David Harris

[Hotrod]

Im not a big college football watching guy and since there is a real possiblity that we move down and pick this guy up some of you guru's tell me about our 2007 1st round choice please. ;D

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

He is very smart, consistent and a hard worker. He isn't a guy who will be a spectacular hitter, He can cover ground and is seldom out of position. Like I said he is a very smart player who called the defensive plays at Michigan. He is a chalk board junkie. Some of the other Michigan players have gotten more press, but Harris appears to me to be the kind of guy who will be a very steady performer in the NFL for as long as they will let him play.

[SpringStein]

He's also a great leader, which is a trait I'd love to see from a couple of our picks this year.

[Hotrod]

So hes got leadership skills, moves well in space, solid tackler, a student of the game..................why is he rated 2nd round? There has to be a knock on him somewhere.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

The biggest knock on him is that he has never had much in the way of pass coverage responsibilities. While he had very good workout numbers, they weren't as spectacular like Willis. Also, many expect spectacular hits from a MLB. He is a solid tackler, but delivering a crushing blow isn't his game.

Actually, since the LB class this year is pretty weak, I wouldn't be surprised to see the big run in the draft be linebackers, with Willis, Harris, Timmons, Beason and Poz all going in the first round.

[Mediator12]

The biggest knock on him is that he has never had much in the way of pass coverage responsibilities. While he had very good workout numbers, they weren't as spectacular like Willis. Also, many expect spectacular hits from a MLB. He is a solid tackler, but delivering a crushing blow isn't his game.

Actually, since the LB class this year is pretty weak, I wouldn't be surprised to see the big run in the draft be linebackers, with Willis, Harris, Timmons, Beason and Poz all going in the first round.

Nolan Nawrocki agrees with you and so do I ;D

http://profootballweekly.com/PFW/NFLDraft/Draft+Extras/2007/wwhi041207.htm


He does not mention Harris though and that is a shame. The more film I watch of him and Branch the more I like the guy and do not like Branch. One thing is for sure, Harris does a great Job of filling the holes when Branch took plays off. Unless something changes here soon, he will already have that skill acquired ;D Plus, he made some excellent plays when the DL did their job.

[Rohirrim]

The Huddle Report had similar questions regarding the relationship between Branch and Harris.

David Harris LB Michigan 6'2" 243

STRENGTHS
David is your old school MLB who takes on blocks, sheds them and makes the tackle. He is smart and very athletic. He shows excellent instincts along with an excellent burst to the ball. He has no problems dropping back and defending against the pass. David is just a hell of a LB and until he got on the field on a regular basis, Michigan’s defense was just average. He is smart and shows leadership skills by his play on the field. David reminds me a lot of Harry Carson (Hall of Fame MLB Garden St Giants).

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
David does not have the pure speed that teams are looking for in a MLB for today’s game, but he makes up for it in other ways. He plays with character, intelligence, passion and then talent.

TALENT BOARD ROUND: 1
When David hit the field, his play allowed Branch and Woodley to become the players that they are today. Branch picked up the trash, but David took it out and stuffed it into the cans. Woodley always knew that David had his back, which allowed him to rush the passer and take chances on run plays that he would not have taken with a MLB who was not as strong as David. Harry Carson taught Lawrence Taylor how to control his talent and get the most out of it -- that’s what David did for his college team also. David is the type of player that is taken for granted until he is not on the field for a game or two, then all of a sudden, the defense starts to go to hell and everyone wonders why. That same thing happened to Michigan. David had some knee injuries and it wasn’t until he got back on the field that everyone understood what he meant to his team. For the NFL, David will be an excellent LB in a 3-4 defense and will impact almost right away. In a 4-3, because of his lack of pure speed, it will take some time before coaches appreciate his talents. If David can improve his speed, he just might make the first round because I know the Colts are looking for a player just like David to add to their defense. I call him David (Trash Can) Harris because he knows how to take out the trash and STUFF it into the cans.

[Carmelo15]

Man I really like what I'm reading. If one of our guys is still there at 21, i'd like to see us trade up for this guy. Even if it takes our 2nd and both 3rds. Walking away from Day 1 with Jamaal Anderson and David Harris is MORE than satisfying for me.

[U GOT JACKED UP]

He is just a solid player. Mayock of NFL network says that he is maybe the safest pick in the 1st round. He feels that somebody will trade down to get him in round 1. He thinks that he will be a player that has a long and productive career.

