Cleveland Browns: 2019 7-Round mock draft, two weeks out
By Randy Gurzi
Round 5, Pick 144: Will Harris, S, Boston College
Before adding Morgan Burnett right at the offset of their offseason program, the Browns looked dangerously thin at safety. They did add Eric Murray via trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, but he was looking more like a special teams addition than a member of the base defense.
While his arrival gives them depth, Cleveland needs more of that — especially after waiving Derrick Kindred. Looking for those extra bodies, they add Will Harris out of Boston College. What really makes him stand out to the Browns is the fact that he looks the part of a special teams ace according to Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.
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"“Possesses adequate toughness and athletic ability to handle backup duties as interchangeable safety, but his greatest impact on a team could come as a cover talent on special teams. Harris’ ability to match with pass-catching tight ends will work in his favor, but he’s more of a shadow and tackle option than someone who can make plays and deter quarterbacks.” — Zierlein, NFL.com"
This is an area that the Browns have really emphasized, as touched on by DPD’s own Dan Justik recently. For years, they have finished near the bottom in every category of special teams and adding a hard-hitting safety with 4.4 speed in Harris could help them improve.
On top of his ability to help on coverage units, Harris also has the kind of traits that make him a potential starter down the road. While Burnett is signed for two seasons, there’s a chance Harris could slide into the role once that contract expires.