During a Patriots press conference on Saturday, Patriots running back coach Ivan Fears had this to say about Harris
Although Damien Harris didn’t have as many touches as he wished in his rookie season, Harris has a good chance to have a big impact on the Patriots’ offense this season.
Aug 17, 2019; Nashville, TN, USA; New England Patriots running back Damien Harris (37) rushes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
“I think you need just to know that Damien is a doggone good runner. He’s a real good runner. He’s done a hell of a job improving his all-around game. When he came out of Bama, he was an excellent runner. He is an excellent runner.
I think that’s what he’s going to show you when he gets a chance to play. I think you’re going to like what you see, and I think combining him with the other SEC runner that we have in Sony, you have a hell of a pack there.”
Harris was drafted by the Patriots in the 3rd of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Last season, Harris recorded four attempts for 12 yards.
But there’s a chance Harris will get more attempts this season, and a chance to shine.
For the Crimson Tide, Harris became a huge offensive asset for Alabama.
In his career, he had 412 carries for over 2,800 yards and 21 touchdowns.
James White headlines this list of undervalued fantasy football targets for the 2020 NFL season.
Every year, there are players who end up outperforming their average draft position in fantasy football. Here are 12 players who are poised to provide great value in the mid to late rounds of your fantasy draft this summer.
(Current average draft position in parentheses.)
1. RB James White (RB41)
(Photo by Dave Clements)
There’s no guarantee that Cam Newton will start for the Patriots this season but it seems like a safe bet, which is good news for White. In 2018 — the last time Newton played (almost) a full season — Christian McCaffrey was targetted 124 times. Granted, White has never put up McCaffrey-level numbers, but he did catch 72 passes last year and 87 passes in 2018. White could be a PPR-gem as the 41st RB off the board.
2. WR Emmanuel Sanders (WR40)
(Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Last year, Sanders played with Joe Flacco and Jimmy Garoppolo and finished the year as WR30 in fantasy. Now Sanders will get to play with Drew Brees in New Orleans and many fantasy owners seem to be undervaluing him. When he played with Peyton Manning in Denver, Sanders averaged 1,269 receiving yards and 7.5 touchdowns per season. Sanders should provide great value as WR40 now that he’s playing with a top QB again.
3. QB Kirk Cousins (QB22)
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Cousins finished as QB15 last year but he’s being drafted as QB22 this offseason. Yes, the Vikings lost Stefon Diggs this offseason, but Minnesota also gained Justin Jefferson to pair with Adam Thielen. Cousins has thrown for at least 4,000 yards in four of the last five seasons and has thrown at least 25 touchdown passes every year since 2015. There’s no reason to believe his numbers will see a big decline in 2020.
4. TE Dawson Knox (TE30)
(Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports)
Fantasy owners shouldn’t reach for Knox but he has good value as a TE2 and great value as a TE3. Knox won’t be the Bills’ top receiving threat this season but he was targetted 50 times as a rookie and that number should go up in 2020. NFL tight ends often make a big leap in Year 2 and Knox could end up being a late-round steal.
5. RB Chris Carson (RB18)
(Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)
The arrival of Carlos Hyde in Seattle shouldn’t scare owners away from Carson, who finished as RB12 in 2019. Even after the Seahawks selected Rashaad Penny in the first round of the 2018 draft, Carson has had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. As long as he stays healthy, Carson appears poised to remain Seattle’s workhorse back.
6. WR Keenan Allen (WR20)
(Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)
In PPR leagues, Allen ranked sixth among wide receivers in fantasy last year. His numbers will likely see a dip after the departure of Philip Rivers but Allen would still be a steal as the 20th WR off the board. Allen has averaged 101 catches for 1,262 yards and six touchdowns per year over the last three seasons. That kind of production deserves a higher average draft position — even with uncertainty at quarterback.
