Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Derrick Harris (Miami (FL)) - 1996 NFL Draft Pick #175 by STL

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Derrick Harris

College: Miami (FL)
Position: Cornerback
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 195 lbs

Overview:

Derrick Harris was a standout cornerback at the University of Miami, showcasing impressive skills and athleticism throughout his collegiate career. Known for his physical play and coverage abilities, Harris entered the 1996 NFL Draft as one of the more intriguing defensive prospects.

Strengths:

• Speed and Agility: Harris possessed excellent straight-line speed, allowing him to keep up with faster wide receivers. His quick lateral movements made him effective in coverage.
• Physicality: Known for his aggressive style of play, he was not afraid to engage with receivers at the line of scrimmage, making him a strong asset in press coverage situations.
• Ball Skills: Harris demonstrated solid ball-hawking abilities, with a knack for making plays on the ball and forcing turnovers.
• Experience: Playing in a highly competitive program at Miami, he faced top-tier talent regularly, which prepared him for the rigors of the NFL.

Areas for Improvement:

• Consistency: While flashes of brilliance were evident, there were times when Harris struggled with consistency in his technique and decision-making.
• Zone Coverage: His skills were primarily suited for man-to-man coverage, and he needed to refine his understanding of zone concepts.
• Injury History: Concerns about previous injuries could affect his draft stock, as teams might be wary of his long-term durability.

Draft Projection:

Derrick Harris was projected to be selected in the 2nd to 3rd round of the 1996 NFL Draft. His combination of athleticism and physicality made him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Conclusion:

Derrick Harris was regarded as a talented cornerback with the potential to develop into a starting player at the NFL level. His success would largely depend on his ability to adapt to the professional game and improve on his weaknesses.