2015 NFL Draft Profile: DE Eli Harold, Virginia
In 3 seasons with the Virginia Cavaliers, Eli Harold had 141 total tackles, 36.5 tackles for a loss and 17.5 sacks. He also had 2 interceptions and 4 forced fumbles, and he scored a touchdown with one of those turnovers. This is the kind of production that surely caught the eyes of the pass rush needing, New York Giants.
Harold ‘s best season was in 2013. He had 15 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. The relentless pass rusher is the prototypical 3-4 outside linebacker, but he could also be dominant as a defensive end for the Giants. Harold is certainly somebody to keep your eye on in the 2015 NFL Draft class.
GMENHQ Big Board Ranking: 55th Overall Prospect
Strengths:
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- Ideal Size (6-4 250 lbs.)
- Versatile pass rusher, can use quickness and power, can convert power into speed
- Knocks offensive tackles off-balance with regularity
- Keeps the offensive tackle guessing, can win off the edge or make an inside move
- Disciplined in run defense, can set the edge and play outside contain
- Can change directions well
- Good speed (4.6 second 40 yard dash)
Concerns:
- Not a consistent tackler, needs to wrap up better
- Does not always finish sack, can get to the QB and come up empty-handed occasionally
Overall there is not much to dislike about Harold’s game. He is a good football player. In a deep draft class in terms of pass rushers, Harold is in the second tier. He is not a freak of nature athlete like a Shane Ray or Vic Beasley. He is however a very good and very persistent player that might fall to the second or third round.