[JDB7821]

I also don't see why he isn't being considered more of a first round guy, but I also don't see why Willis isn't a lock for the top 10. For some reason teams seem to undervalue the MLB spot, when in my opinion, it's one of the most important.

[Mediator12]

The Huddle Report had similar questions regarding the relationship between Branch and Harris.

David Harris LB Michigan 6'2" 243

STRENGTHS
David is your old school MLB who takes on blocks, sheds them and makes the tackle. He is smart and very athletic. He shows excellent instincts along with an excellent burst to the ball. He has no problems dropping back and defending against the pass. David is just a hell of a LB and until he got on the field on a regular basis, Michigan’s defense was just average. He is smart and shows leadership skills by his play on the field. David reminds me a lot of Harry Carson (Hall of Fame MLB Garden St Giants).

NEEDS TO IMPROVE
David does not have the pure speed that teams are looking for in a MLB for today’s game, but he makes up for it in other ways. He plays with character, intelligence, passion and then talent.

TALENT BOARD ROUND: 1
When David hit the field, his play allowed Branch and Woodley to become the players that they are today. Branch picked up the trash, but David took it out and stuffed it into the cans. Woodley always knew that David had his back, which allowed him to rush the passer and take chances on run plays that he would not have taken with a MLB who was not as strong as David. Harry Carson taught Lawrence Taylor how to control his talent and get the most out of it -- that’s what David did for his college team also. David is the type of player that is taken for granted until he is not on the field for a game or two, then all of a sudden, the defense starts to go to hell and everyone wonders why. That same thing happened to Michigan. David had some knee injuries and it wasn’t until he got back on the field that everyone understood what he meant to his team. For the NFL, David will be an excellent LB in a 3-4 defense and will impact almost right away. In a 4-3, because of his lack of pure speed, it will take some time before coaches appreciate his talents. If David can improve his speed, he just might make the first round because I know the Colts are looking for a player just like David to add to their defense. I call him David (Trash Can) Harris because he knows how to take out the trash and STUFF it into the cans.

He also covered Gabe Watson's ass pretty well too two years ago. This is a case where a MLB covered for the DL like Al Wilson did for the CLE group the last two years. People give him a hard time, but he was getting beat up horribly the last two years covering for weak DT play at the POA.

Harris may be one of the most overlooked underrated MLB's in awhile because of Branch, Hall, and Woodley. Personally, I like him better than those three. Hall got his ass torched too often against competent WR's to be ranked as high as he is IMHO. Harris will be a solid MLB for whoever takes him.

[Rascal]

I don't think he will last to our second, so if we are going to get him we need trade down from our current first round position or trade up from our current second round position. Either way I'd love to have him.

[-Slap-]

As I recall, David Harris was impressive in all phases in the Senior Bowl. I love his intelligence and his toughness in shedding blocks. He's also a very down to earth and unassuming young man, as his comments below illustrate.

"I look at the week ahead as being pretty much like applying for a job", Harris says. I want to make a good impression on as many scouts and coaches as I can while we're down here. I asked David to complete the following sentence "I will be disappointed if I'm not drafted before....." His reply: "The end of the draft". Does it matter to him where he gets his chance? "No sir, I just want the chance to show them that I can play". What about playing for the Lions? "That would be great", he says. "I'm from Grand Rapids, (Ottawa Hills HS) and that would permit my family to be in close touch, plus I'd still be near Ann Arbor." When asked about his plans for draft day he replied that "I'm going to he at home with my mom and dad, and we'll be waiting for the phone to ring". I might add that David Harris appears to be a pretty solid kid, and my hope would be that he does not have an extended wait for his call.

http://highlightreel.blogs.mlive.com/default.asp?item=448097

http://img73.imageshack.us/img73/4494/434b483fe6220291md1.jpg

[-Slap-]

I don't think he will last to our second, so if we are going to get him we need trade down from our current first round position or trade up from our current second round position. Either way I'd love to have him.

I wouldn't mind some kind of scenario that nets us David Harris and Michael Griffin in the 25-35 range. Use the rest of the picks on linemen.

[azbroncfan]

I wouldn't mind some kind of scenario that nets us David Harris and Michael Griffin in the 25-35 range. Use the rest of the picks on linemen.

Sounds good to me also.

[Mediator12]

I wouldn't mind some kind of scenario that nets us David Harris and Michael Griffin in the 25-35 range. Use the rest of the picks on linemen.

That may be alright if they choose wisely in the third round with DE. There are three that could be had around 70 that might be worthwhile.

[U GOT JACKED UP]

we could probably get quentin moses in the third round.

