JetNation Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 By Glenn Naughton During their pre-season opening win against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week, the New York Jets had several young players carry over what had been strong starts to their training camp in Florham Park, New Jersey. One player however, came from out of nowhere to earn a few mentions and raise a few eyebrows among Jets fans. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris came within inches of picking up a pair of sacks against the Jaguars but had to settle for a pair of QB pressures as the passers were able to break free from Harris’ grasp. Still, an impressive start for a player who hadn’t generated much chatter among Jets coaches so far this pre-season. Harris may have allowed a pair of early sacks to get away, but one would assume that following years of being plagued by character concerns off the field, and failing to stick with the team who drafted him, the Oakland Raiders, he’s going to be fighting as hard as he can get back on the field. With an opportunity to make a roster that already has what is widely viewed as a top-3 unit in the NFL, Harris will have his work cut out. Jets Defensive line coach Pepper Johnson has a project on his hands with Harris along the D-line. A native of Thiennsville, WI, Harris committed to stay home and suit up for the Wisconsin Badgers where he was slated to play defensive end as a four-star recruit who was ranked 16th in the nation at his position according to Rivals.com. Things didn’t go according to plan as trouble soon followed. After his freshman season at Wisconsin, Harris, along with a pair of teammates, was suspended by the team for an undisclosed incident that reportedly did not require police involvement, but was investigated internally by the university, leading to the suspension. It later learned that Harris had been warned by the university the previous off-season for his involvement in an incident that involved him and a teammate dumping a moped in the middle of the road to flee on foot when they spotted a police patrol car. Following a violation of team rules a short time later, Harris was off the team and forced to transfer to Illinois State where he hoped to start fresh. Things were going well early on. So well that Harris was all-Missouri Valley Conference selection in 2012, with seven sacks and 16 tackles for losses, but then, once again, Harris was in trouble for “violation of team rules” and suspended by head coach Brock Spack. After taking a year off to wait tables, Harris managed to get drafted by the Raiders who chose the 6′ 2” 288 lb lineman in the 7th round of the 2014 draft (235th overall). During his two seasons with the Raiders, Harris managed to play in just 8 games as a back-up, picking up 10 tackles and just 1 sack. Eventually let go by the Raiders in May of 2016 before the Jets scooped him up. Now, with the Jets having offered him an opportunity to impress by keeping an open mind, Harris hopes to continue opening eyes. Click here to read the full story... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Shelby Harris scouting report from NFL.com ANALYSIS STRENGTHS Very long arms. Can extend, tug and rip off blocks. Good athleticism, feet and balance. Shows the ability to reduce his body and get in gaps. Competed well as an undersized interior player. Generally locates the ball. Gives effort in pursuit and chases outside the box. Nice closing burst. Strong tackler who generates pop on contact. Lined up inside and outside. Good potential as a run defender. WEAKNESSES Lacks ideal height. Average quickness off the snap. Can play with more consistent leverage and technique -- exposes his frame and needs to develop pass-rush moves and counters. Did not consistently dominate and disappeared for stretches. Character requires investigation -- was dismissed from two schools (did not play in 2013). Maturity, work ethic and dedication should be looked into. DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7-Priority free agent BOTTOM LINE Harris, who began his college career at Wisconsin, is a short, long-armed, inconsistent defensive lineman who, at his best, offers glimpses of athleticism, strength and versatility. However, his 'tweener traits and character red flags could knock him off draft boards and prevent him from fulfilling his potential. At his pro days, weighed in approximately 30 pounds heavier than his playing weight in 2012. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STRENGTHS Very long arms. Can extend, tug and rip off blocks. Good athleticism, feet and balance. Shows the ability to reduce his body and get in gaps. Competed well as an undersized interior player. Generally locates the ball. Gives effort in pursuit and chases outside the box. Nice closing burst. Strong tackler who generates pop on contact. Lined up inside and outside. Good potential as a run defender.
WEAKNESSES Lacks ideal height. Average quickness off the snap. Can play with more consistent leverage and technique -- exposes his frame and needs to develop pass-rush moves and counters. Did not consistently dominate and disappeared for stretches. Character requires investigation -- was dismissed from two schools (did not play in 2013). Maturity, work ethic and dedication should be looked into.
BOTTOM LINE Harris, who began his college career at Wisconsin, is a short, long-armed, inconsistent defensive lineman who, at his best, offers glimpses of athleticism, strength and versatility. However, his 'tweener traits and character red flags could knock him off draft boards and prevent him from fulfilling his potential. At his pro days, weighed in approximately 30 pounds heavier than his playing weight in 2012.
TheMagicRat Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 He looked good on Thursday. Hopefully he could develop into a pass rushing specialist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jetdawgg Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 More pressure on the QB. It looks like the Jets want to relentless with pressure from anywhere Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 I like the fact that it sounds like he's a guy whose biggest obstacle is consistency. If he has matured, with the right coaching, maybe he becomes a solid player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raideraholic Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 28 minutes ago, AFJF said: I like the fact that it sounds like he's a guy whose biggest obstacle is consistency. If he has matured, with the right coaching, maybe he becomes a solid player. It doesn't have anything to do with consistency. In Oakland he lost out to better Defensive line players , who were more scheme versatile than he is. Imo Shelby Harris is ideal suited to play uNdertackle in 4-3 defense. Where in Oakland they play 3-4, 5-2, and 4-3 defense.( some of those defenses he's a poor fit for). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AFJF Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 1 hour ago, Raideraholic said: It doesn't have anything to do with consistency. In Oakland he lost out to better Defensive line players , who were more scheme versatile than he is. Imo Shelby Harris is ideal suited to play uNdertackle in 4-3 defense. Where in Oakland they play 3-4, 5-2, and 4-3 defense.( some of those defenses he's a poor fit for). That could be the case and I've not seen him play extensively. Was referring more to the knocks on him in the scouting report. Unlikely to make the 53, but if he does...it was one hell of a long route to get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SouthernJet Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 I don't know about stability, but he can find some of the sacks he wants in the Jetnation Mod Lounge Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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