Walter Football’s latest NFL mock draft has the Steelers taking Miami cornerback Brandon Harris. Some fans have worried that Harris will merely be a nickel cornerback since he’s only 5-foot-9, but Mocking The Draft thinks he’s first-round worthy:
For good and bad, Harris has skills that cannot be coached. His short area play is great he’s incredibly instinctual for a early entrant. The bad trait that can’t be helped is his height. Because of his size, some teams may only view Harris as a nickel cornerback in man coverage schemes. Still, he’s relentless and remains confident against bigger receivers.
On a zone team, Harris will have to be given some time to learn. As instinctual as Harris is, you’d expect him to be more comfortable when he has to cover a wide area in zone. Instead, he’ll need safety help over the top. It also doesn’t help that Harris’ hands are lacking. Still, he has the agility and playing ability of a first-round pick.
The Walter Football mock has Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert going first overall, Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt moving all the way up to the Cowboys at No. 9, and Mike Pouncey going to the Patriots at No. 28. Several players who have been mentioned as potential Steelers picks (Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor, Mississippi State offensive lineman Derek Sherrod, Temple DE Muhammad Wilkerson, Colorado offensive lineman Nate Solder, Oregon State DT Stephen Paea) go in the ten or so picks before it’s the Steelers’ turn