Cornerback

Miami

5-10 191

Draft board overall prospect rank: #12

Draft board overall cornerback rank: #3

Overall rating: 89 (mid 1^st)

40 time: 4.43

3/22/11: The hype of this cornerback class is on Patrick Peterson and Prince Amukamara, but for the first half or so of the season, Harris was right behind them in terms of the type of season he was having. He didn’t pick off a lot of passes, but he was rarely thrown on either. Offensive coordinators game planned around him and quarterbacks avoided. He blanketed receivers very well.

He struggled, relatively, later in the season, especially in their bowl game against Michael Floyd, and for a while was believed to be returning to Miami for his senior season, in hopes of becoming the top cornerback in the 2012 NFL Draft and being a potential top 10 pick. He eventually declared, but since has kind of fallen out of favor with draftniks. Once a potential top 15 pick, Harris is being mocked in the 2^nd round. Jimmy Smith has risen above him on several draft boards, thanks to a strong Combine, despite Smith’s character flaws.

Harris measured in small at the Combine, at 5-10, which hurt his stock. He ran well though at 4.43 and did very well in the drills, something that seems to get overlooked about his Combine. Being 5-10 isn’t that big of a deal. Cornerbacks can get away with being that size in the NFL if everything else is there and for him, it is.

He’s very fluid and athletic. He mirrors well. He times his jumps well to tip away passes. His ball skills need improvement, but he’s above average against the run and very physically within 5 yards. He’s stronger than he looks and can hold his own strength wise with bigger NFL cornerbacks. He’s also very smart and very crafty.

NFL Comparison: Devin McCourty