NFL Scouting Combine: 5 players who need to improve 2019 draft stock
By Peter Panacy
The 2019 NFL Draft is laden with big-bodied wide receivers, and teams like the 49ers will be looking hard at those who may slip into Round 2 (the Niners select at No. 36 overall after their first pick).
San Francisco 49ers
As far as Arizona State wideout N’Keal Harry is concerned, he’ll need to have a strong NFL Scouting Combine to improve what’s looking to be a draft stock fringing between Rounds 1 and 2.
There’s no doubt Harry brings solid attributes to the pro level. At 6-foot-4 and 213 pounds, Harry is a massive red-zone weapon, who managed over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his last two collegiate seasons with a combined 17 touchdowns.
Harry’s strength and ball-fighting abilities aren’t in question. What is, however, is his straight-line speed and separation abilities.
To quote NFL Mocks’ Andrew Kim:
"N’Keal Harry does struggle with press coverage and separating against faster defensive backs down the field on the outside as he does play better on the inside in the slot. Harry can separate but tougher competition has slowed his production down. He has just enough speed to potentially play on the outside as a top receiver at the next level but if he wants to do that, route running is something he will have to work on as he ran a few basic routes with little complexity."
Harry’s 40-yard dash time will be something to watch during the NFL Scouting Combine, and it might be the difference between going in Round 1 or falling into Round 2.