Top 10 running backs in the 2019 NFL Draft

#5 Damien Harris, Alabama

Harris runs with a plan and good balance

This former number one overall running back recruit out of Kentucky has been a model of consistency for the Crimson Tide.

Harris has put together three straight years of 1000+ yards from scrimmage and a combined 24 touchdowns in the primary RB role, despite stiff competition.

Throughout his career, Harris averaged 6.4 yards per carry and whenever Alabama really needed to get it done it was Harris who was on the field for them.

In spite of draft aspirations last year, he decided to come back for his senior season and is well-liked in the scouting community due to his work ethic.

Harris is extremely patient and lets his blockers set up the play. He displays outstanding vision, especially for hitting the backside quickly to pick up important first downs, decisiveness where he wants to go and doesn’t dance around anymore once he’s in the open.

The steady force of four years uses subtle shifts and cuts to avoid traffic and not give defenders a clean shot at him. Harris runs with a plan and good balance. He does an outstanding job setting up his blockers by pressing the hole and then cutting back behind it.

Harris doesn’t have the break-away speed or weightlifter strength, but he does everything pretty well and has an understanding for the entire field. He will make you miss on one snap and then lower the boom the very next.

He is a really tough, durable runner, who has been incredibly effective near the goal-line and in short-yardage situations due to the leg drive he brings to the table, which leads to constant yards after contact.

No matter which way the defense has him turned already, Harris usually adds another yard or so stretching forward and he has the most disrespectful stiff arm out of any draft prospect, as he excels in placement and sustains that to keep himself free.

While Harris might not be the most dynamic weapon in the passing game, he is a dependable catcher on swing or flat routes and he is a threat to pull his legs out of the defenders’ arms in space every time when you think the play should already be over.

He is a willing blocker and does a good job without the ball in general. In pass pro, he excels at swallowing the initial blow and then guiding the blitzer around the quarterback while keeping his hands inside the frame.

And he completes himself as a team player by putting in work on special teams, having blocked a punt in the season-opener vs. Florida State in 2017.

With all that being said, his critique is that he simply doesn’t have any athletic traits that stick out. Harris’ long-speed and make-you-miss abilities are not quite up to par with those guys ahead of him.

He is not a very creative runner and lacks the burst to beat defenses to the edge and force opponents to take conservative angles. You just don’t see him shake defenders in open space or spin out of contact.

Regardless of that, there might be nobody on this list more likely of being a ten-year pro because he already carries himself in that light and does all the little things right. While he should be complimented for a more electric option out of the backfield, Harris is as reliable as it gets and can spearhead an offensive’s rushing attack in the pros.