As the NFL Scouting Combine kicks off this week in Indianapolis (Feb. 26-March 4), the spotlight falls on the remarkable presence of Michigan football players, with a record-breaking 18 Wolverines set to participate. Among them is the highly talented edge rusher, Jaylen Harrell. In this article, we delve into Harrell’s noteworthy career at Michigan, highlighting the aspects of his game that have caught the attention of scouts. However, we also examine the possible limitations in his scouting profile. Finally, we provide a preview of what lies ahead for Harrell as he prepares to take the stage at the NFL Combine, showcasing his skills and potential to the football world.
Jaylen Harrell’s career at Michigan
Jaylen Harrell’s journey at Michigan began as a three-star prospect, but he wasted no time making an impact. In 2020, he quickly became a valuable contributor on special teams. The following year, in 2021, Harrell transitioned into the defensive rotation, showcasing his skills as an edge rusher in 14 games, including three starts. He recorded 15 tackles, with 2.5 tackles for loss and one quarterback hurry.
As the 2022 season arrived, Harrell’s role expanded even further. With the departure of Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, he stepped into the starting lineup at the edge position. Throughout the season, Harrell started in 12 games, accumulating 30 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 7.5 tackles for loss. Additionally, he notched five quarterback hurries and two pass breakups.
The pinnacle of Harrell’s collegiate career came in 2023 when he played a vital role as a starter in all 15 games for the national championship-winning Wolverines. He showcased his prowess on the field, amassing 31 tackles, including an impressive team-high 9.0 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. Harrell also contributed five quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles, and one pass breakup, solidifying his impact on the team’s success.
Jaylen Harrell: What NFL scouts like
Throughout his three seasons on some of the best defenses in college football, Jaylen Harrell steadily progressed and had a standout year in 2023. With 40 games played and an impressive 1,156 defensive snaps from 2021 to 2023, scouts have ample film to evaluate as he transitions to the NFL.
Upon reviewing the footage, scouts will observe a well-rounded edge rusher who showcased significant development in 2023. Notably, Harrell improved as a pass rusher, complementing his already strong skills in run defense. Pro Football Focus recorded 21 quarterback hurries during the season, an increase of five from the previous year, along with four quarterback hits and several sacks.
Harrell displays a quick first step, demonstrating his ability to drop into zones as required by the defensive scheme. He is a high-effort player, consistently making an impact on every play. In particular, he excels at setting the edge as a run defender. Furthermore, Harrell’s impressive showing at the Senior Bowl, where he recorded a quarterback pressure and a fumble recovery, further solidified his skills. His performance during drills was also highly regarded.
As Harrell heads to Indianapolis for the NFL Combine, he carries the momentum from his strong Senior Bowl performance. Scouts will have the opportunity to witness his capabilities firsthand and evaluate his potential to make an impact at the professional level.
Jaylen Harrell: What NFL scouts don’t like
Despite showing improvement in his pass rushing abilities during the 2023 season, Jaylen Harrell is still in the process of refining his skills in that aspect. While his strength and athleticism are expected to shine at the NFL Combine, he may be viewed as a developmental prospect who needs further development to become a well-rounded edge rusher in the professional league.
Michigan employed a rotation of edge rushers in 2023, and Harrell often played alongside the best defensive tackle rotation in college football. This may lead scouts to question the extent to which his success was influenced by being fresher than other players and serving as a secondary focus for opposing offensive lines. While the Wolverines certainly celebrated Harrell’s achievements, it is worth considering how these factors may have contributed to his performance, particularly in crucial matchups against teams like Ohio State and Washington.
At the Senior Bowl, Harrell weighed in at 251 pounds, which was relatively low compared to other defensive linemen. This could raise questions among NFL scouts about how his frame will translate to his role at the next level. Evaluating his physical attributes and how his body type fits into the demands of his position will be an important aspect of assessing his potential in professional football.
What Jaylen Harrell can show at the NFL Combine
Jaylen Harrell’s 2023 season was nothing short of impressive, as he made significant strides in improving his pass rushing skills and positioning himself as a likely NFL Draft pick. During the NFL Combine, one key drill that will be crucial in evaluating Harrell’s potential is the 3-cone drill. This drill will help assess his agility, flexibility, and ability to bend around the edge, giving scouts insights into his potential ceiling at the edge rusher position.
At the Senior Bowl, Harrell’s measurements came in at 6-foot-3, 251 pounds, accompanied by a wingspan of 81 3/8 inches. This displays good length for the position, although Harrell will aim to showcase his speed and quickness to compensate for his slightly lower weight. Scouts will be paying close attention to his 40-yard dash splits, as well as his performance in the broad jump and vertical jump, as these will provide valuable insights into his explosiveness and athleticism.
By evaluating these specific areas of his game, scouts will gain a better understanding of Harrell’s overall potential as a pass rusher and his ability to make an impact at the professional level.
Jaylen Harrell: Current NFL Draft projection
According to Pro Football Focus, Jaylen Harrell is currently ranked at No. 204 overall on their Big Board, placing him as the 21st-best edge defender in the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, the Mock Draft Database suggests that Harrell could potentially be selected in the sixth round of the draft.
It’s important to note that rankings and projections can vary among different draft analysts and sources, and the NFL Draft is a dynamic and unpredictable event. While these rankings and projections provide some insight into Harrell’s potential draft position, they are not definitive and can change based on individual team evaluations, pre-draft workouts, and other factors.
Ultimately, Harrell’s performance at the NFL Combine, individual team evaluations, and team needs will play significant roles in determining his actual draft position.
