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Napoleon Harris
SELECTED BY SEATTLE , ROUND 1, PICK 23, OVERALL PICK 23
LB | (6-2, 255, 4.58) | Northwestern
By Pro Football WeeklyNotes: Top high school football and basketball player, who in football generally lined up at defensive end and was turned loose to create havoc and rarely had much responsibility or many assignments other than to make plays. Football redshirt at Northwestern in 1997 but joined the basketball team after the season and averaged 4.9 points per game and also got a number of rebounds in the 18 games in which he played. Played in every football game in '98 and had 32 stops, including two for loss and one interception. Moved into the starting lineup at outside 'backer in '99. In 10 games had 110 stops, including five for loss, three sacks and broke up five passes. Started every game in 2000, although he had to play the last two games with a cast on his hand after breaking it against Michigan. Had 101 stops, including 13 for loss, three sacks, picked off two passes, broke up six and was a second-team All-Big Ten pick. Moved to rush defensive end when nobody else could do the job in '01. Started every game and had 78 stops, including nine for loss and three sacks. Also broke up five passes, picked off one and had 19 QB hurries.Positives: Very good athlete. Plays with excellent game speed, power and passion. Can play over and really control the tight end. Has the quickness to rush off the edge. Fills well. Will hustle and chase. Has sideline-to-sideline range. Big hitter with a touch of nasty. Likes to punish the man with the ball. Has good hands, which are very big, for catching the ball. Can turn and run with people in pass coverage. Prepares well, watches film and plays with confidence.Negatives: Did not have a great senior year, although in fairness to Harris, it should be pointed out he was playing out of position. Is not a natural pass defender and is not as instinctive vs. the pass as he is against the run. Looks a little stiff in coverage and does not have fluid hips. Will get wired to the blocker at times and does not always use his hands well.Summary: If he is not the top linebacker taken, he will be one of the first to go. Has almost everything scouts are looking for in an outside linebacker and could be a great 3-4 'backer if he goes to a team like the Steelers.* Player biographies are provided by Pro Football Weekly.
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