Ohio State DE Zach Harrison Named Atlanta Falcons Best Draft Pick
It was a long college career for former five-star defensive end, Zach Harrison. He didn't really see the fruits of his labor until his senior year and it paid dividends Friday.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes edge rusher was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the NFL Draft, and CBS Sports analyst Chris Trapasso believes that was the Dirty Birds' best pick of the three-day draft.
"Crazy, long thick, advanced rusher and has to get stronger. Best football in front of him. Need filled," Trapasso wrote.
He started each of the final 25 games he played in his final two seasons in Columbus, tallying 68 of his 106 career tackles and 7.5 of his 13 career sacks in that time.
At Ohio State's Pro Day, Harrison measured in at 6-5 1/2 inches and weighed 269 pounds. His arm length and wing span were both the second longest of all participants, measuring in at 36 3/8 and 86 7/8 inches, respectively, trailing tackle Dawand Jones by 1/8 and 7/8 inches.
This helped Harrison bat down four passes last season, intercepting a pass that was swatted up into the air by defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau.
His measurements weren't the only thing that flashed at pro day, though, as his athleticism and explosiveness was one of the best on the day. He didn't run the 40-yard dash, but his 10-3 broad jump was tied with safety Tanner McCalister for the longest of the day.
This explosiveness was on display all of last season, recording a career-high 24 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus.
According to Pro Football Focus, in 2022 Harrison received the 29th-best defensive grade of all edge defenders at 86.1.
Draft Network's Joe Marino compared Harrison to Carolina Panthers defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos.
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