Eli Harold
Virginia, RLB/RE
Height: 6.4
Weight: 240
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Athleticism: B+
Showcases well above average athletic ability. Has a very good first step from a three-point stance, though not quite as explosive when lined up in a two-point stance. Very agile mover who shows nice bend and has the athletic ability to develop into a 3-4 outside linebacker, despite very limited coverage experience. Closing burst is above average.
Pass Rush: C+
Developing pass rusher with the tools to succeed. Has the fluid hips and bend to run the arc and speed rush, as well as loop and stunt inside. Intriguing matchup as a nickel rusher with his athletic ability. Lacks a pass rush arsenal and relies on his athleticism to create pressure. Lacks power or any semblance of a bull rush and has trouble shedding pass blockers once they get a hold of him. Flashes some pop in his hands, but not always effective.
Run Defense: D
Lacks the power and technique to stack and shed, and is easily controlled by opponents when they get their hands on him. Shows very good agility and burst to put offensive linemen on edge and to shoot gaps, but doesn’t do so consistently. Unsuccessful setting the edge as a standup defensive end at Virginia. Might be restricted to passing downs early in his career.
Technique: D+
Pad level is too high and struggles to use his hands to lock out. Plays too high out of a two point stance, but gets slightly better leverage from a down alignment. Doesn’t always put himself in the best position to make a tackle and angles need to be cleaned up. Has difficulty breaking down as a tackler can overrun the ball carrier.
Intangibles: B+
Possesses a very strong motor and does not lack effort on the field. Aggressiveness can be taken advantage of, however. Tends to overrun plays and bite hard on play-action and read-option. Pursues well outside the tackle box in either direction and has the ability to get to the sideline in pursuit. Only a two year starter and still has learning to do, especially in terms of instincts and technique.
Red Flags: Raw Talent
Bottom Line: Eli Harold is a player whose athletic ability and energetic play are hard not to love. However, in his two years a starter for the Cavaliers, Harold has yet to fully realize his potential and combine those two traits into impactful pass rushing and run defense. Harold will likely be a 3-4 linebacker and be limited to pass rushing situations unless he shows that he can hold his own at the point of attack.
Comparison: Shea McClellin
Grade: 7.8 (4th Round)
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