Ravens links: Virginia Tech WR Justin Harper
Time to wrap up Ravens links for the final two players the team selected in April's draft. We'll see what people think of Virginia Tech wide receiver Justin Harper today and check out links for Oklahoma running back Allen Patrick later this week.
Round 7 (215th overall): Virginia Tech WR Justin Harper
6 feet 4, 198 pounds
Here's what NFL.com says about this pick:
Harper has excellent size and speed, but he played only about half the snaps at Virginia Tech. He showed good hands at the combine.
Harper had 41 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns last season with the Hokies.
A scouting report on NFLDraftCountdown.com from Scott Wright:
Strengths: Very good height and bulk...Has long arms...Excellent athleticism...Soft hands and he'll make the spectacular catch...Nice body control and ball skills...Terrific leaping ability...Strong and aggressive...Runs hard...Superb awareness..Has some upside.
Weaknesses: Timed speed is nothing to write home about..Not very quick or explosive and lacks a burst...Does not get a lot of separation...Drops too many balls...Not very elusive and won't do much after the catch...A sub par blocker..Never "The Guy" in college.
Here's what Scouts Inc. has to say about Harper:
Harper possesses the frame to add bulk and strength without losing too much speed and he has the tools and size to be effective at the next level with solid coaching and sound strength program. On the other hand, he is raw and is too easily neutralized by press coverage at this point so he projects as a seventh round pick.
SI.com's scouting report on Harper:
POSITIVES: Strong possession wide out with reliable hands. Works hard to get open, uses his frame to shield away defenders, and adjusts to the errant throw. Looks the pass in. Possesses a straight-line burst of speed, displays a sense of timing, and makes the difficult over-the-shoulder reception downfield. Physically defeats defenders and takes the big hit while holding onto the pass. Fearless and will extend or expose himself in a crowd to make the catch.
NEGATIVES: Marginal downfield blocker. Lacks the second gear and the ability to beat defenders in a foot race.
In a Q&A in The University Daily Kansan, we learn that Harper's favorite movie is Hoosiers, his favorite food is lasagne and Jay-Z was bumping on his IPod in the past year.
Not a lot of YouTube love for Harper. You can click on this link to see a video of his 84-yard punt return in the Orange Bowl, but I wouldn't click on it if you get sea-sick easily. The video's taken from a fan in the stands.
And finally, a breakdown from The Sun:
2007 statistics: 41 catches, 635 yards, five touchdowns.
Strengths: Has prototypical size and speed but needs to be able to run in pads. Might have finally realized his potential with big senior season.
Weaknesses: One-year wonder at Virginia Tech. Is he the 41-catch guy from his senior year or the one who barely registered his first three seasons?
Click here for links to other Ravens draft picks.
Comments
"Does not get a lot of separation..."
He'll fit right in with the other receivers.
Posted by: Former Sun Sportswriter | May 12, 2008 8:31 PM
Why does Ozzie get a pass on his drafting of q-backs and receivers , they have been poor at best,,,,,,,,,,
Posted by: Jim from Dundalk | May 13, 2008 9:24 AM
Well I wanted some Wrs with size, but was hoping to get some of the guys I had heard better scouting reports on. Who knows though, this guy could be the next Marquise Colston.
I did see him have some really good games at VT, perhaps he will come around in the NFL. He can be a Clarence Moore type though at least. He can go up and get a football, but I am not sure about the rest of his game.
Posted by: JJ | May 13, 2008 10:22 AM
You don't need separation in the Red Zone. He's exactly what we need, more Red Zone targets.
Posted by: Doc604 | May 13, 2008 11:11 AM
Ozzie gets a "pass" on his passing game picks because he is still above the NFL average at drafting those positions. That and the fact that no one has drafted more probowlers since he took the job.
Posted by: JJ | May 13, 2008 12:04 PM
i would wait till Mr Harper arrives at Training camp , see if he makes adjustments and the team , one problem for Harper is he has competion for WR spots . If he can perform special teams , that is a bonus . Of course , if WR get depleted by injuries , that is opening for him also .
For a seventh round draft pick though , he gonna have put in more effort than at his college .
Posted by: Allan | May 14, 2008 9:09 AM
What ever happen to Derreck Alexader and Micheal Jackson (not the king of pop ) when you need them?
Posted by: Joe Decker | May 14, 2008 12:12 PM
I am sorry, but doesn't this blog just repeat what other people are actually writing? I mean, shouldn't Sheil be using the blog to talk about what HE thinks about issues, not rehash what I could read in a 5 minute search of OTHER sources. I want to hear some analysis from some Sun writers, not those national sports writers. Please?
Sheil, could you write a blog post without putting in gigantic chunks of italicized material? I want to know what YOU think!
Posted by: bmorewolverine | May 27, 2008 3:00 PM
Read the strenths (NFLDraftCountdown) and he sounds like TO mixed with Randy Moss. Ready the weaknesses and he sounds like Wayne Chrebet`s accountant brother.
Posted by: Andrew | June 15, 2008 10:34 PM