[U GOT JACKED UP]

I would love the scenerio if we got ginn at #21 Harris in the second and trade one of the thirds for jenkins and draft quentin moses. That would be a solid draft, but I don't think harris lasts till #56

[SpringStein]

From an article today at Pro Football Weekly:

Defensively, Michigan ILB David Harris was the first player mentioned when teams were posed the question of a surprise first-round pick.

“He’s a real good player,” one scouting director said. “He would be a perfect fit for a 3-4 defense. What’s really interesting about him is that every Michigan defender we interviewed unanimously agreed he was the leader of the team and genuinely got excited discussing him. That's what you want in your middle linebacker.”

[Paladin]

So. Is there anyone that might possibly maybe be available when Denver picks? Any position?

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

He also covered Gabe Watson's ass pretty well too two years ago. .

And that's a big lazy ass to cover ;D (Sorry I couldn't help it. Watson is the definition of an underachiever in my book)

[Rascal]

That may be alright if they choose wisely in the third round with DE. There are three that could be had around 70 that might be worthwhile.

eh...I think our d-line would be better served getting some DT's then DE's. Around pick 70 we aren't going to get any DE's better then what we currently have, but we can easily improve on the DT's we have. Which outside of Warren are absolute crap.

[Mediator12]

eh...I think our d-line would be better served getting some DT's then DE's. Around pick 70 we aren't going to get any DE's better then what we currently have, but we can easily improve on the DT's we have. Which outside of Warren are absolute crap.

Not many DT's worth a crap in this draft including the two at the top.

Harrell and Mebane may be the only Two Gap guys DEN has a shot at who could play in front of the DT crap they have now. The more I have shifted to watching DT's their are a bunch of undersized, underachieving DT's in this draft. The two gap guys are nowhere as good as I thought they could be in the later rounds. Guys like Soliai, Antonio Johnson, and Tank Tyler are not as good as I initially thought. Tyler is vastly overrated in my book and a product of the hype of NC States DL from a year ago with Mario, Manny Lawson, and John McCargo. He was worthless without all that talent around him this year.

DE is a different story. I really think there are 10-12 solid Pass rushers in this draft that could help DEN in the new Scheme. That Depth will inversely affect the DT's as people will reach for talent there and allow DE's to Slide. These guys all have growth potential that Denver lacks outside of Dumervil right now. Better to get a true developmental DE than another poor DT in my book. If there were real DT's out there, I would agree with you.

[bpc]

Not many DT's worth a crap in this draft including the two at the top.

Harrell and Mebane may be the only Two Gap guys DEN has a shot at who could play in front of the DT crap they have now. The more I have shifted to watching DT's their are a bunch of undersized, underachieving DT's in this draft. The two gap guys are nowhere as good as I thought they could be in the later rounds. Guys like Soliai, Antonio Johnson, and Tank Tyler are not as good as I initially thought. Tyler is vastly overrated in my book and a product of the hype of NC States DL from a year ago with Mario, Manny Lawson, and John McCargo. He was worthless without all that talent around him this year.

DE is a different story. I really think there are 10-12 solid Pass rushers in this draft that could help DEN in the new Scheme. That Depth will inversely affect the DT's as people will reach for talent there and allow DE's to Slide. These guys all have growth potential that Denver lacks outside of Dumervil right now. Better to get a true developmental DE than another poor DT in my book. If there were real DT's out there, I would agree with you.

So interesting that you feel that way about Okoye. The only reason I consider Branch is because of his size. He reminds me of Gerard Warren. Okoye in my opinion is vastly overated. I watched this guy. Not only is he too small, he popps up virtually every play. He doesn't take on the double team real well and he gets by with an explosive first step. That may work against the Rutgers and UConn but that will not float in the NFL against bigger, stronger, faster guards. Some draft page compared him to Reggie White. I laughed my ass off. I won't even justify that with a response. He has upside because he is young but I really don't think he'll be a great player. Maybe a poor man's John Randle in the pass game but he'll be a liability against the run IMO.

Harrell is a guy that I haven't seen enough. Mebane is a strong player. I saw him in person and he is short... maybe just 6'0 or above. However when you watch him play, he plays strong on the field. Stronger than his 225 results show. He can really control the LOS and get push up the field. I have concerns about his endurance over a full game but as a 1st and 2nd down DT and limited reps, I think he could be a very strong player for whatever team selects him.

There really aren't that many DT's worthy of consideration in this class. Then again I think we can find some vet's for cheap that can do what Bates is looking to do. Be fat, take up blocks and let our LB's run around.

