The San Francisco 49ers added nine players to their roster in the 2018 NFL Draft. We break down the Niners’ draft, and discuss each pick’s expected role for the upcoming 2018 season and beyond.
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan were full of surprises during the 2018 NFL Draft. While the 49ers added a number of talented players at key positions, they avoided the team’s most immediate areas of need — edge rusher and interior offensive line.
Let’s take a look at the seventh of the San Francisco 49ers’ nine draft picks:
Round 6 – Pick #184: Marcell Harris, S, Florida
With their sixth-round pick, Lynch and Shanahan selected another player coming off of injury, safety Marcell Harris. However, unlike fourth-round pick Kentavius Street, Harris is expected to be able to contribute in 2018, provided he recovers from the torn Achilles tendon injury he sustained last July.
Harris started only nine games over his three-season career at the University of Florida, but opted to forego his final year of NCAA eligibility in order to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. Harris made the most of his eight starts in 2016, as he led the Florida Gators with 73 tackles.
Many expected Harris to go undrafted due to his injury status, as well as the questionable speed he displayed prior to his injury. At 6-foot-1 and 216 pounds, Harris makes up for his lack of speed with his big-hitting ability:
Harris had trouble in man coverage against college receivers, but looked better in zone coverage, or as a “robber.” He particularly excelled when playing in the box, where the Niners’ strong safety often lines up in base downs in defensive coordinator Robert Saleh’s defensive scheme.
Harris projects as a strong safety and special teams contributor at the NFL level, provided he returns sucessfully from his Achilles injury. If Harris has a strong preseason, he could potentially start the year as the backup to 49ers starting strong safety Jaquiski Tartt.
About the Author: Chris Wilson
