Name: CB Brandon Harris
School: Miami
Size: 5'10, 190 lbs
Expected Round: 1st-2nd
40 Time: 4.43s
Career Stats: Click Here.
Player Previews: CBS; Walter Football; NFL Combine [If you would like your website included, please e-mail me!]
Strengths: Athletic corner who can play man coverage. Doesn't take needless risks and will break-up a pass rather than intercept. Great closing burst. Able to rush the quarterback. Experienced and quarterbacks threw away from him. Experienced in the slot. Reports say he's strong in run support, but I question that.
Weaknesses: He seems to take questionable angles in run support and he struggles to get towards the ball carrier. Sometimes a body tackler and won't wrap up. Not a strong zone cornerback. He goes for the pass break-up, which can lead to the receiver making the play before Harris. Had an iffy game against Notre Dame's Michael Floyd in his bowl game.
Why and Why Not the Patriots after the jump, and my final verdict!
Why the Patriots?: The Patriots could use a slot corner and Harris is experienced and has the upside to be another starting cornerback down the road. He's a player who doesn't take risks, so he plays like he should be in a bend-don't-break defense. He stops plays and he's a willing student of the game. He's an athlete with plenty of upside.
Why Not the Patriots?: I watched his tape and could only think of Darius Butler. Athletic player who may not be the best fit for the Patriots'. He's not a strong tackler and he'll need to excel in both man and zone to thrive with the Patriots' and their coverage disguises. Also, throw in the high price tag for a slot corner and I don't know if he's the best fit for the Patriots.
Verdict: I'll pass on Brandon Harris. I see Darius Butler when I watch him on tape and we already have a young Butler on the roster. He may be better off for a defense where he'll stay on an island (Jets), but he doesn't have the skill set to thrive with the Patriots.