RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI RAV KCC ATL HOU DEN NWE LVR CRD MIN SDG CLE CIN LV BOS TB STL NO WSH ARI PHO PIT CAR JAC MIA CHI CLV CHR W 40x40 ARZ LA TBB RAI

Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Franco Harris HOF (College Stats) - 1972 NFL Draft Pick #13 by PIT

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Franco Harris - 1972 NFL Draft

Player Profile: Franco Harris

College: Penn State University

Position: Running Back

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 230 lbs

College Stats

  • Rushing Yards: 2,002 yards
  • Touchdowns: 24
  • Average Yards per Carry: 5.2

Strengths

  • Size and Power: Harris possessed a rare combination of size and speed for a running back, making him a formidable force on the field.
  • Vision and Patience: He demonstrated excellent field vision, allowing him to find running lanes and make quick decisions.
  • Receiving Ability: Harris was also a capable receiver out of the backfield, adding versatility to his game.
  • Durability: His physical conditioning and durability made him reliable during the long NFL season.

Weaknesses

  • Blocking Skills: While he was effective as a runner and receiver, there were concerns about his blocking ability in pass protection.
  • Experience Level: As a college player, he had limited experience against top-tier NFL talent compared to some of his peers.

Overall Assessment

Franco Harris was highly regarded for his combination of size, speed, and skill as a running back. Scouts noted his ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact. His performance at Penn State, including key contributions to their offensive success, positioned him as one of the top prospects for the 1972 NFL Draft. Analysts expected him to be an immediate contributor for whichever team selected him, with the potential for a long and successful career in the NFL.