2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Christian Harris





  • Christian Harris, 6-1/246

  • Linebacker

  • Alabama


  • Christian Harris Scouting Report
    By Charlie Campbell

    Strengths:
  • Good speed
  • Burst to close
  • Ability to redirect
  • Can break down in space
  • Natural in space
  • Serious athletic ability
  • Solid run defender
  • Can go sideline-to-sideline
  • Three-down starter potential
  • Decent in zone coverage
  • Good spy linebacker for mobile quarterbacks
  • Natural build
  • Has athletic flexibility to be a Mike, Will or Sam




  • Weaknesses:
  • Underachiever
  • Should have produced more
  • Not instinctive
  • Poor vision
  • Could be prone to coverage busts
  • Can get out of position as a run defender


  • Summary: Alabama has been a steady factory for NFL talent at the linebacker position, and Harris will continue that tradition in the 2022 NFL Draft. Harris is not the caliber of prospect of other recent Alabama first-rounders like C.J. Mosley, Rashaan Evans or Dont’a Hightower, but there is no doubt that Harris has an NFL skill set as he is fast, big, strong and athletic.

    In 2019, Alabama lost Dylan Moses to an injury and thrust Harris onto the field earlier than planned. Harris had a solid debut with 63 tackles, a forced fumble and one pass broken up. In 2020, Harris notched 79 tackles, 4.5 sacks and two passes broken up. Harris then put together his best year, statistically, in 2021 79 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and three passes batted.



    The NFL is a passing-driven league, and Harris has the size, speed and athleticism to serve as a contributing coverage linebacker. He can pick up receivers in zone and maintain close coverage on them in the middle of the field. Harris, however, does not always play up to his skill set. His instincts and vision are below average, which could lead to him allowing coverage busts and getting picked on in the passing game.

    As a run defender, Harris has the speed to get to the perimeter and the size and physicality to be a forceful tackler. He can use his speed to fire downhill, and he flashed the ability to blow up runs in the backfield. Given his poor instincts and vision, he never produced up to his skill set. The lack of instincts and recognition skills will lead to Harris getting out of position. Perhaps Harris can improve in these aspects with good pro coaching.

    Sources have said Harris has a good skill set that he didn’t play up to at Alabama. They said the talent is there for Harris to be a good player, but he hasn’t played up to his potential yet and maybe never will. In the 2022 NFL Draft, Harris could be a second-day pick.



    Player Comparison: Stephone Anthony. I had a feeling that Anthony would be a bust, which is what he was for New Orleans. Anthony (6-3, 245) had a great skill set, but didn’t put together the steady play to live up to his athletic ability. I think Harris could be a better pro than Anthony, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Harris is a disappointment as well.






    RELATED LINKS:


    2022 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie’s | Walt’s


    2022 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


    2022 NFL Draft Scouting Reports








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