7. TE Greg Olsen (TE23)
(Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)
During his final two seasons in Seattle (2016-2017), Jimmy Graham caught 16 touchdown passes. Last season, Jacob Hollister received the third-most targets (59) among Seahawks players and Will Dissly was thrown to 27 times in six games before going down with an injury. This year, Olsen might receive the bulk of Seattle’s tight end targets — including targets in the red zone. If he gains the trust of Russell Wilson, Olsen could end up being a big steal as a late-round pick.
8. RB Damien Harris (RB63)
(Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports)
Harris is a bit of a risky pick because the Patriots’ backfield is so hard to predict but he could easily outperform his RB63 ADP. After being selected by New England in the third round of last year’s draft, Harris appeared in just two games as a rookie. Sony Michel has struggled with various injuries and he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in 2019. If Michel gets banged up or underperforms this season, Harris could carve out a role in the Patriots’ offense. Consider him a late-round sleeper to draft and stash for later in the year.
9. TE Jace Sternberger (TE28)
(Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)
Sternberger, like Harris, is a risk because of his small sample size. Last year, Sternberger dressed for just six games and didn’t catch any passes. This year, his main competition for the Packers’ No. 1 tight end position will be 36-year-old Marcedes Lewis who totaled just 156 receiving yards and one touchdown last year. Sternberger will likely emerge as Green Bay’s top receiving tight end and he could prove to have decent value as a late-round TE2 (or a TE3 in deeper leagues).
10. QB Tyrod Taylor (QB32)
(Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports)
In an offseason highlighted by reduced practice time and a shortened preseason, rookie QB Justin Herbert won’t be the favorite to start for the Chargers in Week 1. Taylor will be entering his second season in Los Angeles and his experience will likely give him an advantage in the Chargers’ QB competition. In 2017, the last year he was a full-time starter, Taylor finished as QB16. He will likely provide good value as a QB2 or QB3 in the first half of the 2020 season but owners should be aware that Herbert will be a mid-season threat to take over if Los Angeles is struggling to win.
11-12. WRs: Antonio Brown (WR71) and Josh Gordon (WR127)
(Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports and Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports)
These receivers are risky picks and owners shouldn’t reach for either of them. That said, Brown and Gordon might return to action by mid-season (after completing possible suspensions) and they could provide a late-season boost when owners are fighting to make the playoffs. You could wait to add them if/when they are signed, but selecting Brown or Gordon near the end of the draft would ensure another team doesn’t beat you to them on the waiver wire later this year.
Target these five players late in best-ball fantasy football drafts this upcoming week.
Fantasy football best-ball drafts are a blast. My preferred league platforms for these drafts are RTSports.com and SportsHub’s “Best-Ball 10s” services. Neither company sponsored this article … I just like what they do in the space. Check ’em out, or look around the web to find competitors.
Let’s dive right into my five favorite gambles for this upcoming week’s drafting action:
QB Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers: If there ever was a draft format built for Bridgewater … He’s a game manager who is capable of popping off once in a while. The Panthers essentially sport an entirely new defense, one that is woefully inexperienced. That translates to more passing than has been asked of him in prior stops. Carolina sports three very capable *veteran* receivers, plus the best pass-catching (and arguably overall) running back in the game today. An average draft position of 14:11 is awesome value for a backup to an elite, like Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes, and Teddy B. is an ideal No. 3 for teams drafting a duo of lesser starters.
RB Damien Harris, New England Patriots: The second-year Alabama standout should get a chance to showcase his skills in training camp as presumed starter Sony Michel is poised to miss time after foot surgery in May. Being this is the Patriots, we’ll never actually know the severity of the injury or Michel’s true prognosis, so we’re taking an educated guess here. After two respectable but mostly unspectacular seasons, Michel isn’t a lock as the incumbent starter if Harris lights it up in camp. Take full advantage of Harris’ 12th-round ADP before it is no longer a value.
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RB Darrynton Evans, Tennessee Titans: With an ADP of 14:06, the Appalachian State rookie sits directly behind Derrick Henry and is an obvious handcuff. Sneaky gamers will snatch him before Henry owners secure their insurance policy. Think of how the Titans operate offensively. Everything the team does revolves around Henry and the running game. While the passing share would uptick slightly, there’s no denying Evans would become a top-tier fantasy addition if King Henry is dethroned.
