Welcome to the Patriots Damien Harris

PatsBoy12 · Apr 28, 2019

supafly said:
I think it would be awfully hard to take the ball out of Sony’s hands, manxman. We couldn’t have asked for anything more as a rookie. He proved to be a difference maker right out of the gate. I would hate to see that momentum halted by screwing around too much.

Normally, I’d agree with you as to how they approach most (almost all) positional battles, but I think Sony is clearly the RB1.

Agreed

luuked · Apr 28, 2019

Sciz said:
It’s $500k more to cut him prior to June 1 than to keep him, or only $500k in savings to cut him after June 1. They would get a cap credit in 2020 if he signs with another team and offsets some guaranteed salary.

I said it before. The only realistic way to save money on Burkhead would be a trade. His agent was not a dummy and knew why they negotiated 1.5m of guaranteed based salary into the contract.

That being said why do that ? Your RB depth can be depleted pretty fast as we saw last year when CP had to play RB for a game or two.

mrscruff · Apr 28, 2019

Huddle Report Draft Profile:
Damien Harris RB Alabama

mrscruff · Apr 28, 2019

@BrandonThornNFL Apr 27

Harris and Winovich are classic Belichick guys who will be phenomenal in the locker room and culture in New England.

zydecochris · Apr 28, 2019

SBLIII said:
better value than Jacobs in the 1st

UptownPatsFan said:

What could be a more BB type of pick than Harris? You have a guy who Saban (hardly a poor evaluator of talent) gave more carries to and threw to more often than the only First Round Running Back picked this year (John Jacobs). And, Jacobs deserved his draft slot, he was very productive. Why did Harris get ore carries? He was simply the more polished player that did all of the little things well (especially pass protection). He sounds like a perfect BB type of player, and of course, Saban absolutely loved him.

SBLIII · Apr 28, 2019

zydecochris said:
What could be a more BB type of pick than Williams? You have a guy who Saban (hardly a poor evaluator of talent) gave more carries to and threw to more often than the only First Round Running Back picked this year (John Jacobs). And, Jacobs deserved his draft slot, he was very productive. Why did Williams get ore carries? He was simply the more polished player that did all of the little things well (especially pass protection). He sounds like a perfect BB type of player, and of course, Saban absolutely loved him.

You mean Harris?

zydecochris · Apr 28, 2019

SBLIII said:
You mean Harris?

Sorry, before my first cup of coffee, corrected.

SHOWTIME15 · Apr 28, 2019

zimmy said:
You can never have too many running backs. Especially as Burkhead and Michel have shown a propensity to get hurt. We can keep Sony and Harris fresh in games and then run it down the oppositions' throats in the 4th quarter.

There was nothing Sony could do to prevent that knee injury in Chicago last year. With that said, I think the fact that he wasn't put on IR saved our season. Maybe this is what Bill realized and wanted to get insurance with Harris.

Ivan · Apr 28, 2019

I love this pick. The Patriots may well have the best backfield in the NFL.

zydecochris · Apr 28, 2019

Real World said:
We've been trained to dislike taking a RB too early, but this was a solid pick. It's not sexy, but Harris really fits the mold for a Patriots RB. Can play in all situations. Run, pass block, catch, and contribute on ST. By all accounts is a smart player with a good football IQ and character. I was a little meh at the time the pick was made because I felt there were more pressing needs, but the more I read about him and digested it all, the more I like it. Good player and seemingly an excellent fit.

The word I would use for Harris is "polished". He is not raw in any way, and he does ALL of the little things right. Overall I agree that Sony is more talented, but it took him a while to get going last year, I don't expect much time for Harris to get it going, he already is a pro.

Tb12goesinya · Apr 28, 2019

He is faster then I thought. Great vision, toughness, pass protection, and good hands. He has the makings of being a top back in the league. What a steal, great pick.

Patriot Missile · Apr 28, 2019

Great thing about this pick is he’s gonna play right away, keep the running game fresh with Sony Michel. Also, people keep saying he’s insurance for Michel. He also improved his pass catching in his senior year and may also be viable insurance for White. Love the pick.

DropKickFlutie · Apr 28, 2019

Harris is perfect for a very specific play. Short yardage or play action pass protection. He's elite at short yardage running. Defenses have to respect his run threat. If the Pats fake run, the kid is an elite pass blocker, perfect for play action. Basically any goal line or 3rd and short he's an elite weapon. Add him to Michel and JWhite and this is the best backfield in the league.

Say bye to Burkhead and Jamele Hill

Ivan · Apr 28, 2019

DropKickFlutie said:
Harris is perfect for a very specific play. Short yardage or play action pass protection. He's elite at short yardage running. Defenses have to respect his run threat. If the Pats fake run, the kid is an elite pass blocker, perfect for play action. Basically any goal line or 3rd and short he's an elite weapon. Add him to Michel and JWhite and this is the best backfield in the league.

