From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
Josh Harvey-Clemons/S Louisville – 6’4 217
The Good
– Great size and elite length (35 3/8) and big hands (10 3/8)
– Good athlete and a long strider to make up for lack of elite straight line speed, easy mover
– Reliable open field tackler who displays good technique and focus on wrapping up
– Shows physicality and power when able to come downhill to fill the alley in run support
– Closes quickly and uses size/length to drag down runners where other, smaller players wouldn’t be able to do so
– Embraces the run around the line of scrimmage, works off blocks and takes on FBs on lead plays
– Experience playing as a dime linebacker, single high, and two high looks, mix of man and zone
– Zone turn is fluid and takes good angles to the ball in coverage, uses length to contest at catch points
– Flashes ability to locate and attack the ball downfield
– Bigger hitter in coverage than he is against the run, flashes a violent streak
– Asked to blitz and used all over the field, could have relatively easy transition to the NFL
The Bad
– Not an elite athlete and long speed is only average, lack of it can cause him to get beat to the edge by fast backs
– Could stand to be more physical in the run game
– Has to work on technique in man coverage and stay in phase, has tools but needs refined
– Bit stiff because of his size and struggles to make small adjustments in angles at last second when RB changes direction
– Tweener and doesn’t have a true, every-down position in the NFL
– Statistically minor production, didn’t make a lot of splash plays in career
Bio
– 34 career starts
– Career: 229 tackles, 4 INTs
– 2016: 61 tackles, 4 TFL, 2 sacks, 0 INT, 0 FF
– Transferred from Georgia after 2013 season, sat out 2014 due to NCAA rules
– Top prospect out of high school, ESPN’s #1 OLB in the country
Tape Breakdown
If you like Obi Melifonwu or Jabrill Peppers but are turned off by the price tag, Josh Harvey-Clemons is your dude.