The Los Angeles Rams maintained their efforts to revamp the receiving corps in the 2021 NFL Draft with the additions of Tutu Atwell and Jacob Harris.
Head coach Sean McVay addressed the need for L.A. to be more explosive on offense moving forward. Although Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp provide quarterback Matthew Stafford with a pair of sure hands capable of gaining yards after the catch, McVay noted that they were still lacking a true deep threat in the form of either a speedster or big-bodied wideout.
The Rams added a couple of burners in wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Atwell this offseason. Meanwhile, Harris fits the mold as a potential big target for Stafford in the passing game thanks to his physical tools.
The former UCF standout had been listed as both a tight end and wide receiver throughout the draft process. He is confident that his rare combination of size and speed will allow him to contribute wherever he is needed the most.
“Who knows. I’m open to playing and being used wherever I’m needed and that’s just kind of my mindset going into this, is wherever I’m needed to play, whether that’s receiver, tight end, I’m open to doing that and diving in,” Harris said.
Harris admits that he is looking forward to the opportunity to make an immediate impact on special teams.
“Yeah, definitely. I definitely spoke with the Ram special teams for a little bit and that’s one thing that I think I’m most excited about in the league, is getting the opportunity to get back out there on special teams, especially those cover teams. I really enjoy it and I’d go in there with a full heart.”
Harris elaborated on his pedigree playing on all special teams in college.
“My role, especially throughout UCF, I started on all four special teams, so just getting down the field, trying to make a play on the ball carrier, whether that’s kickoff cover or punt and then I also played punt return and kickoff return blocking as well. So I’ve got experience in both of those areas and I feel like I’m ready to just utilize those at the next level.”
Given Harris’ unique skill set, he says the Rams inquired about his willingness to put his versatility to use.
“Just anything, really. Because I’m newer to football, I’ve only been playing five years. I started on all four special teams before. I played a little bit of tight end at UCF, but as far as that, I think they’re just trying to gauge how open I was to being versatile, because I believe that’s kind of the role I had at UCF and I think they were just wanting to see if I would approach that same role at the next level and you know I will. I’ll go wherever.”
Harris joins a crowded tight end room that is headed by Tyler Higbee, Johnny Mundt and Brycen Hopkins. However, his physical tools will allow McVay and special Teams coordinator Joe DeCamilis to utilize him across the board.
Harris checked in at 6-foot-5, 219 pounds and recorded a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash. His 40.5-inch vertical and 11-feet, 1-inch broad hump indicate he is already one of the most explosive players they have at their disposal.
Unlike the other tight ends, Harris is capable of taking the top off opposing coverage. Regardless of what position he is listed at, it will be interesting to see if the rookie can emerge as a viable pass-catcher for Stafford.
