Christian Harris Scouting Report: NFL Draft Prospect

Alabama Crimson Tide, Linebacker

Christian Harris Measurables

6′ 2″ / 233 lbs

Christian Harris Player Profile

Long before his days as a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Christian Harris had an opportunity to see what the college football life was like. As a young man he watched his older brother Tylor, a 3 star prospect according to 247 sports, play for the Wake Forest Deacon Demons. Tylor would later play 2 seasons for the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, so there is a bit of pedigree there.

On top of seeing his brother play on Saturdays, one of his childhood friends, Alabama’s own Dylan Moses, also showed him a glimpse of what NCAA football would be like. After growing up a fan of the LSU Tigers and even playing at the University Lab, which sits alongside the LSU campus, most expected Harris to stay in Baton Rouge to play for the Tigers. However, the appeal of playing along side Moses and for Nick Saban was too much to ignore.

Harris was 6-1 and 230 lbs as a senior at University Lab, but believe it or not he played wide receiver and corner for the team. According to his Hudl profile, he ran a 4.76 40 yard dash in high school. Imagine trying to cover a WR that big and fast in high school. Even though he played WR and CB, he was ranked the number six ILB nationally by 247 sports.

He was selected to play in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, where he played linebacker for the first time. He also participated in the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge. It’s crazy to think he has only played linebacker for 2 seasons and we are discussing him as the number one linebacker in the 2022 NFL Draft Class.

Harris was forced into quick action as a true freshman and played well. He has recorded 142 tackles, 4.5 sacks and an interception in his first two seasons in Tuscaloosa. He lines up inside and outside and is asked to captain the defense. To say he is remarkable is an understatement.

Christian Harris Strengths

Coverage Ability As mentioned before, Christian played DB in high school as well as wide receiver. His experience helps him mirror tight ends and running backs in coverage and gives him above average man coverage skills for a linebacker, as you can see in this game against Notre Dame last season. Not only can he cover, but he can catch and run with the ball in his hands. This makes him a threat to advance the ball after a turnover.

Tackling Harris is a sound tackler. I love the way he wraps up the ball carrier and twists him to the ground. Rarely, if ever, do you see him miss. When he throws a big hit it lands and he knocks the ball carrier to the ground with force. I love a backer who can set the tone defensively and Harris can do that for sure. Check this youtube video for some more highlights.

Athleticism Harris is fast for a linebacker. As I said before his page on Hudl said he ran a 4.76 in high school at 230 lbs. His ability to change direction is incredible for a player his size. In the highlight reel I attached above, you can see that he has the ability to play sideline to sideline and get to the ball carrier anywhere on the field. The way he can turn his hips is almost unfair as I would say not many NFL linebackers can move like he can. I believe during the NFL Combine he will solidify himself as an absolute specimen.

Instincts and Leadership In 2020 Harris was named a team captain and the coaching staff allows him to run the defense. He is responsible for aligning defenders and communicating audibles etc… Remember this is a Nick Saban team, so that speaks more to me than if he played elsewhere. I tend to trust the Alabama coaching staff. I mentioned the same thing last year when I spoke about how Mac Jones was the first QB they let call his own plays. And remember Harris is still learning the position.

Christian Harris Weaknesses

Zone Harris can sometimes struggle with intermediate zone coverage. I have seen a few examples of him letting a receiver slip over the top too easily. I do believe this will be coached up this season and we will see an improvement. Once again, he is still new to the position and has been asked to handle a lot, but he has responded well.

Bend I see plays where a blocker is able to latch on and take Harris out of the play. I think he has the strength, will, and physical tools to avoid these blocks and shed them. So now he needs to learn how to dip and bend around blockers, especially when he is blitzing. You’ll see in the highlight above he tends to bull rush the tackle when blitzing.

Final Thoughts on Christian Harris NFL Draft Scouting Report

Harris is an exceptional talent that I have listed very high on my top 50 list for the 2022 NFL Draft. Even one of our other analysts has him going in the top ten in his way too early mock draft. Unless he has a miserable 2021 and another player like Devin Lloyd continues to show out, I don’t expect that to change my Christian Harris scouting report when I update it later in year. He reminds me of a bigger version of Darius Leonard of the Colts. As a Colts fan that’s a big compliment.

Christian Harris NFL Draft Prospect Report by- Ken Noble