2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Malik Harrison, OLB, Ohio State Buckeyes
Career Snapshot
Two-year starter who earned Third Team All-America honors and made 75 tackles (16.5 for loss) with 4.5 sacks and four pass breakups as a senior in 2019. Named Honorable Mention All-Big Ten and made 81 tackles (8.5 for loss) with 2.5 sacks and four PBUs as a junior.
Positives
One-time highly rated linebacker best up the field or in the box. Aggressive, fires up the field and drives through tackles. Very quick and nicely redirects to the ball carrier. Stout tackler who brings opponents down at the point of attack.
Possesses an explosive closing burst, plays with violence and blows through blocks to make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Effectively uses his hands to disengage from opponents. Rarely off his feet.
Negatives
Doesn’t get much depth on pass drops. Average instincts. Overruns plays at times. Inefficient and does not always take proper angles to the action.
Analysis
Harrison has limitations, but he’s a very sudden defender who stands out against the run. More of a two-down linebacker, he’s a scheme-specific player who can stand out at the next level if properly coached.