Justin Harrell
DT | (6'4", 300, 5.04) | TENNESSEE
Scouts Grade: 90
Strengths: Is tall with adequate bulk and even more room on his frame to get bigger. He caries his weight extremely well and is a fluid athlete for his size. Shows good initial quickness and the ability to disrupt the run consistently. Is able to change directions quickly and also shows some closing burst for such a big defender. He is big enough to hold his ground versus the run when he gets good positioning and stays low. He displays above average lower body strength to clog a gap versus the run. He can push the pocket and uses long arms to disrupt the vision of opposing quarterbacks. He showed impressive leadership and toughness with his willingness to play through a biceps tear during the Florida game as a senior in 2006.
Weaknesses: He has never been very productive as a pass rusher. He seems to lack awareness and instincts in that regard. He also needs to use his hands better in order to get off of blocks. He is stout versus the run but lacks explosive upper body strength to jar offensive linemen initially. Durability is a significant issue after partially torn biceps injury cost him the final 10 games of his senior season in 2006. He also missed time with leg and ankle injuries in 2003 and another ankle injury in 2004.
Overall: Harrell was redshirted in 2002. In 2003, he missed the first five games with a broken ankle and then appeared in the remaining eight games, registering 10 total tackles and one tackle for loss. Harrell underwent right leg surgery midway through spring practice in March, 2004. He returned in the fall, played in all 13 games, starting the first 11 before being removed from the Kentucky game (ankle injury) and then held out of the starting lineup for the final two games. Harrell finished that season with 26 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. He started all 11 games in 2005 and recorded 39 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Harrell played in and started just three games in 2006, finishing with seven total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. He ruptured a biceps tendon against Air Force (9/9) but played the following week against Florida before shutting it down for the season.
Harrell is an impressive athlete for his size and he also displays good natural strength. He has never been a great pass rusher and he's also coming off a partially torn biceps that forced him out for the final 10 games of his senior season. However, his rehab went extremely well and he's not expected to have any lingering affects from the injury. From what we saw of Harrell prior to the injury, he has the potential to develop into a very good two-down starter in the NFL. We think he's worth drafting late in the first or early in the second round of the 2007 draft.