Eagles work out dark horse first round pick Charles Harris, report says

The Philadelphia Eagles put 2017 NFL Draft prospect Charles Harris through a private workout, according to a report from ESPN’s Tim McManus. Here’s what he had to say about the Mizzou pass rusher.

The Eagles have worked out Missouri defensive end Charles Harris. A projected first-round pick, Harris had nine sacks and 12 tackles for a loss last season. Pass-rusher is a sneaky need for the Eagles.

T-Mac is always one of the most plugged-in Eagles reporters so tidbits like this are especially worth noting.

The other interesting thing about this report is that it potentially lines up with the rumor the Eagles plan to take a defensive end in the first round. Many have questioned the veracity of that rumor because they’ve pointed out there might not be a pass rusher worth taking at that spot. The likes of Myles Garrett, Solomon Thomas, and even Derek Barnett could very well be gone by the No. 14 pick.

But Harris might be there, and the Eagles might be very high on him. One draft analyst is hearing two NFL teams actually have top 10 grades on Harris.

We don’t know for sure if the Eagles are one of those two teams, but at the very least we know they’ve shown some interest in Harris by working him out.

Harris measures in at 6-3, 253 pounds. In 35 college games played over three years, he posted 136 tackles (34.5 for loss), 18 sacks, five forced fumbles, and five pass deflections.

For what it’s worth, not everyone in the draft community is super high on Harris. CBS Sports projects him as a late first round or early second round pick. BGN draft writer Ben Natan has him ranked as the ninth best edge defender in this year’s class.

Despite being more of an undersized rusher, Charles Harris was still made a consistent impact in college. As a specialty rusher in the NFL, his first step quickness, anticipation and bend around the edge will make a team very happy.

Funny enough, NFL.com’s scouting report compares Harris to former Eagles defensive end Connor Barwin.

Sources Tell Us: "Don't get caught up in his numbers this year. He just didn't mesh with what they asked him to do. He's also got to be coachable and I think he may have fought the changes a little too much. What I saw in 2015 is what I think he's going to be." NFC North regional scout

NFL Comparison: Connor Barwin

Bottom Line: High-cut pass rusher with good athleticism but concerns regarding his ability to drop anchor against the run. Ironically, Harris might be best suited as a penetrator which is something he fought against this season. His hands can be improved as pass rush weapons, but he has agility and footwork that can't be taught. Harris can play on the edge in a 4-3 or 3-4 front and should be the next in a line of early contributing defensive ends coming out of Missouri.

Harris didn’t test very well athletically, which could be a concern. Check out his spider graph.

Maybe this is just me overthinking things (draft season makes you go crazy), but I feel like Harris could be the pick at No. 14. For some reason I just feel like the Eagles won’t go the expected route in the first round this year, meaning I don’t think they’ll take Gareon Conley or Christian McCaffrey or one of the players commonly mocked to them. A surprise name like Harris might be in play.

We’ll see in about two weeks from now.