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Damien Harris to contribute more in sophomore season with Patriots

Former Alabama running back Damien Harris strives to have a bigger impact in a larger role in his second season in the NFL with the Patriots

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.

Damien Harris should challenge Rex Burkhead for offensive role

Harris should challenge Rex Burkhead for the second spot on the depth chart in 2020.

It is safe to say that the running back position is a very fruitful position for the New England Patriots. When you look at the position, there are many names available. Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and James Develin comprise the first unit. Damien Harris, Brandon Bolden, Dan Vitale and Jakob Johnson make up the second unit.

Harris, a 2019 third-round pick, did not see a ton of playing time last season. The Alabama product only carried the ball four times for 12 yards. As far as the top running back group goes, should Harris get a bigger role in 2020? And if so, will it come at Burkhead’s expense?

When healthy, Burkhead can produce. Just look at last year’s Saturday-night affair against the Buffalo Bills. He carried the ball five times for 20 yards and a touchdown, and caught four passes for 77 yards.

It’s also important to remember his contributions in the AFC Championship Game against Kansas City in 2019. He scored the game-winning touchdown, in what was perhaps the biggest moment of his New England career.

However, there is no doubt that injuries are a huge problem for him. Burkhead has been on the injury report often during his time with the Patriots. Most recently, he spent eight games on IR with a neck injury in 2018. That was following time when he missed part of training camp with a knee tear. His first real injury problems with New England were announced on September 17, 2017. He missed four games with a pulled muscle in his chest.

Due to his lack of durability, it makes him a bit more expendable than the other running backs. To be clear, his contributions are valued. However, his numbers — and absences — warrant at least a challenge for his role. It would be wise for the Patriots to use this year as a chance to see what Harris can bring to the table.

There is no doubt that Harris has talent. He showed it at Alabama, as he was a key cog in their rushing attack. During his time in Tuscaloosa, he rushed for over 3,000 yards, including 1,037 yards in 2016. He is a physical running back that would fit well into the offense.

At the very least, the competition for the second running back spot should be an open one in 2020. Burkhead has served as the Patriots well, but his injury history, combined with how many games he has missed over the past couple of seasons, leaves the door open for competition.

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WATCH: Damien Harris reveals why he returned to Alabama for senior season

At one time, Damien Harris was forced to make a tough decision. Did the former Alabama running back want to declare for the NFL draft following a successful junior season, or did he want to return to Tuscaloosa? Ultimately, Harris decided to return …

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Ultimately, Harris decided to return for his senior year despite coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons from 2016-17.

Considering he was expected to be a top running back prospect for that 2018 NFL Draft, many wondered why Harris made the decision to return, especially with a crowded backfield expected.

Well, after sitting down with the guys at Campus Lore at the NFL Pro Bowl, those questions have been answered. Here is what the 5-foot-11, 213-pound running back had to say when asked why he chose to come back:

“I wanted to work on becoming a better leader. I mean, I knew I was a good football player, but at this level, that doesn’t get you much because everybody’s good. It’s about finding a ways to separate yourself in the NFL because it’s a tiny margin.”

The answer from Harris makes a lot of sense, actually. A lot of players are considered great when you play at a school like Alabama, so what can you do to separate yourself from others? According to Harris, become a better leader.

After going into further discussion about it, Harris then gives a detailed account of bringing others along with him and not just being out for himself. It’s definitely worth checking out the rest of the video.

As far Harris, he proved that sort of decision was worth it. Not only did he add another 1,000-plus total yards (876 rushing, 204 receiving) and nine more touchdowns for his career, he still managed to be drafted by the New England Patriots at No. 87 overall in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

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What are the expectations for Damien Harris in his sophomore season?

Patriots running back Damien Harris could see an increase in production in his second year with the team.

Not every career starts with a dynamic rookie season. Damien Harris can speak to that.

The Alabama product was selected 87th overall in last year’s draft and was thrust into a crowded backfield with Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead and Brandon Bolden. There simply weren’t enough touches to go around, as Harris finished his rookie year with four carries for 12 yards.

What can be expected of the soon-to-be 23-year-old as he looks to take on his second season?

If the running back depth chart remains the same, it would be tough to imagine Harris getting many more carries than he got this year. The number probably wouldn’t be single-digits, but it won’t be up near starter or even backup reps. He may take some of the carries from White who last year totaled 67 rushes for 3.9 yards per carry.

Harris doesn’t have much experience in the passing game, but he may be able to take some of the load off of White in that sense as well.

It would be really interesting to see if the Patriots attempt to use Harris in the red zone. Michel has struggled to take advantage of short-yardage situations in his short career. They’ve even shifted to using fullbacks and Tom Brady when they need to get two yards or less. Harris isn’t necessarily built like the prototypical goal-line back, but he could be the guy that finally shows that he can get the toughest yards.

It’s also important to note that Burkhead is in danger of being released this off-season as a cap casualty. He’s in the final year of his deal, and the team could save nearly $3 million by releasing him. It’s not because he hasn’t been productive in his limited opportunities, but it would likely be because of his injury history and the need for more impactful weapons.

With that being said, Harris could move up to the third spot on the depth chart. So, while he wouldn’t fill the exact role that Burkhead had, it’s likely that a majority of those 55 to 65 touches could go to him. In his two preseason games, Harris showed solid vision and the ability to hit the right hole. He even brought in a couple receptions in each game and showed he could make the first guy miss.

This season likely won’t be an exciting one for Harris, but it could be another step towards a significant role in the future with New England.

Projected stats w/ Burkhead: 20 carries, 82 yards, 3 receptions, 24 yards.

Projected stats w/o Burkhead: 65 carries, 270 yards, 1 TD, 13 receptions, 120 yards.