Mark Harrison

[dannydyn]

Does anyone know what's the story with this guy? Currently on the NFI, but I'm guessing he should become available after this week's game?

 

[JMC00]

I don't expect to see at all this year.

 

[jmt57]

Since he was on NFI he has not been able to practice, putting him further behind. I would guess that he ends up on IR.

Mark Harrison in wait room | Boston Herald

Eventually, the Patriots hope, Mark Harrison will garner his share of ink, too. The undrafted Rutgers product broke his foot after the combine and is biding his time on the non-football injury list, which has similar rules as the physically unable to perform list and will keep him out of action for at least six games.​

It Is What It Is » Why is someone like wide receiver Mark Harrison available to Patriots?

Physically, he appears to have the tools to succeed: The 6-foot-3, 235-pounder doesn’t necessarily possess elite speed, but he’s a big target with a sizable wingspan who can overmatch undersized defensive backs. In addition, he was one of the best receivers at the combine when it came to his vertical jump and broad jump.

As for how he projects at the NFL level, his size and skill set suggest an oversized receiver, perhaps bordering on tight end. He certainly compares to the 6-foot-1, 245-pound Aaron Hernandez, another big wide receiver who masquerades as a tight end in the New England passing game. As a collegian, Hernandez ran a 4.64 40, displayed a 33-inch vertical leap and a 9-foot, 3-inch broad jump. By way of comparison, Harrison posted a 4.46 40-yard dash, a 38.5-inch vertical leap and a 10-foot, 9-inch broad jump.​

New England Patriots Signing Troubled Wide Receiver Mark Harrison Could Be Worthwhile Gamble

Originally projected as a mid-round pick in last month's NFL draft, the 6-foot-3, 255 pound Harrison went undrafted because of questions regarding his character.

Harrison was a three-year starter at Rutgers University, where he totaled 107 receptions, 1,769 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns during his career. After leading the Big East with nine touchdowns as a sophomore in 2011, he finished with just 44 catches, 583 receiving yards and six touchdowns last season. His inconsistent production prevented him from ever joining the ranks of the top receiver prospects.​

 

[dannydyn]

not being able to practice doesn't mean he can't train on his own. I'm sure he's in ship shape. Just need to get some action with TFB. I'd also imagine that by now he has the playbook in his head.

 

[mr53k]

I am really happy that they have him, cause he is physacall beast and i think that he ll be converted to TE.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I am really happy that they have him, cause he is physacall beast and i think that he ll be converted to TE.

Physically he's like a bigger, stronger, faster version of Anquan Boldin.

 

[PatriotReign]

I was hoping he could play wide receiver but I think his best chance is being converted into a move TE.

 

[primetime]

Physically he's like a bigger, stronger, faster version of Anquan Boldin.

Sure. Unfortunately, he just has terrible hands and isn't very good at football.

 

[TruthSeeker]

Sure. Unfortunately, he just has terrible hands and isn't very good at football.

So he'll fit in well with Dobson, Thompkins and Boyce........ I kid, I kid, I love those guys.

 

[stevedogc]

An undrafted rookie with no reps with the team til after week 6? Doubt anything will come of it. With his size though, would be nice to see if they can get anything out of him in the red zone.

 

[AzorianPats]

Did I read right? 6'3 255 lbs?

 

[supafly]

not being able to practice doesn't mean he can't train on his own. I'm sure he's in ship shape. Just need to get some action with TFB. I'd also imagine that by now he has the playbook in his head.

I highly doubt that a guy who's been injured since right after the combine is going to come in and instantly pick up the chemistry and system with Brady after missing all of spring/summer camp and practices.

His playbook knowledge is likely better than an outsider, but it can't be all that great either--seeing as how he's yet to see the field and practice the different aspects.

Even if you somehow overlooked these other options, the big question would be where would he play and who would he replace?

