Roman Harper (Alabama) - 2006 NFL Draft Pick #43 by NO
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Roman Harper (2006 NFL Draft)
College: University of Alabama
- Position: Safety
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Projected Round: 2nd to 4th Round
Strengths:
- Strong Tackler: Harper was known for his physical style of play and ability to deliver solid tackles, making him a reliable option in run support.
- Versatile: Played both free and strong safety at Alabama, showcasing his ability to adapt to different defensive schemes.
- Intelligent Player: Demonstrated good football IQ, showing the ability to read plays and anticipate the opponent's movements.
- Experience: Started multiple seasons in the SEC, providing him with valuable experience against top-level competition.
Weaknesses:
- Coverage Skills: While effective in run support, there were questions about his ability to cover elite receivers consistently in man-to-man situations.
- Speed: Lacked elite top-end speed, which could limit his effectiveness against faster offensive players in the NFL.
- Injury Concerns: Had some injury issues during his college career, raising questions about his durability at the professional level.
Overall Assessment:
Roman Harper was viewed as a solid safety prospect heading into the 2006 NFL Draft. His strengths in tackling and versatility made him a valuable asset for any defense, while his experience in the SEC was seen as a plus. However, concerns regarding his coverage skills and speed could limit his draft stock. He was projected to be selected in the mid-rounds, with the potential to develop into a reliable starter in the NFL.