Say bye to Burkhead and Jamele Hill

I don’t think Burkhead is going anywhere. He has too much versatility to cut loose. I think their RB’s will be:

S. Michel

D. Harris

J. White

R. Burkhead

J. Develin FB

Bolden will have to make the roster as a ST specialist.

gobesmug · Apr 28, 2019

Ivan said:
I don’t think Burkhead is going anywhere. He has too much versatility to cut loose. I think their RB’s will be:

S. Michel

D. Harris

J. White

R. Burkhead

J. Develin FB

Bolden will have to make the roster as a ST specialist.

I think Bolden is a lock for the active GameDay roster. Burkhead and Harris will split time on the active pending health and matchups.

Its all about keeping Michel and White's knees fresh for the playoffs. Harris can do the things Michel do and Burkhead the things White does.

Bolden is a special team ace who can be the emergency backup RB for any in game injuries.

This backfield is perfect and can sustain injuries without missing a beat.

long distance · Apr 28, 2019

BaconGrundleCandy said:
Harris graded out at 7.94. Just below the 2nd. Big time PTP. Mommas boy.

Great vision. Eyes are always up & looking but he isnt looking to bounce it 100 different ways. He's following protocol, looking for quickest hole & taking off. Love his vision. Easily one of the best in the class imo when it comes to that. Just a great feel for where he is, where he wants to go/be.
Knows the OL calls as well as the line. Very involved player.
Tough person, tough player.
Played ST, RB, WR in hs. Soft hands you can check down to no problem.
Very aware, patient & smart in pass pro. Isnt afraid & brings the fight to the rush. Always looking to help out, chip.
Good acceleration, not great. Isnt going to run away from DB's but who cares. If hes ripping off + runs, protecting Brady & reliable in the rec game/in general we have a very capable, ready RB to step in anytime. Not much miles bc of the Bama backfield.

Our RB Corp is seriously good if healthy. Sony, White, Rex & Harris are all somewhat interchangeable 3 down backs for us.

The only shadow of “regret“ upon drafting my boy Sony last year was that every chance of bringing Damien was gone.

Loved so much how he carried the ball, the team, himself . everything. Possibly my favourite college player/person over the last 2 years.

Now they are both here - uncanny blessing.

BaconGrundleCandy · Apr 28, 2019

long distance said:
The only shadow of regret upon drafting my boy Sony last year was that every chance of bringing Damien was gone.

Loved so much how he carried the ball, the team, himself . everything. Possibly my favourite college player/person over the last 2 years.

Now they are both here - uncanny blessing.

We got a good one.

We dont have to change much when hes on the field if anything. Really ready for the league. I really think he plays a big part day 1. He'll do w/e it takes. Coming from Bama hes one of these guys that takes pride & wants to represent both organizations.

Idk if we have the "best" RB corp but it's definitely up there. Obviously health is key but we need Michel to do what he does in the rec game if we're being honest. He does that & we have the prospect we knew he could be 1-2 years ago.

BUSTAMOVE · Apr 28, 2019

BaconGrundleCandy said:
Agreed, he's a very solid player all around.

Tough. Doesn't dance around. Again I love his vision. Its a Big + for me. Dont care about his speed or lack thereof. He has enough juice, acceleration to rip of 20-40 chunks which is fine by me. Very good in pass pro. Another big +. Doesn't fumble. Not the upside Sony has in the rec game but he can catch.

When you look at White, Sony & Harris even excluding Rec. Thats a really good group imo. They stay healthy its a top 10 group.

He is also solid in pass protection

farn · Apr 28, 2019

Ivan said:
I love this pick. The Patriots may well have the best backfield in the NFL.

You could argue that since 2015, it’s been the best unit on this team.

BaconGrundleCandy · Apr 28, 2019

BUSTAMOVE said:
He is also solid in pass protection

My 1st post here.
Harris graded out at 7.94. Just below the 2nd. Big time PTP. Mommas boy.

Great vision. Eyes are always up & looking but he isnt looking to bounce it 100 different ways. He's following protocol, looking for quickest hole & taking off. Love his vision. Easily one of the best in the class imo when it comes to that. Just a great feel for where he is, where he wants to go/be.
Knows the OL calls as well as the line. Very involved player.
Tough person, tough player.
Played ST, RB, WR in hs. Soft hands you can check down to no problem.
Very aware, patient & smart in pass pro. Isnt afraid & brings the fight to the rush. Always looking to help out, chip.
Good acceleration, not great. Isnt going to run away from DB's but who cares. If hes ripping off + runs, protecting Brady & reliable in the rec game/in general we have a very capable, ready RB to step in anytime. Not much miles bc of the Bama backfield.

Our RB Corp is seriously good if healthy. Sony, White, Rex & Harris are all somewhat interchangeable 3 down backs for us.

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