What You Need to Know:

• Harris did nothing as a 2019 3rd rounder 3 (4 carries, 12 yards).
• Sony Michel missed most of training camp last year following foot surgery, allowing Harris to work with the 1st team.
• Following a number of positive camp reports, Harris went down with a finger injury that required surgery and an IR stint. He didn’t debut until Week 4.
• Harris went on to post three 100-yard games across 10 appearances. He missed the final 3 games with an ankle injury.
• Harris only played 2 games with Michel. In those, Harris saw 30 opportunities (carries + targets) to Michel’s 19.
• Harris averaged a robust 5.0 YPC. He graded out 3rd in Pro Football Focus’ rushing grades (86.9).
• He fared poorly in PFF’s Elusive Rating, though. He finished 33rd among 47 RBs with 100+ attempts.
• Harris popped in only 2 TDs on 137 attempts. Cam Newton — across 15 games — handled 51.7% of the Pats’ rush attempts inside the 10 yard-line; 73.1% inside the 5.
• Consequently, Harris handled only 11 carries inside the 10, converting 1.
• The 2021 Pats O-line profiles as a clear strength, especially if RT Trent Brown can stay on the field.
• The Pats used a Round 4 pick on Oklahoma RB Rhomondre Stevenson, a 231-pounder with long-term starting potential. He might push Harris, but we don’t anticipate the veteran losing his job outright. Michel’s roster spot might be in jeopardy, though.
• Cam Newton returned on a 1-year deal heavy on incentives. The Pats also drafted Alabama QB Mac Jones 15th overall.
• Newton will enter training camp — and likely Week 1 — as the starter. Any games that Newton starts will continue to cloud Harris’ scoring upside.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line:

Harris showed flashes of being able to handle the Pats’ lead back role in 2020. He just never developed into a consistent fantasy producer due to a limited receiving role, an offense lacking explosive plays and 6 missed games.

Our money is on Harris entering September as the early-down ball-carrier. But following the addition of rookie Rhomondre Stevenson, Harris will need to perform well to retain that role all season.