Oakland Raiders: Some RB prospects to think about for the 2019 season

Damien Harris – Alabama Crimson Tide

At five-foot-eleven, 214 pounds, Harris is – body-wise – a near clone of Marshawn Lynch. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons for the Crimson Tide, rushing for 1,037 in 2016, and an even 1,000 yards in 2017. In both seasons, he also averaged better than seven yards a carry.

Splitting carries with Bo Scarbrough (124) and Jalen Hurts (154), Harris logged just 135 carries, scored 11 times, and averaged 7.4 yards per touch. He also added 12 receptions for another 91 yards.

Related Story: Fro Amari Cooper, The Future Is Now

The lack of wear on his body is a plus for Harris, as many people believe there are only so many carries in the body of a running back. In 2015, he logged just 46 carries, 146 in 2016, and the 135 he had last year.

Assuming his workload stays the same in 2018, he should still be pretty fresh when he joins his NFL club, whoever it might be.

Harris has drawn comparisons to the “good version” of Doug Martin. Scouts have noted his elite vision, terrific balance after contact, as well as his power and strength. They’ve also touched on his elite work ethic and dedication to his craft as the reason he’s become a very well rounded back, being potent when he carries, having the ability to catch well out of the backfield, and being solid in pass protection as well.

A back with his size, speed, and toughness like Harris could easily step into the role Lynch will leave behind when he departs, and the running game might not even miss a beat.

He isn’t nearly as celebrated as Bryce Love, but he could still turn out to be a tremendous NFL back and one Gruden should give some consideration to.