Zach Harrison NFL Draft Overview
Position: EDGE
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 274 pounds
School: Ohio State
Zach Harrison NFL Draft Profile
The biggest boom of the 2019 recruiting class for Ohio State came from right in their back yard. The Buckeyes faught off Michigan for the Central Ohio Native Zach Harrison in Urban Meyer’s last recruiting cycle. As the 22nd-rated recruit in the nation and best in Ohio, expectations were sky-high and Harrison was slated to be the next elite edge rusher.
As a true freshman in 2019, Harrison broke onto the scene with modest production, logging 24 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks. As a sophomore in the 2020 COVID-shortened season, Harrison continued to moderately produce. He finished with 14 tackles, 4.5 for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery. As a junior, the expectation was that Harrison was going to take that next step and develop into that elite edge rusher. Alas, it was more of the same, overall: 25 tackles, six for loss, two sacks.
Initially expected an early first-round talent, Harrison had yet to show anything close. Heading into the 2022 season, Harrison’s prospects fell to day three. It looked like Harrison was going to be passed up in favor of a pair of talented sophomores. With his back against the wall, Harrison had a career year in 2022. In 13 games, he amassed 34 tackles, eight for loss, 3.5 sacks, forced three fumbles, and even hauled in an interception against Penn State.
When it comes to edge rushers from Ohio State, Harrison is the poster child of unrealized potential and hype. He never had a “Joey Bosa vs Penn State”, “Chase Young vs Wisconsin,” or even a “J.T. Tuimoloau vs Penn State” moment.
Strengths
- Great length
- The best is yet to come?
- Has instincts to swipe to get strip sacks
- Has strength enough to neutralize run blocking
- 4.5 speed
- Great hand fighter
- Has all of the physical traits
Weaknesses
- Lack of real productivity
- Never took over a game or dominated
- Not very quick off the ball
- Plays very tall
- Inconsistent play to play
- Not a fluid pass rusher, overall
NFL Comparison: DeForest Buckner
Projection: Late 2nd/Early 3rd
Teams with need at position: New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars
Bottom Line on Zach Harrison
Someone’s gonna draft Zach Harrison in Round 3 and be very happy they did.
He’s 6-foot-6, 274 pounds, has the longest arms of any EDGE in the 2023 draft, and he’s insanely athletic with a high motor. I’d be ecstatic with him on the #Bears. pic.twitter.com/XUmjmsm8Ie
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) March 24, 2023
Zach Harrison’s NFL prospects hinge on his physical traits. He’s an impressive specimen of a man with everything an NFL coach would want out of an edge rusher at the next level. However, it’s all projection with Harrison. While he looks like he’s on an upward trajectory, Harrison has yet to truly dominate.
Harrison has serious straight-line speed for a guy of his size and stature. He’s able to use that speed and strength to win battles on the line. When he wins his reps, Harrison comes around the edge with an aggressive mentality and has a nose for the ball. His length is one of his best traits. Harrison is able to keep offensive linemen at arm’s-length and shed them to make a play.
With all of the positive physical traits, there is the question of what if hovering over him. Harrison is the prototype of what an NFL coach would love to have as an edge rusher, but he’s never actually had a breakout.
To start, he is a bit slow off the ball. And, when he does get out of his stance, he plays very straight-up and tall. Of course, he has the size and length that this isn’t the worst thing and he can recover. When he does rush the quarterback, there is almost a robotic feeling around him and he’s just not very fluid.
Realistically, Harrison has the profile and athletic ability to be a decent contributor at the NFL level with a potential for a high ceiling. Even as a raw rookie, Harrison will be able to fit in nicely with a pass-rushing rotation and develop behind an established veteran. With a little work, he can become a productive player.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
