Miami Hurricanes junior cornerback Brandon Harris should be one of the first players chosen at his position in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Harris leaves Miami after having recorded 99 total tackles and three interceptions in the last two seasons.

Strengths

• Quick feet, closes quickly
• Fluid hips
• Man-to-man defense - instinctual cover corner
• Athleticism
• Rebounds well from giving up a big play

• Cover corners at a premium

  Upside
• Experienced starter at a major program
• Read-and-react skills
• Willing run defender
• Dedicated to the game
• Experienced blitzer

Weaknesses

• Late to turn his head - records a lot of pass breakups rather than interceptions
• Not physical enough against the run
• Needs to improve his form as a tackler
• Zone coverage

Expected draft placement

Harris is a first-round pick this April, and he could go as early as No. 13 (Detroit Lions). Expect a later first-round placement to be more likely. The Lions could use a top-flight cover cornerback, and Harris should be the best remaining player at his position once the Lions are on the clock.

Other teams that could strongly consider Harris: Philadelphia Eagles (No. 23), Atlanta Falcons (No. 27), Chicago Bears (No. 29) and Pittsburgh Steelers (No. 31).