Since 2011, Chris Harris Jr. has been one of the best players for the Denver Broncos, and probably their best cornerback, all-around, too.
Harris was a diamond in the rough that John Elway’s front office was able to discover, after the draft, in 2011. And since, Harris has proven himself year-in, and year-out, no matter the opponents or his teammates.
What makes him special is his versatility, being able to dominate receivers — in a pass-happy league — either on the outside or in the slot. That’s unique because most corners stay at either the outside or in the slot, but aren’t skilled at both, while Harris is.
According to Pro Football Focus, Harris’ catch percentage in the slot was a mere 54.1 percent, the lowest in the league.
The best slot cornerback in the NFL? Look no further than @ChrisHarrisJr pic.twitter.com/qLKt06jpNf
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) June 3, 2018
What allows him to be so productive? First and foremost, his desire to continually prove himself, possibly stemming from going undrafted, means he’s never been complacent. Secondly, Harris studies in the film room like a graduate student in the library; he puts in the work necessary away from the game to be a complete monster on the gridiron.
Harris uses that love of studying film to read and react to plays in real-time, and then he utilizes a smart and yet physical style of pass defense to knock footballs away or pick them off.
Here’s more on what Pro Football Focus had to say about Chris Harris being a top-eight slot cornerback:
Chris Harris Jr., Denver Broncos
“Harris has been a PFF darling for some time and while his play (along with the play of the entire Broncos defense) took a dip in 2017, he remains the standard-bearer at the position. Even in a down season (he allowed three touchdown passes and a 108.8 rating in 37 slot targets in 2017) he had the second-most coverage snaps from the slot per reception allowed (16.3), suggesting teams are still less-likely to throw his way than they are to most other players lined up inside. While he’s not the blitzer that many of the players below are (just two pressures the last two seasons), he remains one of the best tacklers at the position, missing only one a season ago in 45 tries and earning a top 10 run-defense grade at his position.”
This year will be a little different for the 28-year old veteran, as he’ll be without former college and Broncos teammate Aqib Talib. Bradley Roby will be one of the primary outside cornerbacks, while Harris will still be asked to play both outside and in the slot. What should help the back end of the defense this year will be the pass rush, which will only take a giant leap forward, in all likelihood.
Not only did Denver draft Bradley Chubb at No. 5 overall — and he’ll make an immediate impact — but DeMarcus Ware has been at OTAs teaching technique to all the Broncos pass-rushers.
Overall, 2018 could be a year of improvement for Denver’s defense, which took a dip in 2017.