[chaz]

love him. hard not too.

[chaz]

Not many DT's worth a crap in this draft including the two at the top.

Harrell and Mebane may be the only Two Gap guys DEN has a shot at who could play in front of the DT crap they have now. The more I have shifted to watching DT's their are a bunch of undersized, underachieving DT's in this draft. The two gap guys are nowhere as good as I thought they could be in the later rounds. Guys like Soliai, Antonio Johnson, and Tank Tyler are not as good as I initially thought. Tyler is vastly overrated in my book and a product of the hype of NC States DL from a year ago with Mario, Manny Lawson, and John McCargo. He was worthless without all that talent around him this year.

DE is a different story. I really think there are 10-12 solid Pass rushers in this draft that could help DEN in the new Scheme. That Depth will inversely affect the DT's as people will reach for talent there and allow DE's to Slide. These guys all have growth potential that Denver lacks outside of Dumervil right now. Better to get a true developmental DE than another poor DT in my book. If there were real DT's out there, I would agree with you.

this is exactly why i think the trade for jenkins is so huge...we can avoid this mess of HAVING to get a DT early and maybe just pick up someone in the middle rounds for depth and size.

[Dukes]

Ok I haven't seen too many guys say which position they think is more important for this draft. DT or DE? It's starting to appear that we may not be able to grab a player in both positions. So if you had the choice, which position would you go after?

Edit: Guess posts 22, 23, and 24 explain it enough ;D

[Mediator12]

Ok I haven't seen too many guys say which position they think is more important for this draft. DT or DE? It's starting to appear that we may not be able to grab a player in both positions. So if you had the choice, which position would you go after?

Edit: Guess posts 22, 23, and 24 explain it enough ;D

It may appear that way, but teams set up drafts with ranges they will select a player and second where they believe others would draft the same player. In effect, a player receives two grades. The first is the overall grade that a player would receive from any team and is what mock drafts are too routinely based. The second is where the player fits onto their board as a fit for their team. Some players become too expensive for teams based on their value at their selection. This is where teams trade, reach, or pass for certain players. Others are rated much higher by a team than their overall grade and become excellent value selections.

Do not read too much into mock drafts after the first 7 selections. Those seven are the only players that are likely gone before 10 and teams will turn the board based on the real grades they give them instead of the overall grades.

As to your question, at this point if they have Harrell rated high enough I would take him at twenty one. If not move down for a late third and stay in front of CHI to take him later. I would try to get a standout Two gap DT before a pass rusher early as there are several DE's that could step in and outplay the current roster later. Not so much for DT.

Then, they can leverage the remaining first day picks to get the DE they want in round two or three at a range of value. At that point, they might also see where the board is shaping positions and where the early values will be.

[Traveler]

I would try to get a standout Two gap DT before a pass rusher early as there are several DE's that could step in and outplay the current roster later. Not so much for DT.

Then, they can leverage the remaining first day picks to get the DE they want in round two or three at a range of value. At that point, they might also see where the board is shaping positions and where the early values will be.

Care to throw out some names of the DE's that see possibly wearing O&B?

[yerner]

<TABLE cellSpacing=3 cellPadding=1 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top height=30><TD class=tablemed>David Harris
ILB (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/position?id=90) | (6'2http://assets.espn.go.com/i/nfl/trans/1_4.gif", 243, 4.59) | MICHIGAN (http://insider.espn.go.com/nfldraft/draft/tracker/school?id=2291)

Scouts Grade: 83</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE class=tablemed cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR vAlign=center height=18><TD></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---Insider promo---><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=tablesm align=middle bgColor=#ececec colSpan=2><TABLE class=tablehead cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE class=tablemed2 cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=3><TBODY><TR><TD>Strengths: Possesses a good combination of height and bulk for the position. Extremely sound in terms of recognition skills and reading keys. He is a hard-hitter and reliable open-field tackler. He displays very good quickness and body control. Is fluid in his hips and shows quick change-of-direction skills for his size. Plays with a great motor. He is a reliable tackler in space and also displays a knack for forcing fumbles. He gets a deep drop in zone coverage and shows adequate quickness in that area of the game. Breaks on the ball in front of him quickly and displays the consistent ability to knock passes down at the last second.

Weaknesses: He plays faster than 40-time indicates but his lack of ideal top-end speed will be somewhat limiting at the next level. He has made huge strides in terms of technique but can still improve his hand usage and angles. He does not display great ball skills in coverage. Lacks great instincts as a pass rusher. Gets engulfed at the line of scrimmage too often and does not show the explosive strength to bounce off of blockers. Needs to continue to improve his upper body power.

