NEW ARTICLE: Is Damien Harris the “X-Factor” of a Loaded Running Back Group?

Is Damien Harris the “X-Factor” of a Loaded Running Back Group?

Steve Balestrieri

The Patriots offense this season isn’t getting a lot of love this spring from the pundits who cover the NFL. Some have gone so far as to call

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Hope so. I’m excited to see what he adds to the offense.

What I like about Harris is that he runs really hard. May not have breakaway speed, but he broke some long runs in college. I said this after we drafted him, his running STYLE reminds me of Emmitt Smith, not comparing him to Smith, not saying he will become him, but his running style is similar.

I'd like to see Harris and JJ knock off Bolden and Burkhead

What changed?
From ‘Did Not Dress’ to ‘Secret Weapon’?

scott99 said:

What I like about Harris is that he runs really hard. May not have breakaway speed, but he broke some long runs in college. I said this after we drafted him, his running STYLE reminds me of Emmitt Smith, not comparing him to Smith, not saying he will become him, but his running style is similar.

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I noticed in the few carriers I saw that he hit the hole fast and that was encouraging. Not everyone should try to be Le'Veon Bell.

ChrisR2223 said:

I'd like to see Harris and JJ knock off Bolden and Burkhead

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I don't know man, I REALLY like Burkhead, he's been a really good signing (when healthy). So many important runs and catches. Bolden, he's a key special teams player, who when given the chance, runs hard and catches well. Both are good at pass blocking as well.

Harris is already staying on the roster and hopefully his playing time increases a lot. JJ Taylor, I like him a lot, he reminds me of Darren Sproles. But I rather have Burkhead and Bolden. Hopefully Taylor makes it to the practice squad, I think this is the last year of Burkhead's contract, maybe Taylor can take his place in 2021.

Seems just a bit premature.

borg said:

What changed?
From ‘Did Not Dress’ to ‘Secret Weapon’?

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James White had a similar rookie season, and became a productive back. Harris had all around skills in college, we shall see if they translate to the NFL. I think he will prove to be a productive player, not sure about Secret Weapon...

I wonder if a TompaTantrum kept the rookie RB from getting snaps

borg said:

I wonder if a TompaTantrum kept the rookie RB from getting snaps

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scott99 said:

What I like about Harris is that he runs really hard. May not have breakaway speed, but he broke some long runs in college. I said this after we drafted him, his running STYLE reminds me of Emmitt Smith, not comparing him to Smith, not saying he will become him, but his running style is similar.

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Maybe more of a Robert Edwards type? One-cut, hard runner who can break a few long runs but won't kill the opponent with speed?

borg said:

I wonder if a TompaTantrum kept the rookie RB from getting snaps

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You're worse than me when it comes to Brady.

Most overrated unit on the Pats. Nobody in the backfield will scare defenses.

Chevy said:

Maybe more of a Robert Edwards type? One-cut, hard runner who can break a few long runs but won't kill the opponent with speed?

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I'd gladly take that. I think Edwards would've been a helluva back if he hadn't had that tragic injury. If you watch some of the Harris highlights, it's mentioned by one of the announcers that Nick Saban said Harris had the best vision of any running back he ever coached at Alabama. Also, I think he has a little wiggle, some good juke moves.

I LOVE the way this kid plays. Very Curtis Martin-like. Excellent vision, quick decisions, quick first step, very physical runner, able to have super fast footwork navigating the first and second level. Scouting also says he's pretty good at pass blocking and catching too. His only flaw is he doesn't have elite 80 yard speed. Who cares ?
He's a guy who will get you a lot of 10-15 yard running first downs. I really think this kid can become better than Michel. I have a high worst-case floor for this kid as another Kevin Faulk and a ceiling almost as good as Curtis Martin.

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scott99 said:

What I like about Harris is that he runs really hard. May not have breakaway speed, but he broke some long runs in college. I said this after we drafted him, his running STYLE reminds me of Emmitt Smith, not comparing him to Smith, not saying he will become him, but his running style is similar.

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I agree. Emmitt Smith or Curtis Martin. Awesome in the first 10 yards with both strength and very quick feet and vision.

WinstonSmith said:

James White had a similar rookie season, and became a productive back. Harris had all around skills in college, we shall see if they translate to the NFL. I think he will prove to be a productive player, not sure about Secret Weapon...

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I agree with your comments.

Yes, Harris COULD be a productive back. However, he isn't necessarily an Emmett Smith or Curtis Martin because he didn't play last year. And he may not be a Vereen either.

I find it just plain silly to see that folks want to cut Bulkhead and Bolden. There is no need, even if Harris is expected to have a good year.

Harris has shown absolutely NOTHING.

But it would be nice if he could come through and SHINE. There's certainly an opening for that starting RB spot because of Michel's lackluster showing last season.

Chevy said:

Maybe more of a Robert Edwards type? One-cut, hard runner who can break a few long runs but won't kill the opponent with speed?

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That would be a great thing if that turned out to be the case.