Redskins Draft Special Round 6 (Pick 201)

Finally, the Redskins get to use a pick that was not involved in a trade and is at the beginning of the round.  The Redskins should take advantage of being able to pick high in the sixth round to add some depth.

Note: All scouting information comes from CBS Sports, NFL Combine Results Page, and the NFL Draft Tracker.

Round 6 (201st Overall Selection):  Connor Harris    ILB    (Lindenwood)
Height: 5'11"   Weight: 242 lbs   40 yd: 4.73   Vert: 33"

Lindenwood is a Division II school in St. Charles, Missouri that plays in the Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association.  Connor Harris was highly recruited, but received only one FBS scholarship from Kansas and that was after he committed to the Tigers.  Harris made a name for himself by becoming the NCAA's all time leading tackler with 633 career tackles.  He was also a First Team All-American and won the Cliff Harris Award in 2016 for being named the top defender in Division II, III, and NAIA.  Now, you probably have the Sandlot mentality right now about Harris's accolades, but he has skills that would warrant the Redskins taking him early in the sixth round. Harris is described as a high motor player who has tremendous leadership skills and the quickness to be in front of run plays and disrupt their timing.  He has a good burst to the ball, and has the quickness in space to cover running backs out of the backfield.  Harris finishes his tackles, he is noted as a linebacker who can play all three downs, and has experience playing QB, Safety, Running Back, and Punter throughout his football career.  There are questions about his production being a product of the level of competition, and his lack of length has caused him to be eaten up by bigger offensive lineman. Scouts note that he has trouble shedding blocks and is more of a straight line/downhill type tackler.  While his quickness is above reproach there may be issues with his speed at the NFL level.  His size and lack of experience with higher level athletes may be concerns, but Harris is someone the Redskins need on this roster.

Yes, the Redskins just signed Zach Brown to shore up the inside linebacker position, but it couldn't hurt to add depth there as well.  At the very least, Harris will add competition to that ILB group with his determined demeanor and level of work ethic.  While you can't coach him to be bigger or taller, you also cannot teach quickness.  Harris seems to have the quickness to be in the play and the determination to finish the play once he is there.  The fact that he can cover running backs coming out of the backfield should also have the Redskins praying that he falls to this spot.  The big issue with The Redskins defense last year was stopping the run and Harris's skills set is geared to do just that.  His leadership skills would also be a bonus to have in the locker room, and the Redskins should look to select Connor Harris if they have the chance.