Patriots select Alabama RB Damien Harris with 87th overall pick in 2019 NFL Draft
Damien Harris of the Alabama Crimson Tide dives with the ball as Van Smith of the Clemson Tigers defends in the second half of the AllState Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 1, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
From the Patriots Draft Hub at 985TheSportsHub.com
The New England Patriots selected Alabama running back Damien Harris with the 87th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on Friday.
Harris’ profile at NFL.com describes him as a “no-nonsense runner”, which Bill Belichick probably loves. He runs hard and downhill, and also has the patience to follow blockers. Harris could contribute early in his Patriots career as a between-the-tackles runner and short-yardage option, an area where the Patriots struggled in 2018.
The now-former Alabama RB is also known for his ball security, which must be a trait that significantly interested Belichick and the Patriots.
As a workhorse for three out of four seasons in Alabama, Harris rushed 477 times for 3,070 yards (6.4-yard average) and 23 touchdowns in 54 games. He averaged 143.7 carries over his final three years with the Crimson Tide. His career rushing total ranks eighth all-time at Alabama. Coaches named him to the All-SEC second team as a senior in 2018.
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