Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Damien Harris (Alabama) - 2019 NFL Draft Pick #87 by NE


What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Damien Harris - 2019 NFL Draft

Position: Running Back College: University of Alabama Height: 5'10" Weight: 216 lbs

Overview

Damien Harris emerged as one of the top running backs in the 2019 NFL Draft class after a productive career at Alabama. Known for his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, Harris showcased his skills in a highly competitive college environment.

Strengths

  • Vision: Harris displays excellent field vision and patience, allowing him to find running lanes effectively.
  • Balance: He has a low center of gravity and strong lower body, enabling him to absorb contact and maintain balance while navigating through defenders.
  • Power: Harris possesses the strength to break tackles and gain extra yards after contact, making him a reliable option in short-yardage situations.
  • Pass Protection: He is capable in pass protection, demonstrating the ability to pick up blitzes and protect the quarterback.
  • Experience: Having played in a pro-style offense at Alabama, Harris is familiar with complex schemes and can adapt to the NFL quickly.

Weaknesses

  • Top Speed: While Harris is a solid athlete, he lacks elite breakaway speed, which may limit his ability to score on long runs.
  • Receiving Skills: His receiving skills are adequate but not elite; he needs to improve his route running and hands to be a more dynamic threat in the passing game.
  • Injury History: He had some injury concerns during his college career, which could raise red flags for NFL teams.

Conclusion

Damien Harris is a well-rounded running back who can contribute in various ways at the next level. With his blend of power, vision, and experience, he has the potential to be a solid starter in the NFL. However, teams will need to weigh his limitations in speed and receiving ability against his strengths when considering him in the draft.