Cliff Harris Scouting Report

After a breakout 2010 season that was highlighted by four punt return TDs and six interceptions, the sky was the limit for Cliff Harris. He was a top-rated junior and with a strong 2011 season on an excellent Oregon team, Harris had the potential to further build upon his draft stock. Unfortunately for him, he would be dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules. He missed the final five games and was also suspended from the season opener (an eventual loss to LSU) after he was ticketed for driving 118 mph with a suspended license. When the police officer asked, "Who's got the marijuana?" to Harris, he replied, "We smoked it all."

This is the big deterrent for NFL teams. Harris obviously has talent, but it goes without saying he needs to grow up in a hurry. Like many great big play corners, he shows terrific instincts to get in position just at the perfect moment to slap the ball away or pick it off. He can go up with some serious athleticism and catch the ball with ease away from his body. The downside is that he will sometimes abandon his assignment in order to make a play. His high risk and high reward style of play just won't work for some GMs and coaches.

Harris doesn't have elite straight-line speed but he's very quick in and out of his cuts. When he remains patient, he has a nice bend in his lower half. He's a bit undersized, but plays big at times as a willing, but unremarkable tackler. Harris tends to watch the quarterback too often and can be beat by double moves or a well-timed pump fake.