ESPN's Mike Reiss said Damien Harris is the Patriots' "surefire No. 1" backfield option. 

16 July 2021

Reiss said in late June that Harris -- who functioned as the clear-cut No. 1 early down option through much of 2020 -- has a "decisive" edge on rookie RB Rhamondre Stevenson and Sony Michel, who might not make the Patriots' Week 1 roster. Head coach Bill Belichick has said Harris, 24, is "off to a really good start in preparation for the season." "Damien works extremely hard at all phases -- certainly his conditioning and training, running game, passing game, protection, route running, catching the ball," Belichick added. Harris' ADP -- he's currently the 33rd running back off the board -- will likely remain depressed thank to New England's famously fickle RB usage. Anything close to a full season as the team's primary early-down banger would make Harris one of the best values in all of fantasy this summer.