NFL Draft Profile: Zach Harrison, Defensive End, Ohio State Buckeyes
#9
Pos: EDGE
Ht: 6054
Wt: 274
Hand: 1000
Arm: 3628
Wing: 8548
40: 4.60
DOB: 8/14/2001
Hometown: Lewis Center, OH
High School: Olentangy Orange
Eligibility: 2023
Zach Harrison
Ohio State Buckeyes
One-Liners
Zach Harrison is a very raw player that is currently on an upward trajectory in terms of his performance and development as a defensive end. His struggles with power and leverage will limit him, but he has tremendous upside as a pass rusher because of his length and improving get-off.
Evaluation:
Zach Harrison has great length that gives him good reach both when he is still attached to blocks and in pursuit. Shows some flashes as a pass rusher who still needs some development to do with his moves. Occasionally will display a good rip and dip of the shoulder to get around the outside shoulder. Worked well on stunts to the inside. Eventually can kick into gear to have good speed in pursuit. Flashes good hand use as well. Drastically improved upon his explosion and pop out of his stance throughout the 2020 season. His tall, slim frame is a bit off and top-heavy. His legs are slim compared to his upper body and he lacks power from his base. Struggles to strike out of his stance and gain leverage against the offensive lineman. Gets washed out in the run game. Looks somewhat athletic and unnatural in his movements. Needs to work on his awareness in space, which should come with more time and experience. Pushes the pocket too far at times, leaving a wide-open lane for the quarterback to scramble. Zach Harrison is an extremely raw talent at defensive end with only three games started in his career. He struggles with power and strength because of his tall, lanky frame which limits his ability as an impact player along the line. He vastly improved his ability throughout the 2020 season, adding a more consistently explosive first step to his game. He is definitely on an upward trajectory and should develop into an exciting prospect should that continue in 2021.
Grades
3rd Round
Background:
Zach Harrison, from Lewis Center, Ohio, is well known to the state of Ohio. He was the top ranked player in Ohio and top five prospect nationally. During his high school career, he was a finalist for the All American Bowl Man of the Year. He was Second Team all Big Ten his freshman year in 2020. Not only does he excel on the field, but off of it as well, where he was also a Ohio State University Scholar Athlete in 2020.