WR Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers: Aside from Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers’ receiving corps has a prominent role to be seized. Lazard showed a hint of chemistry with No. 12 in 2019, and the 6-foot-4 Lazard was good for a line of 35-477-3 on 52 targets, gaining much-needed experience after seeing action in exactly one game as a 2018 rookie. Lazard sees less competition with Devin Funchess opting out, and unless something goes south, 100 targets sent to the guy opposite Adams is not too much to expect.
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals: Days of 100-plus catches are behind the future Hall of Famer, but that doesn’t mean he’s ready to be put out to the fantasy pasture. Fitz landed a serviceable 75 balls for 804 yards and four scores will seeing most of the defensive attention in Kyler Murray’s first season. In Year 2, DeAndre Hopkins will be the top target, and Murray should take a major step forward. Fitz may not be a sexy pick, but he offers useful value as WR63 in ADP.
Alabama’s senior RB Brian Robinson is entering his final season with the Crimson Tide, what will he be able to make of it?
Brian Robinson is a senior running back for the Crimson Tide that has not seen his fair share of the spotlight. Alabama fans may have heard the name called a couple of times in-game, or may have even seen it when scanning the depth chart. As he heads into his final year in Tuscaloosa, will he be able to garner enough attention to earn a spot in the 2021 NFL draft?
In his three seasons, Robinson has made appearances in 28 games where he has amassed 878 yards off of 183 attempts and reached the end zone nine times.
Robinson was a four-star recruit in the 2017 class from Hillcrest high school in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He received offers from other SEC powerhouses, such as Auburn and Georgia. According to the 247Sports composite, Robinson was the No. 8 best running back in the nation.
How would a top-ten running back in the country end up hidden on the depth chart for a majority of his time in college? He joined a program that had a loaded backfield consisting of Bo Scarbrough, Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs and entered at the same time as the nation’s top running back from the 2017 class, Najee Harris.
According to Maxpreps, the 6-foot-1, 226 pound running back ran for 781 yards and 14 touchdowns off 126 carries through 10 games as a high school senior. He also added 223 yards and a lone touchdown through the air off of 20 receptions.
When watching recent film on Robinson, he has the speed, elusiveness and acceleration that should be able to make him compete with any running backs that he’s shared the backfield with. Perhaps, the issue is that he has not been given enough of a chance to show what he can do in-game.
ESPN NFL draft analyst Jim Nagy believes that Robinson could possibly see success similar to that of Kenyan Drake and Josh Jacobs, two players who saw limited time in a starting role, but still had their presences felt.
Before Najee Harris broke out the second half of ‘19 many NFL scouts felt Brian Robinson Jr. was the best RB prospect at @AlabamaFTBL. Powerful, hard-running Robinson is next in line of Bama backups with NFL starter talent (Josh Jacobs & Kenyon Drake). 📈#TheDraftStartsInMOBILEpic.twitter.com/UdtILmMBcE
Maybe the 2020 season is the year Robinson can get things going. All he really needs is some more time on the field for him to be able to showcase his skillsets.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Brian Robinson and what he is able to do in his senior season with the Crimson Tide!
The 2019 season wasn’t what anyone surrounding the New England Patriots organization hoped for. They struggled to find their identity and keep up with the elite teams across the league.
No group was criticized more than the running backs. With an injury-riddled offensive line, and without a true fullback, the backs weren’t a strength for the Patriots’ offense.
Now, with an experienced fullback and a healthy unit in front, New England’s stable of running backs hope to produce big. And, with the talent and different skillsets they have on the roster, this positional group could be one of the most complete and deepest in the Patriots’ locker room.
Sony Michel
Billie Weiss/Getty Images
As the workhorse back, Michel received the brunt of the criticism last season. He finished the year averaging just 3.7 yards per carry and failed to reach 1,000 yards again. Another surgery this offseason means the Georgia product will be battling more to return to the field.
