Cliff Harris 2012 NFL Draft prospect notes

Cliff Harris
511, 165 pounds | Cornerback | Oregon

First word: Harris, a junior, had one of the best seasons in all of college football in 2010, garnering All-American honors from several outlets. As an NFL prospect, though, Harris will be the cause of much discourse. He's a player who has the production and shows ability on the field. But when you look at measurables and playing style, it's a legitimate concern on how his game will translate to the NFL.

There are also growing character issues with Harris. He's currently suspended indefinitely by Oregon head coach Chip Kelly and will miss at least the season opener against LSU. In June, Harris was cited for speeding and driving a rental car with a suspended license. While speeding may not be a serious character flaw, plenty is mounting against Harris. He's missed court dates, busted twice for driving without a license, possessing alcohol as a minor and piling fines that are reportedly in excess of $8,500.

As trite as it may sound, Harris' draft position could also depend heavily on how he measures and times. As a prospect, Harris compares to Houston Texans rookie Brandon Harris. Widely considered a first round player much of the 2010 season, Harris slipped to the 60th overall pick after coming in at 5'9 1/2 and not having the best timing numbers. That's also considering that Brandon Harris is a much stronger player than Cliff Harris appears to be.

Where the Oregon junior is superior, though, is his natural instincts and playmaking ability. In one of the nation's best passing conferences, Harris routinely made a play on the ball, finishing with 23 pass deflections as a junior. He's also one of the country's best return men.

Games viewed: (All 2010) Auburn, Oregon State, Stanford, USC, Washington

Bold statement: If Harris comes out following his junior season, teams drafting in the top 20 won't touch him based on character concern alone.

Cliff Harris
511, 165 pounds | Cornerback | Oregon

Notes:

• When Harris gets to run in stride up the field with a receiver, there may be no better cornerback in college football. He has fluid hips to turn and stick on the receiver's hip.

• With the ball in the air, Harris a weapon for the defense. Getting the most out of his frame, Harris uses his body control to position himself to make a play on the ball. His conference-leading six interceptions and 23 passes defended may have been a breakthrough, but not a a fluke.

• Still, big power receivers will always give Harris fits as they're able to push him out of the way, especially in the jam. Has a slight frame (currently listed at 165 pounds) and can be overmatched by physical receivers, both at the line and as a route develops.

• Tends to play too far off the receiver on third and short plays. While Harris has the quickness to close the gap, he's not quick enough to stop a four-yard completion when playing off.

• Plays faster than his 40 time will suggest. Still, if Harris happens to run the 40 in a true 4.5-second range, his stock my suffer. Oregon lists Harris' 40 time as 4.75 seconds. Even if you adjust .2 seconds due to electronic timing, 4.5 seconds isn't spectacular for a cornerback who isn't physical.

• As a punt returner, Harris is a sensation. He was second in the nation with an 18.8-yard punt return average and had four touchdowns.