NFL 09 Draft

Oklahoma safety Nic Harris is an emense safety by size; so much that the Senior Bowl coaches moved his to outside linebacker, where he excelled and was able to shed blocks. With his size and speed he can play outside linebacker and patrol from sideline to sideline. Personally I feel he could contribute in a 3-4 system that is designed for more atheletic, smaller linebackers who like to run and be apart of the run and pass converage. The toughest part of adjusting to linebacker for Harris would be being able to keep his vision all around the field and on his man in tight spaces rather than roaming the field getting a great view from his safety spot. Perhaps making the transition will be better for Harris because this way he would not be vulnerable to being beat deep on a streak route down the field. I see Nic Harris going to a team like Baltimore who has aging linebackers and plays a fast, physical 3-4 defense.

Another monster safety is Taylor Mays from USC. This kid must have been built in a factory. He is a freak of nature back there. He has the size of a linebacker but 4.3 speed like that of a cornerback. He comes up in run support and uses his upper body like a tree trunk smashing into the opposing runnign backs sending them directly to the groundwithout taking another step. I watched the Rose Bowl and he is the epidime of a competitor. He was frustrated if Penn State even got a first down, and when Penn State scored he looked like a crazy beast back there in shackles. He takes it personally if another team scores in his endzone and that how the game is supposed to be played. Also in that game I saw him knock out Jereous Norwood and his fellow safety on one hit over the middle. He was flagged but thats because he hit him too hard. It was not helmet contact nor was it interference, he is just a man out there with boys. I believe he can come in to any team right away and contribute, even be a rookie pro-bowler. I expect him to go in the top 10 to any team looking for a playmaker on defense.