The Case For Eli Harold

[Francis York Morgan]

And why I think he's the second best LEO prospect in the draft for us.

No point explaining the rest of my opinion - the video should do that pretty well. With the possible trade down due to Noisegate (as much as we like to ignore it), Harold seems like a much more realistic pick for us, and I think he'd be a fantastic fit. Hope you guys enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXc5k9pwXAc

PS: I accidentally listed his weight as 147 lbs instead of 247, and I said "horizontal" to the ground instead of "parallel." Minor things that bothered me, shouldn't affect the gist of the video though. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

[Jerry Maguire]

He does seem to have every single trait Quinn is looking for in LEO. Love the fact that he is willing to get physical with the big OTs, too.

[datchrisb1]

Looks like we won't have a second round pick to get him anyway.

[Clark Kent™]

Agreed I'd love to have Harold if we trade back from 8. Rather have him over Dupree. Just my opinion though. I won't say he is necessarily the better prospect. And i'd like to take his teammate Max Valles in a mid-late round as well. Valles at 19 years old and Harold at 20 years old. Thats a ton of potential right there.

[Romfal]

if we trade down I'm perfectly fine with Eli.

[Francis York Morgan]

Agreed I'd love to have Harold if we trade back from 8. Rather have him over Dupree. Just my opinion though. I won't say he is necessarily the better prospect. And i'd like to take his teammate Max Valles in a mid-late round as well. Valles at 19 years old and Harold at 20 years old. Thats a ton of potential right there.

The age is a huge factor. Valles is interesting, but I dunno - when I noticed him jumping out and having plays, I looked back to see why. He almost never actually beats tackles, but Harold is getting doubled really often. Sometimes Valles even has a free run at the QB. But he might be a decent project, esp at 19. I'm just not a fan. Especially since he's coming out so early...a year early I get, or if he was a top prospect, but as is? He's risking a lot.

[Clark Kent™]

The age is a huge factor. Valles is interesting, but I dunno - when I noticed him jumping out and having plays, I looked back to see why. He almost never actually beats tackles, but Harold is getting doubled really often. Sometimes Valles even has a free run at the QB. But he might be a decent project, esp at 19. I'm just not a fan. Especially since he's coming out so early...a year early I get, or if he was a top prospect, but as is? He's risking a lot.

Yes he is absolutely not a polished pass rusher by any means. And i don't think he even rushed the passer as much as Harold did either ,yet he accumulated more sacks and TFL's (he was never doubled like Harold though). Definitely not trying to say Valles is better because he clearly is not. I just am intrigued more than anything. Solid against the run, very long, very disruptive in passing lanes and only 19. If we are talking about a 5th round pick i'd be all for it.

[vel]

And why I think he's the second best LEO prospect in the draft for us.

No point explaining the rest of my opinion - the video should do that pretty well. With the possible trade down due to Noisegate (as much as we like to ignore it), Harold seems like a much more realistic pick for us, and I think he'd be a fantastic fit. Hope you guys enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXc5k9pwXAc

PS: I accidentally listed his weight as 147 lbs instead of 247, and I said "horizontal" to the ground instead of "parallel." Minor things that bothered me, shouldn't affect the gist of the video though. I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts.

This! This is how you prove a point for a prospect. Skip the combine. All the combine is is a checklist. What does he do on tape?

I definitely agree with your assessment of Harold. Second best LEO for me is still Gregory, but Harold is definitely a lot closer than most think and I think you made the case for it. I would not be surprised if they trade down a little bit from #8 and "overdraft" Harold. The Seahawks "overdrafted" Irvin and haven't looked back. He does have his questions though, like you pointed out. My only issue is I get this Lawrence Sidbury vibe when I watch him. Not saying that's who I think he is or will be, but when I watch the film, I just can't shake this Sidbury feeling. Weird.

It's just refreshing seeing people actually use film to back up their profile. It's not about what he did, it's how he did it and will how he did it translate to the NFL?

[Francis York Morgan]

This! This is how you prove a point for a prospect. Skip the combine. All the combine is is a checklist. What does he do on tape?

I definitely agree with your assessment of Harold. Second best LEO for me is still Gregory, but Harold is definitely a lot closer than most think and I think you made the case for it. I would not be surprised if they trade down a little bit from #8 and "overdraft" Harold. The Seahawks "overdrafted" Irvin and haven't looked back. He does have his questions though, like you pointed out. My only issue is I get this Lawrence Sidbury vibe when I watch him. Not saying that's who I think he is or will be, but when I watch the film, I just can't shake this Sidbury feeling. Weird.

It's just refreshing seeing people actually use film to back up their profile. It's not about what he did, it's how he did it and will how he did it translate to the NFL?

Funny you mention Irvin, he actually compared his game to Irvin in an interview. I struggle finding a comparison since I don't think we've seen nearly the best he can do, and I don't really like making comparisons in the first place. The Sidbury one is a bit odd, but I get the wariness. Has a bit of Cameron Wake to his game honestly. The way he uses his hands and the pursuit especially. Very similar burst and attitude. He's bendier and not as consistently strong, but if he plays more disciplined I could see his ceiling being comparable.