Amendola, Edelman, Thompkins, Dobson and Gronkowski are going to take up the top 5 receiving targets (in no particular order of course). How would anyone justify taking out Thompkins or Dobson at this point in time? It's already come to the point where we're not even seeing Josh Boyce, and just recently brought in Austin Collie. I'm just not seeing any kind of space for Mark Harrison at this point in time, but he may be a great candidate for a spot next year if he shows something in camp.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Let's think people.
Gronk a legit superstar injured takes time to adapt to football before returning.
This injured kid who has never played a down in the NFL, not even pre-season, is gonna come in and play?
NFW!

 

[PatriotReign]

Let's think people.
Gronk a legit superstar injured takes time to adapt to football before returning.
This injured kid who has never played a down in the NFL, not even pre-season, is gonna come in and play?
NFW!

He certainly can't be worse than Hooman or Matt Mulligan.

 

[supafly]

He certainly can't be worse than Hooman or Matt Mulligan.

I'd agree with you that just about anyone would likely improve upon the TE's. The problem is that Belichick just doesn't seem to agree with our expert opinions

Until we have a hint of some sort to believe that Harrison is our TE of the future, I think most of us are going to assume that he was kept as a WR project for the future. Either that or he may just be cut in the next week or two.

 

[PatriotReign]

I'd agree with you that just about anyone would likely improve upon the TE's. The problem is that Belichick just doesn't seem to agree with our expert opinions

Until we have a hint of some sort to believe that Harrison is our TE of the future, I think most of us are going to assume that he was kept as a WR project for the future. Either that or he may just be cut in the next week or two.

I was a big proponent of Harrison getting reps at receiver but with how crowded the position is currently I don't see it as a viable option anymore. Tight End or H-back on the other hand is completely devoid of talent. And while his talent as a blocker would surely be questionable early on he could emerge as the new compliment to Gronk whenever he returns.

It's certainly a pipe dream right now but for a guy of his size to have such deceptive speed gets me excited about his possibilities. Of course he would be a project since he has questionable hands and would need to learn a new position.

 

[TruthSeeker]

I'd agree with you that just about anyone would likely improve upon the TE's. The problem is that Belichick just doesn't seem to agree with our expert opinions

Until we have a hint of some sort to believe that Harrison is our TE of the future, I think most of us are going to assume that he was kept as a WR project for the future. Either that or he may just be cut in the next week or two.

I can't see them cutting Harrison, they would have done that in the preseason or put him on season ending IR. They must have some long term ideas about him to have done what they did with him. You know if they cut him, he'd become a Jet immediately. Let him get some weeks of practice, let him be on the sidelines as an inactive, and see where he is next season.

 

[dannydyn]

I can't see them cutting Harrison, they would have done that in the preseason or put him on season ending IR. They must have some long term ideas about him to have done what they did with him. You know if they cut him, he'd become a Jet immediately. Let him get some weeks of practice, let him be on the sidelines as an inactive, and see where he is next season.

I agree, if he was just a JAG, or they had no plans for him, he would have been gone long time ago. I think he might just be the wildcard joker for this offense.

 

[Sicilian]

I can't see them cutting Harrison, they would have done that in the preseason or put him on season ending IR. They must have some long term ideas about him to have done what they did with him. You know if they cut him, he'd become a Jet immediately. Let him get some weeks of practice, let him be on the sidelines as an inactive, and see where he is next season.

Yes and no. Since they had the option to place him on the NFI list, there really was no downside to keeping him around in case of a rash of injuries, or in the off chance that he just hits the ground running.

Are the practice rules the same for NFI as they are for PUP? Where you can practice for a few weeks before being added to the 53 man roster after you come off? If so, I won't be at all surprised if Harrison comes off NFI, practices a few weeks, and then is cut.

Until I see otherwise, the reason he's on the team is he could be kept without eating up a roster spot, so why not?

 

[Miguel]

Cap tidbit - He is getting paid like a practice squad - 6K per week or 102K for the season.