Pick No. 70 - Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame

by ohnokoolaid on Apr 28, 2007 8:19 PM MDT

Harris adds depth to the O-Line I would give Denver more of the benefit of the doubt if it weren't for the Foster debacle, but you can see why Ryan Harris is a player of interest.

First things first, Harris has the athleticism to play in this system. He's very good at making blocks on the second level and in combo blocks at the line. He's noted for his intellect, both on the field and off, and should have little trouble digesting Denver's blocking schemes. His lateral agility is first round material as he can mirror speed rushers. He has a very quick hand punch, and PFW scouts believe he has more pop than you'd expect for his size. Despite only average height for a tackle, he still can run pass rushers wide of the pocket with his arm extension, hand speed, and foot quickness. Very good technique in pass pro.

The problem for me is that Harris seems to lack that killer instinct. He was hot and cold at the Senior Bowl, ultimately lowering his stock out of round one, and he didn't always take advantage of his athleticism. With his agility, he should hold up better on an island, but he took too many false steps and overcorrected in the Senior Bowl. However, Harris was a much better pass protector during the season ,and that is his strength. Will struggle with the bull rush, as Harris occasionally sets too high, and though he bends at the knees, he lacks the base to hold up consistently. Harris might be too smart for his own good. He doesn't always play with a killer instinct, and could take time to get the cut blocking aspect down. Can he be a ruthless player unafraid to chop down defenders?

Still, as a third rounder he's great value, and there's still a lot to like. He has an outstanding pedigree and plenty of experience. I also like that Denver is still focusing on athleticism first and foremost in their linemen. Obviously, I can't converse with these players, or see the same reports as the coaches, so if they feel he has the nastiness to play in Denver's zone system, I'm all for it, because he's an outstanding athlete and potential long term starter on the left side. I'm not so sure he can bulk up much more, his frame is only average, and too much bulk would be counterintuitive.

Harris has obvious potential, but does he have the drive and tenacity to be great? If he was a little tougher, he could be a Khalif Barnes type steal, more than likely, I see him as an Adrian Jones or Mike Gandy wave type player, though there's always the chance he could have a career like the other Gandy, Wayne.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Meh!

Just don't like this draft. If we sit at 21 we get a first rounder next year from Cleveland and more. Then we could've traded for Chris Jenkins(hypothetically) and still maybe have been able to trade back up for Carriker. I'm confuzled.

Cutler roles left, fires deep down field, and hits Marshall in the endzone.

by broncodude793 on Apr 28, 2007 8:22 PM MDT reply actions

That's an awful lot of hindsight

there and what ifs.

I may not be the best guy to convince anyone, since I actually saw Moss as a top fifteen type talent (and Denver agreed). Shanahan stated that they had three players in mind, and would trade up to get one if the other two came off the board. We know Harrell was one, and I assume Anderson was the other. That tells me that Denver did not see the other defensive prospects as being impact performers. The Moss move assured them that they would get a guy they felt was big time. Add to the belief that Bates works wonders with ends, and the pick makes too much sense.

Crowder may be the second best end on the roster after Moss. Ekuban is an inferior player that may be in jeopardy if Crowder comes on like gangbusters in training camp. Lang is on the decline, and Dumervil can only play a bit role. with no Kerney and no Brown, Denver lacked a real left end entering the year, and can now use a rotation of players to keep them from wearing down as they did so often last year. Crowder is an excellent complement to Moss on the left side.

I'm not thrilled with Harris, but you can't deny his athleticism, and IF Denver can turn the light on, he'll be a steal.

It wasn't perfect, but it was a very solid day one.

They can't all be like '06. Props to Shanahan for aknowledging that the pass rush HAD to be addressed for this team to take the next step, future '08 picks be damned...

by ohnokoolaid on Apr 28, 2007 8:39 PM MDT up reply actions

You know

That's a good point in that we could have gotten a really good deal from Cleveland.

At the same time, we needed to quit tinkering around and playing cute and just pick a guy who is going to make life tough on opposing quarterbacks. Next year we can play the board and move up and down all we want. This year was solely about adding a a major pass-rushing piece. I definitely think we got that piece and everything else we get is gravy.

Just for fun, we should go get Garret Wolfe tomorrow.

For the Harris pick, I like it. I still don't really think we have a huge need at tackle, but this could be a nice pickup.

by BroncoManiac44 on Apr 28, 2007 8:36 PM MDT reply actions

Of course

Wolfe is gone at the end of 3. This year's draft is just a step to take control of the trenches. Last year was the flashy draft with the hotshot QB, Pro Bowl WR, and promising TE. He's right in that not every draft can be the clinic that Denver put on last year.

by BroncoManiac44 on Apr 28, 2007 9:49 PM MDT up reply actions

Day 1

I liked Jarvis Moss, I just wasn't completely in love with moving up 4 slots in the first round. But Moss will be worth it. Moss and Crowder are, at the very least, are going to play a lot by opening day. I also like Ryan Harris if the Bronco coaches can light a fire under him. He will push Pears on the right side. Marcus Thomas will probably start as well. This has a chance to be another great draft for the Broncos.

by PABlzrfn on Apr 29, 2007 3:20 PM MDT reply actions

senior bowl isn't a good test

Big advantage for Defensive ends when
they know 80% of the plays (or more)
are going to be pass plays.

The big factor with Harris was likely his
back surgery before his senior season.
He started the first game against GTech
after only 6 weeks. It might have been
nagging him the whole season.

he's a tough kid
you can teach and train for everything but instinct
and talent. He got that.

good pick for 3rd round

by jackal on Apr 30, 2007 10:26 PM MDT reply actions

It's not the game that hurt him

but the workouts, namely the one-on-one drills. Harris too often overcorrected on wide rushes and could not hold ground against bull rushes. He played with better technique during the season, but at the Sneior Bowl he took quite a few false steps in one-on-ones and did not play under control.

He'll be fine on wall off blocks, pulls, traps, and hnadling most speed rushers, but does he have the tenacity to be more than just a solid run defender. Also, with a pocket quarterback, will he improve his base to defend against the bull rush without losing athleticism? Him answering those questions will be the difference between being a good player or a role player.

by ohnokoolaid on Apr 30, 2007 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions