7 inside linebackers the Panthers could select in the 2022 NFL Draft
Carolina Panthers could select Christian Harris (Alabama)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 226 pounds
2021 Stats:
- 80 tackles
- 11.5 tackles for loss
- 5.5 sacks
- 61.6 PFF grade
A down-year production-wise compared to his shortened 2020 season has played a factor in Christian Harris’ draft stock dipping from the first round to the second. Despite his lower projection and dip in performance from a statistical standpoint, the linebacker is still one of the best prospects at the position entering the NFL this year.
Harris is a fast and skilled player with the attributes to shut down offensive weapons in coverage and stop the run. Another positive in the player’s game is scheme versatility as a middle linebacker and a 4-3 outside linebacker.
His overall footwork and body control allow Harris to play tight in man-to-man coverage. This only adds to the former Alabama star’s very polished skillset.
Harris may not possess the physicality to take blockers head-on right away, but he will be a good coverage linebacker. On obvious passing downs, he should take snaps in his rookie year.
If Harris has a year to learn from Shaq Thompson and other veterans to sharpen his instincts, he will develop into a good linebacker in the NFL. He has all the physical tools to make that happen.
Harris is projected to be drafted by the middle of the second round. As talented as he is, other prospects later in the draft will likely deliver as big of an impact or bigger.
The difference between those selections and Harris is that he will be a surefire NFL starter over time. If Scott Fitterer and the Carolina Panthers value low-risk selections, this is the right player for them.