Davontae Harris NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Cincinnati Bengals' Pick

POSITIVES

—Stocky, aggressive, strong player who won't let big receivers out-position him on inside leverage.

—Teams see him as versatile enough to play safety.

—Not timid as a tackler. Will square up and come to balance well.

—Can be effective in the slot thanks to his toughness against the run.

—Able to play with balance and poise when he can keep the route in front of him.

NEGATIVES

—Short arms (31 ⅛") and small hands (8 ¾") affect his ability to press at the line.

—His lateral agility was average on tape, which is key for a player projected to play in the slot more than outside.

—Didn't see top-tier competition in the Missouri Valley Conference.

—Tested well in the 40 (4.43 seconds) but doesn't play with the speed to chase receivers. He has to win at the snap, or he won't recover.

—Gets too aggressive jumping routes.

—Off coverage might always be his most comfortable style of play.

OVERALL

A small-school sleeper with big potential as a nickel cover man, Davontae Harris is a tough run defender with the height (6'0"), weight (200 lbs) and speed to see the field. He's a bit of a project coming out of Illinois State, but the tape and tools look good.

GRADE: 5.70 (Round 4)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Tyvon Branch, free agent