http://www.startribune.com/510/story/1020058.html
He's a young guy with lots of talent and would probably cost half as much as Adalius Thomas.
He is a player to watch, mostly based on his age, size and speed. To this point he has underperformed as a Pro (former #1 Draft pick). BB & SP seem to favor production which would make him less likely to land here.
I like game of Thomas (Ravens) but his age / cost don't make him a good fit here. We can likely get two B - B+ players for the same price as Thomas.
For full disclosure, Harris is my "sleeper" or "binkie", looking at the available free agents I thought he could be a good fit. Without seeing him play a lot here is my take.
Pros
- starting experience at MLB, has appropriate size 6'3, 255 (hard to find) and above average speed 4.6
Upside - add speed and youth (27) to LB core
- could become a productive to above average LB in our system for 3-5 years
- a player of this age could provide a line of continuity as the LB core is turned over in the next 2-3 years
Cons
- has not measured up to first round billing, two teams have let him go(Raiders and Vikings )
Downside - I can't see him being worse than Beisel because he has played LB in the NFL but he may never be anything close to the Patriot LBs we have had in the past
Bottom line - IMO ILB is still the top priority of the offseason and I expect the Pats to bring in a veteran starter. This position should be a focus for the Patriots as free agency starts. Take your pick Harris, Fletcher-Baker, Edwards, Mitchell (KC), I would like to see one of this players signed in the first part of March. Other positons of need can be filled later in FA or via the draft (in order of weakness WR, TE, RB, S, CB, OL).
Other Sleepers - Players that may bring similar value Antwan Peek (OLB Houston) or trade with Houston for Jason Babin (may be able to get him for a 3rd or 4th, he doesn't fit their system anymore).
