Former Alabama standout running back Damien Harris waited until his senior season to enter the NFL draft, a move that some questioned. He was selected in the third round with the No. 87 pick by the New England Patriots.
Joining a team that is considered the Alabama of the NFL that’s led by a future hall of fame quarterback and a coach that is considered by many to be the greatest of all time is a dream to many. However, Harris was put on that team and only touched the field in an offensive role for four carries.
In his rookie season, Harris was handed the ball four times for 12 total yards. He had seen some action while on special teams, but was considered a “healthy scratch” for most of the season.
The lack of production may have been a surprise to Alabama fans that have grown accustomed to seeing the Kentucky native take most of the snaps while under Nick Saban, but in New England, it’s not uncommon for their rookie running backs to sit back and watch.
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media claims that Harris is currently on the same path that James White and Shane Vereen were on when they first joined the Patriots – on the sidelines.
In White’s rookie season he was only given nine carries and five targets. Six seasons later and he is now the starting running back for the team alongside Sony Michel.
“[Harris] is more than capable of contributing as a receiver and in pass protection, but it often takes a full year to learn all the intricacies of the Patriots’ system,” says Lazar. “The depth chart was also working against Harris in his first season. With Michel, White, Burkhead, and even Bolden ahead of him, Harris had a tough time cracking the game-day roster.”
That’s not to say Harris doesn’t have the skills to play. Lazar claims, “Harris’s elusiveness and ability to catch passes were two high notes of his preseason last August, and there is internal optimism that he’ll contribute in year two.”
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Damien Harris’s journey through his second year with the New England Patriots.