Dejon Harris NFL Draft Profile
Dejon Harris is an inside linebacker prospect for the 2020 NFL Draft. He played his college football career at the University of Arkansas. Harris is a tackling machine and has a nose for the ball. He’s a good run defender and has the speed to cover sideline to sideline. Harris is a bit undersized and will need to add some bulk to his frame to be successful at the NFL level. He projects as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent.
Intro
Dejon Harris is a linebacker prospect out of the University of Arkansas. He was a four-year starter for the Razorbacks, and was named First Team All-SEC in his senior season. Harris is undersized for an NFL linebacker at just 5’11”, but he makes up for it with his speed, athleticism, and instincts. He projects as a late-round pick or undrafted free agent in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Early Life and High School Career
Born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Harris played football at Central High School. As a senior in 2013, he was named the Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year after racking up 133 tackles and nine sacks on defense, while also rushing for 1,013 yards and 19 touchdowns on offense.
Harris then went on to play college football at the University of Arkansas. He was a four-year starter for the Razorbacks, appearing in 52 games and tallying 318 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception.
College Career
Dejon Harris had a very successful college career, winning many awards and accolades. He was a 3-time All-American, 2-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and 2-time SEC Defensive Lineman of the Year. He is also one of only two players in SEC history to win 3 straight SEC Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
NFL Draft Profile
Linebacker Dejon Harris went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, but he signed with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent. He played college football at Arkansas.
Harris was a three-year starter at Arkansas. He was a team captain as a senior. He had over 100 tackles in each of his last two seasons. Harris was named Second Team All-SEC as a senior.
Harris is undersized for an NFL linebacker at 6-foot and 230 pounds. He ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash at his pro day. Harris is a good athlete with good speed and quickness. He is a hard worker on the field and is always around the ball.
Harris needs to improve his play against the run. He can be blocked away from the play too easily at times. Harris also needs to improve his pass coverage skills. He has trouble staying with receivers and tight ends in coverage at times.
The Patriots will likely use Harris as a backup linebacker and special teams player in 2020. He has the potential to develop into a starting linebacker down the road if he can improve his play against the run and in coverage.
Conclusion
Overall, Harris is a well-rounded linebacker who plays with good instincts and intensity. He’s not the biggest or strongest guy on the field, but he does a good job of using his quickness and agility to make plays. He’s a good tackler and has the potential to be a good coverage linebacker at the next level.
