Grade
?5.05 SEC
Top Performer19 REPS
Top Performer30.0 INCH
Top Performer105.0 INCH
Top Performer7.43 SEC
Top Performer4.49 SEC
Top Performer
- 6'3" Height
- 225LBS. Weight
Overview
Few players have fallen as fast or as far as Harper did during his senior year. Many expected him to be the top-rated senior quarterback in the 2009 draft after he broke 21 school records in his first season as a starter in 2007, including passer rating (141.0), passing touchdowns (27) and TD-to-INT ratio (27-6). Although he finished with 2,671 passing yards in 2008, Harper threw only 13 touchdowns against 16 interceptions. He was even benched for one start, although he eventually came into that game.
Harper's long delivery, lack of accuracy and poor decision making were all exposed when Clemson's running game struggled. His selfish initial reaction to the firing of head coach Tommy Bowden did not impress scouts either. Harper has enough accuracy in the short to intermediate range to warrant development in a West Coast Offense, but his lack of upside and struggles as a senior may result in his falling out of the draft entirely. Had an arm span of 31 inches and a hand span of 9 1/2 inches at the combine.
Analysis
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| Grade | Title | Draft (Round) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96-100 | Future Hall of Famer | Top Pick | A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 | Immediate Starter | 1st | An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 | Eventual Starter | 2nd-3rd | A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 | Draftable Player | 4th-7th | A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 | Free Agent | UDFA | A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |
