Harrison Hand 2020 NFL Draft Profile

From afar, Hand’s physical traits are not staggering. However, once scouts look closer they discover a key physical attribute that he possess. With a 76 3/8 inch wingspan and 31 6/8 inch arms, Hand stands out among his peers in terms of length. This length can help a smaller defensive back compete at the next level against physically gifted receivers. Certainly a frame that a defensive coach can work with immediately.

The road to the NFL includes a couple of long journeys. After graduating from high school in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, Hand headed down to Baylor University in Waco, Texas. After an admirable debut as a freshman that earned him honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, Hand was eager for his sophomore campaign. Unfortunately injuries delayed his progression during his second year at Baylor. Prior to his junior season, he returned back to the east coast for family reasons and attended Temple University.

During his lone year at Temple, Hand racked up impressive statistics. Hand gained valuable experience within the pass-happy American Conference. He patrolled the Owls defensive backfield and tallied 59 tackles, three interceptions, and five pass breakups. After his year at Temple, Harrison Hand is skipping his final year of eligibility to enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

Strengths

Plays bigger than what is printed in the program – great length;

Good discipline in coverage;

Toughness; not afraid to initiate contact. Has a handful of highlight hits;

Wingspan enables him to compete in long-ball situations;

Excels in zone coverage, especially underneath and in the flats;

Solid tackler against the run;

Nice foundation to develop at the next level.

Weaknesses

Not fluid in motion and gets behind early in man coverage;

Overall inexperience at the position; only two and a half years in college;

Recovery speed is questionable;

Struggles with balance in bump and run coverage;

Looks for the “big hit as opposed to wrapping up on a tackle;

Most improve his ability to track the ball when in the air.

NFL Comparison: Steven Nelson

Projection: Round 5-6

Bottom Line on Harrison Hand

Harrison Hand is an intriguing defensive back prospect that projects as a day three selection. He is a bit of a project but has raw talent yet to be molded. His length and physicality are his biggest assets. He will most likely begin his career as a reserve in the defensive backfield. However, his metrics and style of play could land him as a safety at the next level. This potential of position flexibility could inch him up as a selection within the middle rounds. If Hand can improve his man to man coverage techniques he will be a pleasant surprise for a team this fall and for years to come.

Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Harrison Hand 2020 NFL Draft Profile