Alabama RB Damien Harris says going to Patriots would be “easy transition”

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Alabama running back Damien Harris is one of the top players at his position in the 2019 NFL draft class, and he currently projects to be a late first round or early second-round pick in April.

The New England Patriots almost certainly won't use their 2019 first-round pick on a running back after selecting Sony Michel at No. 31 overall last year. Michel played very well in his first season and set a rookie playoff record with six rushing touchdowns, including the only TD in New England's Super Bowl LIII win over the Los Angeles Rams.

However, if Harris were to fall in the draft or if the Patriots saw value in taking him, it wouldn't hurt to consider taking the talented running back. And judging by his comments Thursday at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, it sounds like he'd welcome getting drafted by Bill Belichick. 

“The Patriots are obviously a great organization," Harris told reporters. "People like to compare them to (Alabama). Coach Belichick and Coach (Nick) Saban, everybody knows they’re great friends. People like to think they run their programs the same, so that would be an easy fit for any guy that’s come out of Alabama. It would be an easy transition, so I don’t know. Hopefully I get a chance to meet with them just like all the other 31 teams.”

Harris ran for 878 yards (5.8 per carry) with nine rushing touchdowns, in addition to 22 receptions for 204 receiving yards. He averaged more than four yards per carry in Alabama's final three games -- the SEC Championship Game plus two College Football Playoff matchups. 

Harris would be a good fit in the Patriots' offense, but they have more pressing needs than running back, including tight end, wide receiver and a few positions on defense.

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