Patriots add Damien Harris to stacked backfield

The New England Patriots selected running back Damien Harris out of Alabama in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, 87th overall.

Harris joins one of the most talented backfields in the league. Last year's first-rounder, Sony Michel, is set to enter the year as the starter, while pass-catching dynamo James White and Rex Burkhead round out the depth chart.

The former Crimson Tide standout could slot into a short-yardage role for the Patriots, an area they struggled in last season. Harris scored 20 total rushing touchdowns in his final two college campaigns.

School: Alabama
Height: 5-10
Weight: 216 lbs

Strengths

• Great size/build for NFL
• Compact, strong runner who is tough to tackle
• Excellent burst through the hole
• Productive short-yardage rusher
• Runs with great technique and pad level
• Has flashed pro-level receiving skills
• Excellent ball security

Weaknesses

• Subpar change-of-direction skills - not very effective when the designed hole isn't open
• Average athlete who isn't very explosive in the open field
• Limited lateral quickness around the line of scrimmage
• Doesn't force many tackles compared to his counterparts
• Doesn't possess breakaway speed

Bottom line

Harris is a stout rusher with a number of ideal traits for the position, but his NFL upside may be capped. The former Crimson Tide rusher profiles best as a complementary power back in a zone-rushing scheme. Harris is a good athlete for his size that doesn't thrive in space, but between-the-tackles running backs are still a hot commodity around NFL circles.

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