FOXBORO, Mass. — Despite having a fully stocked backfield, the New England Patriots opted to use their fourth selection in the 2019 NFL Draft on a running back.
The Patriots drafted Alabama’s Damien Harris with the 87th overall pick Friday night, adding him to a position group that also features 2018 first-round pick Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden and fullback James Develin.
Though fellow Crimson Tide product Josh Jacobs was drafted much earlier (24th overall to the Oakland Raiders), Harris was Alabama’s starting running back in each of the last three seasons, totaling 3,076 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns and averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
Harris was not a prolific pass-catcher for Nick Saban’s squad, but he was used occasionally in that capacity. He tallied a career-high 22 receptions for 204 yards as senior in 2018.
Here are Harris’ measurables and combine testing numbers:
Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 216 pounds
Hand size: 9 3/4 inches
Arm length: 30 3/4 inches
40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds
Bench press: 16
Vertical jump: 37 inches
Broad jump: 123 inches
Three-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Scouting reports describe Harris as a no-nonsense runner with a high floor as an NFL prospect.
“Disciplined and rugged with a very strong sense of who he is as a running back,” Lance Zierlein wrote in Harris’ NFL.com draft profile. “He operates with a good feel for blocking schemes and finds the designed yards while adding extra with his power and some elusiveness.
“He lacks game-breaking juice as a runner and will need to keep his weight down or he’ll end up in the ‘grinder’ category of runners. Harris is more likely to be good than great as a pro, but his size, every-down game and ball security give him a chance to have fruitful career as a solid starter.”
With their first three selections, the Patriots nabbed Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry (No. 32 overall), Vanderbilt cornerback Joejuan Williams (No. 45) and Michigan defensive end Chase Winovich (No. 77). They acquired the 87th pick — used to select Harris — in a trade with the Chicago Bears that involved them moving down from No. 73.