Overall: Harris was redshirted in 2002. He appeared in two games in 2003 registering two tackles before suffering a season-ending knee injury against Houston (9/6). Harris saw action in seven games (one start) in 2004 at inside linebacker and on special teams making 10 tackles and one forced fumble. In 2005, he became a starter for the final 11 contests and recorded 88 total tackles, six tackles for loss, one sack, one fumble recovery, and two forced fumbles. In 2006 he started all 13 games and registered 103 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss, four sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. A late-bloomer, Harris did not emerge as a starter until his junior season in 2005. We felt Harris was a bit of an underrated prospect heading into 2006 and he made even more strides as a senior. He lacks ideal fluidity and he still has room to improve in terms of his coverage skills. However, Harris is an instinctive defender with good size, strength, toughness and straight-line speed. In our opinion, Harris has enough potential to groom as a starter at MLB in a 4-3 scheme or ILB in a 3-4 scheme at the next level, which is why we grade him out as a second-round pick in 2007.

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[BroncoInferno]

Med, do you have an opinion on Walter Thomas? I know there is practically no tape on him, but physically he's straight out of a Bates wet dream. 6'5" 370 with phenomenal quickness, speed and agility for someone as massive as he. I really think we may pick him and earlier than some think he should go (perhaps #86).

[Victor]

It may appear that way, but teams set up drafts with ranges they will select a player and second where they believe others would draft the same player. In effect, a player receives two grades. The first is the overall grade that a player would receive from any team and is what mock drafts are too routinely based. The second is where the player fits onto their board as a fit for their team. Some players become too expensive for teams based on their value at their selection. This is where teams trade, reach, or pass for certain players. Others are rated much higher by a team than their overall grade and become excellent value selections.

Do not read too much into mock drafts after the first 7 selections. Those seven are the only players that are likely gone before 10 and teams will turn the board based on the real grades they give them instead of the overall grades.

As to your question, at this point if they have Harrell rated high enough I would take him at twenty one. If not move down for a late third and stay in front of CHI to take him later. I would try to get a standout Two gap DT before a pass rusher early as there are several DE's that could step in and outplay the current roster later. Not so much for DT.

Then, they can leverage the remaining first day picks to get the DE they want in round two or three at a range of value. At that point, they might also see where the board is shaping positions and where the early values will be.


Great take. I've got to say that I'm often amazed at the high level of thought and understanding on this board. I learn new things about football all the time here...especially on the draft board.

Those of us who are less sophisticated salute you. I throw these kudos out to others, besides Med (you know who you are) as well.

[Hotrod]

Great take. I've got to say that I'm often amazed at the high level of thought and understanding on this board. I learn new things about football all the time here...especially on the draft board.

Those of us who are less sophisticated salute you. I throw these kudos out to others, besides Med (you know who you are) as well.

Thanks

[Carmelo15]

I wouldn't mind some kind of scenario that nets us David Harris and Michael Griffin in the 25-35 range. Use the rest of the picks on linemen.

I agree and have been saying that area has great value. Thats why we should trade 21 and 56 to Chicago for 31 and 37

[Paladin]

Thanks

Not you....

[Hotrod]

Not you....

LOL I try to always take credit where its not do ;D

[U GOT JACKED UP]

Med, do you have an opinion on Walter Thomas? I know there is practically no tape on him, but physically he's straight out of a Bates wet dream. 6'5" 370 with phenomenal quickness, speed and agility for someone as massive as he. I really think we may pick him and earlier than some think he should go (perhaps #86).

I agree. Walter Thomas has unlimited upside, but he would have to get down to around 355. I also here that he is very coachable from the people that coached him in the texas all star game.

[Mediator12]

Med, do you have an opinion on Walter Thomas? I know there is practically no tape on him, but physically he's straight out of a Bates wet dream. 6'5" 370 with phenomenal quickness, speed and agility for someone as massive as he. I really think we may pick him and earlier than some think he should go (perhaps #86).

I have no basis on him right now. He sounds intriguing, but I have also heard he has a character Red Flag for more than one thing. I have not been able to see him as I do not have the tape from the Texas v. allstar game.

He is certainly a talented Monster at DT, but can he play football? I have no idea and I think a lot of scouts are real iffy on him from what I have heard. Might want to try and pm Cecil Lammey to see what he has heard.