First Impressions of Texans DT Marcus Harris

Is Marcus Harris one of the surprises of the 2024 NFL Draft?

With the 247th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans select:

Marcus Harris, DT – Auburn

Measurables:

• Height: 6’2”
• Weight: 286 lbs
• Arm: 32”
• Hand: 9 5/8”
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.06 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 29.5”
• Broad Jump: 8’ 7”
• NFL-NGS Score: 6.10: Good backup with the potential to develop into starter

Awards:

• Second team All-SEC, 2023

Marcus Harris had a prolific career with Auburn after transferring there from Kansas in 2019. In his final year at Auburn, Harris appeared in 12 games, tallied 40 total tackles, 11.5 for loss, 7.5 sacks, and defended pass, and one forced fumble. His collegiate career stats are: 74 games, 126 total tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two defended passes, two forced fumbles, one defensive touchdown (woo!).

An undersized, but not too undersized defensive tackle, Harris was a fast and bendy interior rusher capable of forcing his way into the backfield by any means possible. He’s routinely impressive strength and footwork that compliment his low center of gravity, making him an unlikely playmaker. In fact, in 2023, Harris one of the very best defensive linemen against the run in all of college football. He’s a real athlete, and he has the scores and the tape to prove it.

Admittedly, I’m not used to seeing players this productive and impressive still on the board, so Harris is pretty exciting. Not unlike Roy Lopez from the 2021 draft, Harris’ strength more than makes up for his size and, at some point, you have to commend his production in a conference full of great interior linemen.

Regardless, though, Harris was inconsistent throughout stretches of his collegiate career and will be working his way from the bottom due to his below-average size. He’s got a solid chance to make the roster, but it’ll require a lot of work throughout training camp and the preseason.

What do you think, though? Is Marcus Harris the next Roy Lopez, something even better, or something worse? Let us know in the comments below!