2015 Atlanta Falcons' Potential Draft-Pick Profile: EDGE Eli Harold

One of the lesser mentioned names that could be the solution to the Atlanta Falcons' need for an edge-rusher is Virginia's Eli Harold. The Cavalier hybrid defense had Harold lining up at end, linebacker and even inside the tackle box on rare occasions.

The Falcons could use someone who is as versatile as Harold is. He's someone who could fit into new head coach Dan Quinn's defense as the "Leo" defensive end. Harold can be the Falcons' premier pass-rusher and would be an ideal target in a trade-down situation.

Eli Harold

Position: Edge Player

School: University of Virginia

Combine/Pro-Day Measurements

Height: 6'3" Weight: 247 lbs

Arm Length: 33" Hand Measurement: 9 ⅜"

40-yard dash: 4.60 sec. 10-yard split: 1.56 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.16 sec. Three-cone Drill: 7.07 sec. Bench Reps: 24 reps

Vertical Jump: 35.0" Broad Jump: 10'3"

Stats

2014: 12 Games Played, 54 Tackles, 14.5 Tackles for Loss, 7.0 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2013: 12 Games Played, 51 Tackles, 15.0 Tackles for Loss, 8.5 Sacks, 1 QB Hurry, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

2012: 12 Games Played, 36 Tackles, 7.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Forced

Scouting Report

Strengths

As a pure speed-rusher, there are few who are better than Harold is in the draft this year. Harold understands how to bend the edge and can create pressure from many angles throughout the formation. He's also intelligent in his run fits when he's allowed to attack just one-gap on the outside. 

He's a plus-level athlete who can play both linebacker and end depending on the scheme, and he should be able to allow the Falcons to be fast and physical with their pass rush. He's got good size as well at 6'3" and 247 pounds with a frame to get bigger too. He's a potential 10-plus sack guy.

Weaknesses

Despite being intelligent in his run fits, he still gets washed out against the run at times. He'll get locked into the blocker and has to get better at shedding him. His hand usage is some of the worst in the draft, and his arsenal of pass-rushing moves is pretty much nonexistent. 

And while he's athletic enough to drop into coverage, he shouldn't drop into it often. He has trouble feeling out his zones and should be relegated to a pure pass-rushing and edge-setting role. The Falcons will need to protect him schematically in that role.

How Does He Fit the Comrade Filter?

Harold was one of four team captains for Virginia during his junior season. He's a leader both on and off the field for the Cavaliers and has been able to stay clean off the field during his time there. The Falcons should love how Harold is a team leader and could use his unheralded status to help motivate him further.

He plays with a ton of motivation already, though, and has a great motor. Atlanta would also be getting someone with a high football intelligence. The Falcons should love Harold off the field and would be getting another positive influence in the locker room.

Overview

Harold is a good pass-rusher off the edge who needs a ton of refinement and a defined role as a rusher and run defender. The Falcons could use him in a role similar to how the Seattle Seahawks used Cliff Avril the past couple of seasons as their true Leo defensive end.

Harold can come right in and start and upgrade one of the weakest spots for the Falcons. He'd be an ideal rotational piece even if he doesn't start and a great locker room influence. If the Falcons have to settle for Harold, they could definitely do much worse.

How He Would Fit into the Falcons' Plans

Harold would be the instant starter at the Leo defensive end spot. He's got the quickness to make an impact early on in his career as pass-rusher but may have to be assisted through the scheme to have his run responsibilities diminished.

In order to get Harold, the Falcons would likely be able to get him at the No. 8 pick. However, they could also trade down to the 15-20 range if someone wanted Marcus Mariota or someone else, pick up a second-round pick and/or more than that and still be able to take him.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All combine and pro-day info is courtesy NFL Draft Scout. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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