After dealing with the consequences of starter Jaylen Watson landing on injured reserve, the Kansas City Chiefs could add more cornerback depth in the 2025 NFL draft. The team’s third and fourth-round selections put it in a strong position to add complementary pieces to its defense this coming spring.
Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Jermari Harris’ arms meet the league’s thresholds and help him deploy one-armed stabs in press coverage to re-route receivers. His quick and smooth feet help him patiently mirror wide receiver releases. He makes sharp and sometimes twitchy cuts to stay attached to advanced releases.
Harris accelerates quickly to carry receivers vertically but lacks the elite top speed to match burners. His recovery burst helps him get back into the second half of routes when he loses off the line. Harris is a smooth mover with limited tightness in his hips, but he allows some separation as he attempts to decelerate on intermediate comeback routes.
Harris anticipates routes well in both man and zone coverage. He excels at closing on short to intermediate routes to contest throwing lanes. Harris’ impressive ball production reflects how well he tracks and plays the football at the catch point.
Iowa’s defense is full of NFL players but CB Jermari Harris has been the best player on the team.
– leads CFB defenders with 7 pass breakups + interceptions
– outstanding zone IQ
– sticky in press man
– physical run defender pic.twitter.com/5QqRUjFYBO— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 23, 2024
Harris’ physical profile makes him a viable option in man coverage, and his processing helps him succeed in zone concepts. He seamlessly transitions between threats in zone and uses his understanding of route concepts to bait quarterbacks into bad throws.
Iowa welcomes Wisconsin to Kinnick Stadium for a 6:30 p.m. night game on Saturday, Nov. 2. The Badgers are on their second quarterback after starter Tyler Van Dyke went down with a season-ending knee injury earlier this year.