Michel has a bit to work on, including his pass-catching, red-zone running and his ability to make defenders miss. However, with a healthy offensive line, his effectiveness should shoot back up. If he plays to his strengths and stays healthy, Michel could see his first 1,000-yard season in the NFL.
James White
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Like Michel, White had some critiques tossed his way in 2019, but most of them were unwarranted. By the end of his season, he recorded 72 receptions for 645 yards and five touchdowns through the air, and 67 rushes for 263 yards and one touchdown on the ground. This was the second-most productive season of his career.
Entering the final year of his contract, White will be looking to put up big numbers to cash in next offseason. The arrival of Cam Newton could mean big things for White, as Newton heavily relied on his pass-catching back in Carolina. Fans should expect White to continue his successful career as the best pass-catching back the Patriots have had in the Bill Belichick era.
Rex Burkhead
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As the third back on the depth chart, Burkhead doesn’t get a ton of action, but he’s been effective when he’s on the field. The former Nebraska back rushed for 302 yards and three touchdowns last year and added 27 receptions for 279 yards in the receiving game. While those numbers won’t blow anyone away, Burkhead seemed to get the job done when Michel couldn’t.
At points in this offseason, it felt like Burkhead’s eventual release was a forgone conclusion as a cap casualty. However, the 30-year-old agreed to a reduced salary, creating just under $1 million in cap space. With some uncertainty in the offense, New England will need as many weapons as they can find, so Burkhead may be sticking around for another season.
Damien Harris
Billie Weiss/Getty Images
Despite being a third-round pick in last year’s draft, Harris didn’t see the field much at all. The Alabama product was given four carries in his five offensive snaps in 2019. By the end of the season, fans were calling for Harris to be given more reps, as Michel just wasn’t getting it done.
This season probably won’t see Harris getting 100 carries unless Michel and Burkhead go down with injuries, but there should be an increase in opportunities. The biggest problem for Harris is how deep the position is for New England right now. With multiple backs in the final year of their contract, the Patriots may be keeping and coaching Harris for the 2021 season.
Brandon Bolden
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Eight years into Bolden’s career, the Ole Miss product has yet to get real opportunities as a running back. Most of his duties are spent on special teams, playing on 71 percent of the special teams snaps. On offense, however, he hasn’t reached 10 percent since 2015.
Despite the lack of carries and targets, Bolden still provides depth in New England. He’s proven that he’s capable of filling in if a lead back goes down (4.5 yards per carry in his career) and has shown how dangerous he can be on a wheel route. If Bolden makes the team again this year, he will bring those things as well as his consistency on special teams.
J.J. Taylor
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Taylor went undrafted in this year’s draft before being scooped up by New England afterward. The 5-foot-6 back played four seasons at Arizona, totaling 3,263 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground and 62 receptions for 487 yards and two touchdowns in the passing game.
It would be extremely tough for Taylor to make the 53-man roster come the regular season. However, it isn’t impossible. If there are a couple injuries, he may be able to sneak his way on. New England can also keep a running back around on the practice squad and get Taylor some coaching while the depth chart is full.
Danny Vitale
Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots signed Vitale this offseason to help replace James Develin who retired after missing the majority of last season with a neck injury. The fullback has spent his four years in the NFL split between Cleveland and Green Bay, primarily as a blocker.
Vitale’s spot is far from guaranteed, as his signing bonus was only $100,000. However, he’s the fullback with the most experience on the roster and could ease that transition for the post-Develin Patriots. If the running game is to return to its glory in New England, Vitale will need to step up.
Jakob Johnson
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Johnson was signed by the Patriots last offseason through the International Player Pathway. New England had the option to register his as their IPP player which would’ve allowed him to stay on the practice squad and not count against the 10-man limit, but he couldn’t be activated during the season. Instead, the Patriots signed him to the practice squad as a regular member.
When Develin went down, Johnson was activated from the practice squad and played in four games before going down with an injury of his own. Johnson seems to be a bit more of an H-back, tight end/fullback combo, compared to Vitale. He’s very strong and seems to have the determination to be in the NFL. If he continues to work, Johnson may very well find a way to stick around in New England.
