Perhaps one of the biggest draft sleepers, Jacob Harris has significant size and speed. At 6’5” with a monstrous wingspan he has the tools to become a great receiver in the league. He hasn’t been playing football for long, only having played the game for one year in high school and then throughout college.
For Harris, there is a projection needed to analyze the film, as some tools are currently lacking, but can be developed and would make him a dominant player. In 2020, we saw glimpses of high level production as the Palm Harbor, FL native had 30 receptions, 539 yards, and eight touchdowns.
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Player Bio
Name: Jacob Harris
Jersey: #87
Position: Wide Receiver
School: UCF
Class: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 219 lbs
Speed (9/10)
Harris can move extremely well for his size. He’s got elite vertical speed which threatens defenders and will likely make them play off-man. Most impressively, Harris wasn’t slowed down when defenders got their hands on him. This trait will be a defining aspect to Harris’ career, as larger defenders will likely cover him in the NFL.
Athleticism (9/10)
Explosive and strong when running routes, and shows excellent jumping ability. Short area quickness is good for being large. Overall, Harris is an elite athlete and it shows on tape.
Route Running/Separation (6/10)
Speed and power are there, but he does not use his traits to the fullest when running short to intermediate routes. The most successful routes were vertical go’s, but did not consistently stack defenders despite size and speed. Nuances will go a long way to Harris game once he learns them.
Hands (7.25/10)
Tracks the ball very well and does not lose concentration on difficult catches or during contact. However, the inexperience shows a bit here. Harris lacks the catching technique desired out of for his wingspan. Oftentimes, he traps the ball between his hands or will trap it against his body instead of extending his arms and squeezing it. These issues can be coached and worked on; Above all, improved technique can make Harris a dynamic player in his second or third year.
Run after Catch (6.25/10)
There is not much on tape for his run after catch ability as he’s a vertical threat. Harris has breakaway speed and size. Unsure if contact balance will translate as defenders will tackle low.
Contested Catch (7.5/10)
Not basing the entire grade off one catch, but the one against Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner was prolific. If this can consistently be replicated, he can have a successful career as a vertical threat. Overall, the arm extension is good but will trap it instead of squeezing the football, something which can be worked on. The mentality to dominant the catch point is there as well, he’s going to do whatever it takes to bring down the ball regardless of contact or not.
Body Control (8/10)
The body control is what you expect from an elite athlete, very good. He puts himself in a position to succeed against defensive backs. Boxing out defenders needs work, same with using leverage on routes. Likes to win by high pointing the ball with reach, which showed up in the South Florida game.
Release (6.5/10)
Release is somewhat basic and needs some technical work. He explodes off the line putting defenders in a bad position. Used strength against smaller defensive backs, but one has to wonder if it translates against NFL defenders.
Awareness/IQ (2.5/5)
Harris does not push towards the numbers on deep footballs and got squeezed by defensive backs to the sidelines. Nuance in the routes need work and will come from experience.
Fluidity/Agility (4/5)
For being 6’5”, the fluidity is impressive. He’s strong on his feet and explodes out of his stance. Good short area quickness and agility for being a bigger player.
Injury/ Durability (5/5)
Played for three years with no concerns over durability or past injuries.
Blocking (4.25/5)
Big blocker and demonstrates willingness to make blocks. Shows effort and hustle here.
Player Summary
An elite athlete at 6’5” with a significant wingspan who runs a low 4.4 40-yard dash at his pro day? Sign me (and almost every team) up. Harris is currently a developmental prospect, but the upside is significant if the development occurs correctly. The aspects Harris needs to work on are things that can be coached up. However, once he does see that development, he can be a threatening player similar to Chase Claypool with the height, wingspan, catching radius, and speed he possesses.
Final Grade (75.25/100): Day Three Prospect
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