Detroit Lions Draft Profile: Defensive End Charles Harris

Charles Harris has the drive and talents that the Detroit Lions need to impact their defense and he could be on their 2017 NFL Draft radar

In 2013, Charles Harris came to Missouri where he was a redshirt freshman. Harris needed a year to learn the game and condition himself, as he only started playing during his junior year of high school.

Harris had minimal playing time in 2014, but snagged his first college start when Markus Golden was injured. That year, he recorded two sacks and four tackles for loss. During his junior year, Harris seemed to finally embrace football. He was first in their conference having seven sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss. Harris earned second-team All-SEC honors.

His senior year was just as productive. He had almost 10 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. His statistics and drive are why he was elected second-team all-conference in 2016. Now he’s heading to the 2017 NFL Draft where he’s likely a first-round pick.

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Strengths

Harris is extremely athletic and versatile. He plays up and down, and on both sides. He was a high school basketball player which gives him impeccable foot and mobility skills. Harris is quick and explosive upon a snap. Offensive linemen have difficulties containing him. Harris has high endurance and doesn’t show signs of slowing down while the ball is in play. He’s an extremely dominant and aggressive pass rusher.

Weaknesses

Harris didn’t play football until his junior year of high school so he still requires conditioning and strengthening. He doesn’t show aggression or urgency to rush and doesn’t use his hands enough. Harris is not extremely strong. In fact, strength training would help most of his weaknesses. Harris can be slow against the run. He also needs overall speed improvement. His original combine results were underwhelming, although he showed improvement on pro day.

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Draft Day Prediction

The Detroit Lions need a strong pass rusher. Harris is not only dominant to the position, his willingness to learn and grow show great character and charisma. The Lions would be lucky to draft Harris in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Ideal Fits For 30 Top Prospects

If the Lions decide to pass on Harris, he could be drafted to the Dallas Cowboys. In recent days, some analysts have even suggested that Harris could fall to the second round. Should Harris find himself falling in the draft,  the Los Angeles Rams or Baltimore Ravens could be among the teams interested in drafting Harris.