Maurice Harris stays focused and shines with Patriots

FOXBORO – In minicamp, you always pay attention to which player Tom Brady is targeting during full-team drills.

Over the first two practices this week, it was no surprise when Brady connected with Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, James White or Rex Burkhead during these sessions. That’s expected. The same went for N’Keal Harry. You expect Brady to try to build a rapport with the high-profiled rookie.

The first time Brady lined up under center on [...]

FOXBORO – In minicamp, you always pay attention to which player Tom Brady is targeting during full-team drills.

Over the first two practices this week, it was no surprise when Brady connected with Julian Edelman, Phillip Dorsett, James White or Rex Burkhead during these sessions. That’s expected. The same went for N’Keal Harry. You expect Brady to try to build a rapport with the high-profiled rookie.

The first time Brady lined up under center on Wednesday, he looked to someone else – Maurice Harris.  Then came the second rep and the quarterback went back to the new receiver. Brady’s first three completions, in competitive 11-on-11s, all went to Harris.

That was a surprise.

The 6-foot-3 receiver established himself as one of Brady’s top targets on Tuesday. In a crowded receiver depth chart, Harris will enter this summer’s training camp with a golden opportunity in Foxboro. If Wednesday is any indication, the 26-year-old is off to a good start.

“It’s good. Tom, he’s great,” said Harris, who signed a one-year deal with the Patriots in March. “Obviously, he’s a great player, great guy. Just getting out here, getting some chemistry going, getting the repetition. I still have a lot of learning to do, but one day at a time.”

The Patriots offensive weapons will look completely different this season. We know Edelman and Dorsett are back, but after those two, there’s a lot of uncertainty. Rob Gronkowski’s departure only adds to it. That’s one reason why the Patriots collected a group of bigger receivers. Harris is one of six receivers on the roster who stand 6-foot-2 or taller.

Harris, however, isn’t your typical 6-foot-3 deep threat. He has a unique skill set and that was seen on Tuesday as he lined up out wide, in the slot and caught punts.

Harris started Wednesday’s practice by making two nice catches in 4-on-4 drills. On one of those receptions, he jumped over Jonathan Jones, the Patriots slot cornerback. In full-team drills, he was moving everywhere on offense.

The first pass Harris saw, he ran a crossing route from the left side of the field over the middle. He had to dive, but finished the play with a reception from Brady. Next, he lined up in the slot for another reception. Harris also lined up out wide to the right. The day displayed his versatility and it was a great sign that he was playing with the starting offense. However, he says he’s not focused on the open competition.

“Just take it one day at a time. I don’t look at it like that. I just try to deliver my best performance every day,” Harris said. “At the end of the day, that’s all I can do. Whatever I can do to help the team, I’ll come out here with whatever they ask and try to do it to the best of my ability.”

Harris has had an interesting NFL journey. An undrafted free agent in 2016, he didn’t make the Washington Redskins roster initially. After being cut, he spent part of his rookie season on the Redskins practice squad. He played in 10 games that season, catching eight passes for 66 yards.

In 2017, Harris again started the season Washington’s practice squad before being called up. However, he only played in six games that season, catching four passes for 62 yards. Last year, Harris had the best season of his career, finishing with 28 receptions and 304 yards in 12 games. Harris opened up a lot of people's eyes last year in Week 9. Against Atlanta, he hauled in 10 receptions for 124 yards.

“It felt good to get that experience,” Harris said. “I think that’s one of the best teachers – just getting out there and getting the feel of things. It was good.”

The Patriots could get back Josh Gordon (who’s suspended) at some point and have Demaryius Thomas (who’s rehabbing an Achilles injury) by the time training camp starts. That will only add to the competition at receiver.

Harris, however, seems all for it. After all, that’s why he signed with the Patriots this offseason.

“It’s a great organization,” Harris said. “Obviously learning from the best and playing with great players, I didn’t want to pass up that opportunity.”