Over the next 40 days (May 1st to June 10th), I will break down 40 of the NFL’s “Sophomores”. By sophomores, Imean players in their 2nd year of the NFL. The 2019 Draft class was quite special and has shown some early promise. I want to reflect on each player’s rookie year, take a look forward, and finally evaluate their dynasty and redraft value going into the 2020 NFL Season. I hope you enjoy this 40-day adventure as I dive into the emerging stars the NFL has to offer. Next on the list is N’Keal Harry. Below you will find every player I have covered to this date.

Sophomore SZN : Kyler Murray / Daniel Jones / T.J. Hockenson / Dwayne Haskins / Noah Fant / Josh Jacobs / Marquise Brown / N’Keal Harry

Rookie Season

Despite the first-round draft capital, Harry’s rookie season had many questions that needed answers going into it. Harry was in contention for the 1.01 in most dynasty rookie drafts. Harry walked into camp with high expectations from both the Patriots and fantasy owners. N’Keal was used in many different positions in camp such as the slot and outside. As camp went on, Harry started working with the second team and was getting outperformed by UDFA Jakobi Meyers. Harry who took 1st team reps on Day 1 was now slated to start the season behind Phillip Dorsett and Maurice Harris.

Then came a large variety of ailments for Harry as he dealt with injuries to his ankle, hamstring, and toes. Well, the big injury was to his ankle, and it caused him to miss the first 10 weeks of the season. While Harry was put on IR, the Patriots struggled to get the offense rolling. They had a revolving door at the WR position between Demaryius Thomas, Josh Gordon, and then Mohamed Sanu. So, when Harry joined the team in Week 11, it was expected that he could jump-start this offense. That wasn’t the case whatsoever, and Harry continued to struggle despite playing with one of the best QB in the league. Harry’s best game in his rookie season came against the Dolphins as he went for 3 catches for 29 yards.

Looking Forward

There was only one positive to N’Keal Harry working with the backups in 2019. With Brady in Tampa, those backups are now getting their shot to play. Jarrett Stidham was drafted in 2019 as well, and I have a feeling Stidham and Harry were already started to build a relationship together. They have gone through a rookie camp together and then got extended playing time in camp. Harry should enter the 2020 season fully healthy. People need to stop thinking that the Patriots will bring in another QB. Stidham is the future of the Patriots. It will be interesting to see how well he will do in his first season after sitting behind Tom Brady.

The Patriots did not bring any WR this offseason. At least not any that could take away Harry’s starting job. Between Harry and Julian Edelman, the Patriots’ best wideout is Marquise Lee, who they just signed not too long ago. I wouldn’t be surprised if Edelman is traded before or during the 2020 season. However, back to Harry, I expect him to the main focal piece in this offense. Barring injury, he has a real shot to put up some good numbers. I would have to expect that the Patriots will be a run-first team, but Harry will still garner 6-9 targets a game and be a threat in the red zone.

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Redraft Value

N’Keal Harry goes between the 14th-17th round in redraft leagues. This places Harry just after Jalen Reagor and just before Denzel Mims, who are both rookies that hold potential for fantasy value in Year 1. The Patriots will use a large dose of Sony Michel, Damien Harris, James White, and Rex Burkhead to continue their winning ways. When Stidham is asked to throw around 20-25 times a game, Harry will be a primary target for him. I like Harry in redraft this year. At his current draft position, there is no risk if he does bust again in 2020. However, if he breaks out, it will be one of the biggest values in 2020 fantasy drafts.

Dynasty Value

I would say that his dynasty value shouldn’t have changed much since he was initially drafted. Rookie WR’s aren’t usually known for having great rookie seasons. Most rookie WR don’t turn it on until at least Year 3. If you were drafting Harry in 2019, you should have played into the fact that Brady won’t be in New England forever. I wasn’t a huge fan of Harry in dynasty leagues, but the landscape has changed greatly in New England. Belichick is committed to Stidham and N’Keal being the future of the Pats. I would hold on to Harry in dynasty leagues and I believe we are just getting started with his development. As a primary receiver under Josh McDaniels’ offense, Harry will have some big seasons ahead of him. My current projection for him is 76 catches for 885 yards and 6 TD.

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