2015 NFL Draft Profile: Anthony Harris, S Virginia

Something happened to Virginia safety Anthony Harris’ stock within the last couple months and his value seems to have taken a massive nosedive. There are some great reasons to be excited about Harris though. He’s got good size, nice length, and a strong frame that has been durable enough to put forth a solid college career on paper and never have him miss a single game due to injury.

Despite that success, there’s quite a bit of concern about his physicality to play the safety position in the NFL. He’s not as willing of a tackler as he should be and instead looks to take down runners with low swipes and arm tackles. While he did well with that technique at the college level, it is difficult to see that working at the NFL level. He’s also slow to react to developing plays and finds himself taking poor angles too often.

However, he does have soft hands and makes interceptions on a regular basis when he’s in position. Anthony Harris could be described as a “ball hawk” type safety for that reason. But he does need to get stronger and be more physical to succeed in the NFL, especially at the safety position.

Nov 1, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers safety Anthony Harris (8) is shown during their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech won 35-10. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Combine Measurables:

Height: 6’1″
Weight: 183 pounds
Arm Length: 32″
Hand Size: 9 1/4″
40 Yard Dash: 4.56 seconds
Bench Press: N/A
Vertical Jump: N/A
Broad Jump: N/A
3 Cone Drill: N/A
20 Yard Shuttle: N/A

Draft Projection

Anthony Harris is currently the #208 overall prospect in the 2015 NFL Draft according to CBS Sports and their #8 available free safety. They project him to be a 6th round pick.

NFL Player Comparison

NFL.com: Jaiquawn Jarrett, New York Jets
CBSSports.com: N/A

Fit For The Vikings

Minnesota will be looking for competition at the safety position and could also look to bring in a mid-round selection to groom for safety as well as provide depth.

My Take

I would have absolutely no problem with Anthony Harris being the Vikings 6th round pick. Heck, I’d even be fine with the team taking him a full round earlier than his projection. If Mike Zimmer’s staff can help Harris bulk up a bit and help him become a more physical player, he would have all the tools necessary to be successful. And I feel a pick in that range is well worth the risk.

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