This Patriots Player is a Surprise Breakout Candidate for 2020

When the New England Patriots chose Damien Harris in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, many expected him to fit right into Bill Belichick's backfield and go off. However, Harris barely featured at all for the Pats last season, logging only four attempts for 12 yards in one game against the Jets in Week 7. Harris was active for only two regular season games as a rookie, which is not something anyone expects out of a third-round running back coming off an impressive college career at Alabama.

After an underwhelming season from Sony Michel in 2019, Harris could get his big opportunity in Year 2. There is no doubt that he has the skill to be an NFL running back, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his final three years at Alabama. In each of those years, he was often Nick Saban's preferred choice over Josh Jacobs, who had an incredible season for the Oakland Raiders last season, finishing second in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting.

Of course, Harris' college career doesn't matter anymore. He's an NFL player who needs to prove he deserves a spot in Bill Belichick's scheme. Harris can offer a little bit of everything as a big, physical back who can also evade defenders and catch passes, but it's up to him to prove it with his play.

If Jarrett Stidham is indeed the starter at QB, he'll need all the help he can get, which could see the Patriots rely on the running game more heavily than they usually do. Stidham and Harris even have some personal history together, growing up and playing youth football together in their childhoods before becoming Iron Bowl rivals. The chemistry is definitely there.

Last season, Harris learned that he's not in college anymore, and that he'll need to work harder in order to get on the field and make a difference in the NFL. If he gets a chance this season, he's likely to flourish sooner rather than later.