Early impressions regarding the 2019 NFL Draft express it’s superiority to what we saw in 2018, and a lot of the attention is going to the defensive line. This is certainly well deserved, as Houston’s Ed Oliver and Ohio State’s Nick Bosa will compete for the rights to the best player in the upcoming draft class. Meanwhile, there are quarterbacks a plenty (albeit with no clear front runner) and offensive linemen ready to make an impact from day one. Linebacker is stacked, and there’s a few defensive backs worth talking about. But what about wide receiver?
The big name on the market is A.J. Brown, a 6’1″, 225 pound receiver from Ole Miss who looks like an X from day one. Some analysts have already mocked him as a top ten player and see him as the best wide receiver prospect for 2019. After Brown, there’s a cluster of quality receivers to include Ahmmon Richards (Miami, FL.), Collin Johnson (Texas), and Deebo Samuel (South Carolina), among others. But don’t go sleeping on Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry.
In fact, you should have him pretty high on your radar for top wide receivers entering 2019.
This catch by N’Keal Harry ?? pic.twitter.com/wLexB1xruZ
— Football Central™ (@FootbalICentral) December 30, 2017
Harry, a 6’4″, 216 pound. true junior, is a man among boys in the Pac-12. Despite average quarterback play (at best) from Manny Wilkins, Harry has still found ways to impress. Harry notched a flat 1,000 yard season in 2017 and has 14 career touchdowns to his name. However, production is only part of the equation of course, Harry is much more than a stat sheet guy.
Harry is a fantastic wide receiver. His ability to sink his hips at the top of the route is attractive, as is his natural catching ability. Harry has demonstrated soft hands and tracks the ball as well as any tenured vet. With running backs Kalen Ballage and Demario Richard out of the picture due in 2018 (both were seniors in 2017), Harry should be the focal point of the Sun Devils offense.
And he does it all. Harry also has 134 rushing yards to his name, including a ridiculous 31-yard score versus Utah in 2016. However, where Harry does the most damage is (obviously) out wide. Harry is a great athlete and is able to win 50-50 balls consistently. As mentioned, Harry tracks the ball well and high-points throws that some of the receivers in this upcoming draft class simply can’t do.
N’Keal Harry at 6’4 210 is devastating in the jump ball scenario. He’s been outstanding for Arizona State tonight. Climbs a double team for this one. Wow pic.twitter.com/nhKHHkM3ge
— Jake Burns (@jake_burns18) November 12, 2017
Harry is simply a complete receiver prospect, and has impressed since his freshman season in Tempe. The former 5-star recruit has more than proven his worth in his time with the Sun Devils, and his 2018 season will be enough to warrant him a top selection and perhaps earn him the title as WR1 for this upcoming draft class.