Damien Harris’ mom is the proud owner of a new Jaguar.
He only played five offensive snaps in his first season in the NFL, but running back Damien Harris is making an impression with New England Patriots fans.
It must be a bit of an adjustment to go from 100-plus carries in each of his last three seasons at Alabama to having just four in his first year in New England. However, the lack of opportunities hasn’t changed Harris’ mindset or character.
For his mother’s birthday, the 23-year-old purchased a Jaguar F-Pace. This heartwarming moment brought Harris’ mother, Lynn, to tears. The running back shared this special video as well as some pictures with his followers on Instagram.
Harris’ second season is just around the corner and while many fans were calling for him to see more touches near the end of the season, it might be some time before he’s getting legitimate playtime.
Former Alabama RB Damien Arris surprises his mom with a brand new car for her birthday and writes a heartfelt message on instagram.
Former Alabama running back Damien Harris is heading into his sophomore season in the NFL with the New England Patriots. While he hasn’t had too many opportunities on the field to become a household name in the league yet, he still shows his appreciation to those that helped get him to where he is today.
In a post on Instagram, Harris gifts his mom a brand new car for her birthday and writes her a sweet message in the caption.
“For 23 years you have supported me, sacrificed for me, but most importantly you have loved me unwaveringly. Everyday I will continue trying to repay you and honor you in everything I do!
Happy Birthday, i’ll always be your mommas boy! Love you till infinity💜#JAGGGGGGG
(P.S.- get your tissues)”
The New England Patriots even posted the video to their Twitter:
Harris will look to his sophomore campaign to have a bigger impact on the team’s offense. With the loss of future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady, some changes will have to be made. Using Harris in a niche role could benefit the team, while also increasing his production.
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Damien Harris as he heads into year No. 2, and would like to wish Ms. Harris a very happy birthday!
New England Patriots running back Damien Harris was one of the more anonymous players on the team’s depth chart last season, even after Bill Belichick picked Harris in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Harris, even with solid draft status, landed at the bottom of a talented group of running backs — including Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden — who taught him the ropes during his rookie season. The entire group stayed intact this offseason.
“The biggest thing for me last year was learning as much as I could,” Harris told Patriots.com writer Paul Perillo. “Everybody’s path is different. I focused on learning as much as I could and learning from the older guys in the room. There’s a lot of experience in that room. Any opportunity to improve physically or mentally that was my mindset all year.”
Harris, who finished 2019 with four carries for 12 yards, was asked what message the Patriots veterans gave him.
“They all played their part in helping me learn and develop,” Harris said, per Perillo. “The message from all of them is the same: Be ready because you never know when your time will come and you don’t want to miss it. Stay the course, keep learning and be available.”
It will be interesting to see if 2020 is more of the same for Harris, who will be in competition with the exact same group of backs. Without an injury, it’s easy to imagine the second-year back spending just as much time on the bench while Michel gets a large workload. That said, Michel had a rough season at 3.7 yards per carry. His starting spot is likely more vulnerable than it was in 2019. Perhaps a year of experience can help Harris get more touches, even in a still-crowded running back group.
Former Alabama RB Damien Harris shares his thoughts on being a young player in the NFL and the lessons he learned in his rookie season.
Former Alabama running back Damien Harris was a member of the Crimson Tide for a full four season where he earned two CFP National Championships and three SEC Championships.
After his junior season, some expected Harris to forego his senior season to enter the 2018 NFL draft, but he decided to stay. The move may have hurt his draft value, as Josh Jacobs stole a large part of the spotlight, and ultimately became the first running back drafted in 2019.
Harris waited for his name to be called. When he was selected in the third round with the No. 87 overall pick, he went from one of the most storied college football programs to a team worthy of being claimed a dynasty.
His rookie season with the New England Patriots was not the most eventful. He spent a lot of time on special teams, on the sidelines or as a “healthy scratch.”
While he did not accumulate any impressive stats in his first season at the professional level, he gained a lot of knowledge, whether it be from his teammates or personal experiences.
