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.