2011 Steeler NFL Draft Targets
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Most people would agree that the Steelers need help at the cornerback position. I'll introduce you to a player that the team could be looking to draft with their first round pick.
Miami Hurricanes junior cornerback Brandon Harris is player that will be drafted in the first round. Question is, will the Steelers take him?
Yesterday, Peter King from Sports Illustrated released his mock draft and predicted Harris getting drafted by the Steelers.
Here's a scouting report on Harris.
Brandon Harris, 5-11, 195 lbs.
From CBSSports:
Read & React: Quick to recognize run and does a nice job of coming up in support. Reads the body language of the receiver and is typically in good position to make a play on the ball due to his instincts and standout athleticism. Rarely out of position.
Man Coverage: Better in man to man coverage due to his pure athleticism.
Run Support: Recognizes run quickly and isn't afraid to come up in support. Maintains his containment responsibility and will force the back inside. Isn't a physical tackler, too often resorting to duck and swipe techniques, but gets the man on the ground.
Positives About Harris: Very solid man-to-man defender, plays the ball well in the air, plays the ball at the highest point, hard worker with a good motor and passion for the game, shows willingness to learn and improve, durability doesn't seem to be an issue, has not missed time becuse of injury.
Negatives About Harris: Marginal production in three years at Miami (132 tackles, 4 interceptions, four forced fumbles, Not the surest of tackler, flows well to the ball but will miss tackles or give alot of extra yardage to bigger backs, needs to work on zone coverage skills, will miss tackles in the open field, needs to do a better job of breaking down in space
Accomplishments: A two-time Thorpe Award semifinalist, Harris earned first-team and second-team All-ACC honors in 2009 and 2010, respectively. He started in 32 of his 39 games over three seasons.
In 2009 he was a third-team Associated Press All-American while ranking second in the nation in passes defended per game.
Overall: Harris is an above average cornerback and considered by some the 3rd best cornerback in the 2011 Draft. Has No. 1 cornerback potential because of his man-man coverage skills. Good enough to get on the field as a rookie because of his ability to play in the slot.
