Instant Reaction: What experts are saying about Atlanta Falcons drafting Zach Harrison
COLUMBUS — Zach Harrison was the first Ohio State player off the board Friday night, and he was the first Buckeyes defensive player selected in this year’s NFL Draft.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Harrison No. 75 overall in the third round.
Harrison was the only Ohio State prospect to hear his name called during Day Two. The Falcons posted just 21 sacks last season and are hoping to get some help from Harrison, a Central Ohio native who spent four years with the Buckeyes, ultimately serving as a captain this past season.
Story: Zach Harrison selected No. 75 overall by Atlanta Falcons in third round of NFL Draft
Harrison’s impressive measurables and proven ability to create game-changing plays made him an intriguing prospect. That said, his inconsistency and low sack numbers are cause for concern.
But he’ll have a chance to prove his best days are ahead of him at the next level. ESPN analysts discussed Harrison’s potential after he was picked. Here’s what they said.
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What Booger McFarland said about Ohio State DE Zach Harrison going to the Atlanta Falcons
McFarland on Harrison going to the Falcons: “This is the ultimate height, weight, speed guy. 6-foot-5, 274 [pounds], 36-inch arms, 85.5-inch wingspan. Freaky, freaky freaky athlete. The problem is, there’s no plan here. You don’t see it often. You don’t see him with the ability to use that, his pass rush plan, what’s he going to do? Somebody needs to coach him up and show him how to use his athletic ability. When you set the edge in a 4-3, when you play on the inside of the tackle in a 4i. He’s got a lot of scheme versatility, a lot of traits. His ability to play in a 3-4 or a 4-3. So many tools to work with. It’s gonna be up to the defensive line coach to get him and make sure you unleash this freaky athletic ability that he has.”
What Louis Riddick said about Zach Harrison going to the Atlanta Falcons
Riddick on Harrison going to the Falcons: “That’s exactly what Zach is. He’s one of those guys who they hope they can turn into somebody who can get them some some juice off the edge, man, because he has got physical traits. But you’re right, he just doesn’t turn it loose. He doesn’t have real good pass rush plan or pass rush tools right now, in terms of his development. And Atlanta definitely needs [it].”
