2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zach Harrison (DE – Ohio State)

As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Zach Harrison.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Zach Harrison (DE – Ohio State)

Zach Harrison (DE, Ohio State)

6’6″ – 272 lbs.

Summary:

Five-star recruit who rotated into the defense in his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, playing a total of 499 snaps over those two years and posting lines of 24-5.5-3.5 and 14-4.5-2.0 as a freshman and sophomore, respectively. Earned a starting job the following season, posting 25-6.0-2.0 over 558 snaps, then followed that up with 34-8.0-3.5 this past year.

Positives:

Has an excellent combination of size and length for a pro end. Played on both ends of the line, usually out of a four-point stance; was asked to line up in various traditional end techniques (five on three-man lines, seven or nine on four-man lines). Played a relatively high number of snaps per game and brings a consistent motor and physical temperament. Functional strength is good. Has heavy hands and shows the ability to control blockers when two-gapping in the run game. Can discard blockers when he successfully locates the ball. Overall leg drive after contact allows him to walk back blockers and flow to the ball without losing position. Above-average anchor when reading and reacting. Length gives him an impressive radius. Has adequate reaction times and get-off to generate pressure on passing downs. Varies his pass-rush approach, working in a solid mix of inside/outside moves and showing active hands to swipe. Nice ability to threaten outside and use a straight arm to attack blockers. A grinder who can convert speed to power pretty well. Flashes the ability to maintain balance through contact when he has the advantage as a speed rusher. Solid closing burst to finish.

Negatives:

Overall production has been modest. Can be a little bit of leaner and waist-bender; would like to see more consistent knee-bend to compete in the leverage battle, especially important for a bigger end. Sets up a little bit wide at times in his run fits or gets too much depth on the edge. Shoulders are not always square to the line when playing the run. Too willing to throw a shoulder instead of locking out opponents. Doesn’t bend the tightest arcs when turning the corner as a speed rusher; can end up too deep because of average flexibility. Works in different moves as a pass-rusher but still doesn’t have many counters, causing him to get stuck on blocks when his initial approach is unsuccessful. Suddenness is average. Can be too reliant on outside rushes. Kind of a ‘tweener for teams looking for odd-front personnel, although he’s played five-tech and stood up at times.

Summary:

May not have the raw explosiveness, flexibility and balance to develop into a primary pass-rusher, but has the tools to become a complementary end who can stay on the field on passing downs. With a little bit more discipline and polish, could be an effective two-gapper in the run game, using his impressive length, power and toughness to attack and control blockers on the strong side of the line. Looks like a prototypical left end in an even front but could potentially work as an elephant (strongside) linebacker or five-technique in an odd front at a lower or higher weight, respectively.

Projection: Round 3