Draft Insiders' Digest Premier NFL Draft and Free Agency Publication
NFL Rookie Players of the Week – Broncos’ runner SelvynYoung & Jets linebacker David Harris
The NFL ’07 season entered the second half of the campaign with a few surprisingly impressive performances by Broncos running back Selvyn Young and Jets linebacker David Harris. Both players started due to injuries to veterans and made a strong impression in their pro starting debut. Young rushed for 71 yards on 18 carries plus 6 receptions for 49 yards. He was a terrific rookie FA signing after failing to be selected over the 7 rounds last April. His efforts came up short vs the Packers on veteran QB Brett Favre’s overtime heroics. His fine performance was another productive game by a Bronco running back where numerous backs have been able to step in and product at a high level.
N.Y. Jets linebacker David Harris started due to a knee injury that sidelined veteran Jon Vilma for the season. He wins the Defensive Rookie award this week for a very strong pro debut performance. He was selected in the 2nd round this past April. In his game vs the Bills, he made 17 tackles with 10 of the stops solos and 1 sacks. He covers the field sideline to sideline and could be a fixture in the Jets 3-4 scheme for seasons to come, even after Vilma returns to the filed next season.
Rookie Runner ups
Offense - James Jones - WR - Packers
Defense - Patrick Willis - LB - 49ers
David Harris - Scouting Profile from Draft Insiders’ Yearbook in March ’07
David Harris #45 - 6’2� 245 lbs. - Michigan - Sp. 4.6 Rating 80
Hindu Theory - Antonio Pierce
Mobile athletic senior defender started for his final two seasons and was a key performer on the Michigan highly regarded defense. David is a fine athlete who put back to back strong performances over his final two years that has him moving up the draft charts quickly. He has played well on the inside, combining very good speed and power to be effective in both run and pass defense. He is an active defender who reads the play quickly, takes on blockers well and plays with leverage and stays alive moving through trash to make tackles. His efforts in big games were good and he continued to improve with additional playing experience that has moved him up the charts significantly. His playing speed is very good and improved with some weight loss. He combines good size, speed, quickness and toughness to become an NFL starter on the inside or possibly the SAM spot. He moves effortlessly and has good lateral quickness, though his initial reaction is slower than desired. He reads the play well and moves well laterally to make tackles at the sidelines. He is best stuffing the inside run where his physical talent allows him to fill, shed and finish He is a big hitter as a tackler with strong hands to fight off blockers consistently well. He is stout at to hold the point vs. the run. In the base 4-3 set and has the speed to make tackles outside the hash. Despite his fine production, he did not make many big plays with only 3 sacks and 1 interception over his career. In pass coverage, he gets good drops and has some change of direction skills and speed to cover backs and tight ends but is still inexperienced in that role and not ready to be an every down defender. He improved his awareness in zone coverage and shows better reactions to break on the ball when he reads the play properly. As a senior, he made 96 tackles, in addition to 145 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 PBU and 1 interception, in an outstanding effort. As a junior, he made 88 tackles, in addition to 7 TFL, 1 sack, 1 FR, 2 FF and 3 PBU, in a breakout season. He is similar to the Antonio Pierce and Robert Thomas in athleticism, versatility, instincts and size. Over his earlier career, he missed time annually due to injuries, but proved durable over his final two years. At the combine, he ran a 4.60 time, had a 33� VJ and an 8’11� BJ and did 23 reps. He is a fine special teams performer after earlier experience in that role. Over his two starting seasons, he always seemed to be around the ball and his increased production reflects that with each game experience. His two-year starting production says a lot for a prospect who produced at a high level including big game situations. He shows sure tackling, fine instincts and the speed to go sideline to sideline. He has improved quickly in his reads and hand usage to get both to the play and off blockers to finish with strong tackles. He is an above average athlete that competes hard with good instincts and awareness. His lateral effort is good, chases plays downfield and always looking to make contact. He can string out the play down the LOS and can make a hit, but needs to stay clean and avoid trash better to be effective. Athletic versatile ‘backer with the talent to start at a few positions in a pro base defense including inside in a 3-4 set and is at a high level of development as a special teams performer. Fine early round pick with starting grade in a short time after he settles into a pro set. Fast rising defender and top 75 prospect.