In an interview he did with NFL.com’s Paul Perillo, he speaks about what his fellow Patriot running backs taught him, as well as what he was able to learn on his own.
“The biggest thing for me last year was learning as much as I could,” Harris explained. “Everybody’s path is different. I focused on learning as much as I could and learning from the older guys in the room. There’s a lot of experience in that room. Any opportunity to improve physically or mentally that was my mindset all year.”
He learned quickly that everyone has their own path. Some enter the league as stars that are expected to make an immediate impact, others must wait for their time to shine. The latter seems to be the path Harris is on.
The ability to lean on teammates for support and guidance is not something the Kentucky-native takes for granted.
“It’s great. I have so many guys to learn from,” Harris said. “Sony is a guy I knew from college and seeing his level of success was exciting. Rex and James have developed over the years. There’s so much I can learn from them on and off the field. Listening to what they’re telling me. How to become a pro.
He also credits the New England running backs coach for being a large influence on him as a player and as a person.
“Our room is super tight from the players and our relationship with Coach Fears,” Harris said. “He’s been a mentor for me. He’s taught me so many things on and off field. He will talk to you about anything. He’s very active in our personal lives and making sure we’re good in everything we’re doing. Obviously he’s been doing it for a long time and is one of best in business. Coach Fears is helping to make me be the best I can be.”
Finally, Harris touches on what it’s like to be a young player in the NFL during these uncertain times.
“Our room is super tight from the players and our relationship with Coach Fears,” Harris said. “He’s been a mentor for me. He’s taught me so many things on and off field. He will talk to you about anything. He’s very active in our personal lives and making sure we’re good in everything we’re doing. Obviously he’s been doing it for a long time and is one of best in business. Coach Fears is helping to make me be the best I can be.”
Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Damien Harris as he looks to have a larger role in his second year with the New England Patriots!
Damien Harris could be set for a huge sophomore leap in New England.
New England Patriots second-year running back Damien Harris will enter 2020 with a breadth of knowledge.
Harris spent four years at Alabama and learned how to lead his group at the highest level of college football. He transitioned to the NFL world that placed Sony Michel, James White and Rex Burkhead ahead of him on the depth chart.
Instead of viewing the lack of playing time as a negative — Harris used it to gain knowledge and soak up all the wisdom he could get. While speaking with Patriots.com, he reflected on his rookie season.
“The biggest thing for me last year was learning as much as I could,” Harris said. “Everybody’s path is different. I focused on learning as much as I could and learning from the older guys in the room. There’s a lot of experience in that room. Any opportunity to improve physically or mentally that was my mindset all year.”
New England will be without Tom Brady for the first time in two decades and the running back group will become much more relevant. The combination of this and Michel’s foot injury will be beneficial for Harris and his time on the field.
He also has one of the best overall running back rooms to learn from.
“It’s great. I have so many guys to learn from,” Harris said. “Sony is a guy I knew from college and seeing his level of success was exciting. Rex (Burkhead) and James (White) have developed over the years. There’s so much I can learn from them on and off the field. Listening to what they’re telling me. How to become a pro.
“They all played their part in helping me learn and develop. The message from all of them is the same: Be ready because you never know when your time will come and you don’t want to miss it. Stay the course, keep learning and be available.”
The coronavirus pandemic has put a halt on the way NFL players typically maneuver through the offseason, but Harris has found ways to compensate.
“It’s been interesting,” he said. “This is my first offseason in the league and with everything going on I still have to find a way to get my work in and prepare. I’m trying to take advantage of the opportunities I do have working out on my own and staying ready for whenever that time comes. It’s been different but at the same time I feel like I’m doing everything I can to stay prepared, whether that’s online or working out on my own.
“I was back in Alabama early and then back in Massachusetts. I’ve had a little interaction with teammates. Some of the guys have been able to get together and work out safely and still be productive.”
Harris could be up for a breakout season — especially if Michel misses any amount of time. He cracked 1,000 rushing yards twice with the Crimson Tide and almost did it his senior year after recording 876 yards.
