, makes their comparisons even more fascinating, as you can see the echoes of their college training in their NFL performances.
College Stats Showdown
While both players had incredibly successful college careers, their statistics show some interesting differences, which, you know, highlight their unique strengths. Derrick Henry, for instance, had him in terms of breakaway speed and finishing speed during his time in Tuscaloosa. That's why you saw more explosive runs from him at Alabama. He was a pure force, often just running through defenders and then pulling away in the open field.
Najee Harris, on the other hand, left his own indelible mark on the Alabama record books. He became the career leader for rushing scores with 46 touchdowns, which, you know, surpassed both Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry's previous record of 42. He also amassed a very impressive 3,843 career rushing yards. While Henry might have had more "explosive" runs, Harris's consistency and knack for finding the end zone, you know, really set him apart in terms of college production. Both were, frankly, incredibly productive, just in slightly different ways.
Running Styles: Power vs. Polish
Despite the fact that Henry is a little bigger, both he and Najee Harris share very similar running styles, which, you know, is a testament to their Alabama training. They are both downhill runners who thrive on contact and are capable of breaking tackles. They possess that kind of physical running style that wears down defenses over the course of a game, and that's a big part of their appeal.
However, there are subtle differences that define their individual approaches. Henry, with his slight size advantage, leans more into the pure power back archetype. His runs often involve a brutal combination of force and then, you know, surprising straight-line speed once he gets going. He's built to run over people and then pull away, which is what we saw so much of at Alabama.
Najee Harris, while also a power runner, brings a bit more polish and versatility to his game. His ability in the passing game is a significant differentiator. He's not just a threat between the tackles; he can be split out wide, catch screens, and contribute as a receiver, which, frankly, makes him a more complete offensive weapon in some respects. This added dimension allows him to stay on the field for more snaps in situations where a pure runner might be substituted, which, you know, is a big advantage in today's NFL.
Fantasy Football Face-Off: Who to Start, Who to Draft?
For many football fans, the comparison between Derrick Henry and Najee Harris often boils down to one crucial area: fantasy football. These two players are frequently at the top of draft boards and weekly lineup decisions, so, you know, knowing who to pick can really make or break your season. People are always looking for that expert answer in seconds.
General Fantasy Comparison
When you're trying to figure out which player is a better option in your fantasy football league, you'll want to quickly compare stats, fantasy rankings, and points. Both Henry and Harris are high-volume backs, meaning they get a lot of touches, which is very important for fantasy production. Henry's big play ability and touchdown upside make him a consistent top-tier option, especially in standard scoring leagues, while Harris's receiving work gives him a higher floor in PPR (Points Per Reception) formats, which, you know, is a key consideration for many players.
Weekly Decisions
For your weekly lineup, getting instant advice on your decision to start Derrick Henry or Najee Harris for Week 1, or any week for that matter, is pretty essential. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts along with player statistics and the latest news, which, you know, can really help. Don't submit your lineup without our tips on who to start and who to sit this week. Our free tool, in a way, instantly recommends which NFL players to start, which is a pretty handy feature.
For example, when the Baltimore Ravens take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11, Derrick Henry and Najee Harris will be the featured fantasy football running backs. This kind of matchup, you know, creates a direct comparison point for fantasy managers. You'll want to look at things like defensive matchups, recent performance, and injury reports to make your final call, and that's where expert advice can really come in handy.
Drafting for the Future
Looking ahead, especially for the upcoming seasons, drafting with confidence and loading up on them early in the drafts this NFL season is a common strategy. For 2025, here are the top 10 fantasy football RBs, and you can bet both Henry and Harris will be in the conversation, depending on their health and team situations. Getting instant advice on your decision to draft Najee Harris or Derrick Henry in 2023, for example, involved looking at their potential for the long haul, which, you know, is a bit different from a weekly decision. We offer recommendations from over 100 fantasy football experts for draft day too, which is very helpful.
The Arthur Smith Factor: Snap Shares and Impact
The connection between these two running backs extends to Arthur Smith, the current Steelers offensive coordinator. Smith has a history with Derrick Henry from his time with the Tennessee Titans, and his influence on Henry's usage is pretty well documented. When Smith joined the Titans in 2019, Derrick Henry saw a truly significant increase in snaps, going from a 60/40% snap share in the backfield to an 85/15% share, which, you know, is a huge jump.
This kind of commitment to a single bell-cow back is less common in today’s NFL, where teams often opt for more and more of an even backfield split to keep backs fresh and utilize different skill sets. However, Smith's willingness to give one back a dominant share of the workload is something to note. It's interesting that Najee Harris and Arthur Smith have been seen praising Derrick Henry ahead of their Week 11 matchup, which, you know, suggests a mutual respect.
The question for Najee Harris, then, becomes whether Smith sees him as capable of handling a similar workload. Despite teams in today’s NFL opting for more and more of an even backfield split, the text suggests Najee Harris might just be "that guy," meaning a running back capable of carrying a heavy load and being the focal point of the offense, much like Henry was under Smith. This could, you know, have significant implications for Harris's production and his role within the Steelers' scheme.
People Also Ask
Here are some common questions people often have about these two remarkable running backs:
Which team has the most wins as home dogs since 2016?
While this question isn't directly about Derrick Henry or Najee Harris, it's a kind of statistical query that often comes up in football discussions. It speaks to teams that perform well when they are considered underdogs at home, which, you know, can be a sign of a resilient team culture. This type of stat can be interesting for betting or just for understanding team dynamics, but it doesn't directly relate to the individual players' physical attributes.
Derrick Henry or Najee Harris, who should I start this week?
This is a very common question for fantasy football managers. To get an expert answer in seconds, you'd typically look at their current form, the opposing defense, any injury updates, and their historical performance in similar situations. Our free tool, you know, instantly recommends which NFL players to start, taking into account player statistics and the latest news to help you make that crucial decision for your lineup.
What are the key differences in their college careers?
Both Harris and Henry attended the University of Alabama and were recruited by Nick Saban, so they share that common background. A key difference, however, is that Derrick Henry had him in terms of breakaway speed and finishing speed during his college days, which is why you saw more explosive runs in Tuscaloosa from him. Najee Harris, on the other hand, became Alabama's career leader for rushing scores with 46, surpassing Henry's record, and showed a very strong ability in the passing game, which, you know, was a notable aspect of his college play.
Final Thoughts on the Big Comparison
So, when we consider the question of who is bigger, Derrick Henry or Najee Harris, the straightforward answer from those in the know is that Henry is a little bigger. This slight difference in physical stature, you know, plays a role in their very similar yet subtly distinct running styles. Henry often leverages his size for raw power and explosive, long runs, while Harris, with his comparable build, brings added versatility through his strong ability in the passing game, which is, frankly, a huge asset in the modern NFL.
Both players have left an incredible legacy at the University of Alabama, both recruited by Nick Saban, and both have become featured backs in the NFL. Their comparisons extend beyond just size, touching on their college achievements, their impact on their respective offenses, and, very importantly, their value in fantasy football leagues. Whether you're making a weekly start/sit decision or drafting for the entire season, understanding their nuances, which, you know, are quite significant, can really help. Get instant advice on your decision to start Derrick Henry or Najee Harris for Week 1, and, you know, get fantasy football advice for your lineups on our site. Learn more about fantasy football strategy on our site, and check out NFL player stats for more details.
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