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Round 5, Pick 147: NIC HARRIS, OLB, Oklahoma


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Harris became accustomed to being moved around during his collegiate career. Based on what professional teams are saying, he should expect to be moving again in the National Football League. He joined the Sooners program as a free safety in 2005, starting two games there as a freshman. In his second season, he moved around from free safety to nickel back, starting eight times.

 

As a junior, Harris shifted to strong safety, where he would earn 26 of his next 27 starts. When injuries depleted the linebacker corps depth in 2008, he again packed his bags and took over as the starting middle linebacker in the seventh game of his final campaign vs. Kansas. Postseason all-star action saw him utilized at weak-side outside linebacker, where scouts feel his hitting and tackling skills vs. the run might be better suited.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/nic-harris?id=71323

 

6-2, 234 -- enough size for a Tampa-2 weakside 'backer.

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http://www.nfl.com/draft/2009/profiles/nic-harris?id=71323

 

6-2, 234 -- enough size for a Tampa-2 weakside 'backer.

 

To quote both Lori and ESPN:

 

Maiava is a classic weak-side linebacker who can be productive versus the run if protected. He is a fluid and smooth athlete that can contribute in coverage and he also has great experience on special teams. However, he is undersized and lacks ideal top-end speed for a such a small WLB prospect. He also has questionable awareness in coverage. We think Maiava can contribute in the NFL as a reserve linebacker and special teamer, but he's not worth drafting before the fourth round.
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We talked about this guy when Buffalo brought him in for a visit. He was horrible at the Combine. He ran a 4.8+ 40 time, was last or 2nd to last in almost every positional drill, and only put up 15 reps on the bench. This is a pick that I like less than the selection of Byrd. We shouldn't be drafting for ST fodder in the 5th with compitent players available at LB and DT.

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per nfldraftcountdown.com,

 

They have him listed as an OLB prospect.

 

Strengths:

Outstanding size and bulk...Good tackler...Excellent instincts...Tough and physical...Active and aggressive...A decent blitzer...Nice special teams potential...Hard worker...Mature...Team leader...Durable and has a lot of experience...Was real productive...Offers some versatility.

 

Weaknesses:

Does not have very good speed or quickness...Lacks fluid hips...Isn't a big hitter...Just average hands and ball skills...Range is limited...Will struggle to turn and run in coverage ... Might not have a true position.

 

Notes:

Played safety for the Sooners but will most likely move to outside linebacker in the pros...Was a three-year starter...Named 2nd Team All-Big 12 as a sophomore and earned 1st Team honors in 2007 and 2008....Had a rough upbringing and overcame a lot of adversity...Sat out spring practice in 2008 while he nursed a shoulder injury...Classic 'tweener who doesn't have the speed to play safety in the pros but isn't really big enough to play linebacker...Possesses better intangibles than physical tools...Should be either an in-the-box strong safety or a weakside linebacker at the next level but his best chance to make a roster might come on special teams...Fantastic college player but isn't nearly the pro prospect his press clippings would lead you to believe.

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Harris is a STUD. Runs like a DB, hits like a LB. Best cover LB in the draft, a great open field tackler as well. Expect to see him starting over Ellison very early into the season. I have been talking him up for months now, and I just cant believe the Bills actually got him. In time this will be the best pick of the Bills draft.

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