New England Patriots: Top 5 standouts so far this preseason

5. Damian Harris, Running Back

Rookie running back Damien Harris saw his debut in the second preseason game against the Tennessee Titans and certainly impressed.

Not only did the New England Patriots third round pick out of the University of Alabama show he can hit holes with force, he also showed off his pass-catching skills.

In all, Harris rushed for 80 yards on 14 carries while hauling in four catches for 23 yards.  Most impressive was his 20-yard run that set up the team’s first touchdown early in the first half of the game.  Not only did it show his burst, it also showed why the Patriots may have been very smart to draft him where he did.

When asked about Harris’ running style following the 22-17 win over the Titans, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick lauded his toughness.

"“He’s been a tough player throughout his career, in college,” Belichick said.  “That was our first look at it, a real live run, and I thought he ran hard.”"

That hard-running style may just elevate Damien Harris into the team’s power back role, especially in short-yardage and goal line situations.  Both of those were areas of weakness for projected lead back Sony Michel.