Tyler Harrell, WR Alabama: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Harrell was a three-star recruit from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Fla. in the class of 2018

The Alabama Crimson Tide added two wide receiver transfers this offseason in Georgia’s Jermaine Burton and Louisville’s Tyler Harrell. Burton has more hype entering the year, but Harrell could become the offense’s star pass catcher as he unleashes his 4.24 speed on vertical routes and screens. Let’s take a closer look at Harrell’s player profile.

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Tyler Harrell, WR Alabama: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Redshirt junior outside receiver from Miami, Fla.

Background: Harrell was a three-star recruit from Christopher Columbus High School in Miami, Fla. in the class of 2018. He was the No. 897 recruit according to 247Sports and No. 843 for On3.com. Harrell was an unranked three-star recruit for Rivals. He was unranked for ESPN with an 80 grade out of 100 (four-star). Harrell’s high school production was not closely tracked, but MaxPreps credits him with 11 receptions for 246 yards (22.4 yards per reception) and three touchdowns in four games as a high school senior. While in high school, Harrell ran the 200m and competed on the men’s 400m relay team that won the 4A state meet. He ran the 100m in 10.37 seconds and the 200m in 20.83 seconds. Miami (Fla.) offered him a scholarship to run track, but Harrell decided to play football instead. He ran an official 4.24 in the 40-yard dash at Louisville’s Pro Day in 2021. Harrell transferred from Louisville to Alabama in the spring of 2022.

2021 Production: 13 games, 18 receptions, 523 yards, 6 touchdowns + 4 kick returns, 90 yards

2020 Production: 0 games

2019 Production: 2 games

2018 Production: 2 games, 2 receptions, 36 yards, Redshirt Year

Injuries & Off-Field: N/A

Awards: N/A

Pros: Experience as a return man and on punt and kick coverage units, played over 90% of his snaps on the outside for the Cardinals, very few manufactured touches, dynamo working over the middle of the field, average depth of target was 24.9 yards in 2021, posted wins against Mario Goodrich, Darian Chestnut, and Garrett Williams (2021), quick off the line, elite linear speed (true burner), angle eraser, stacks defensive backs and takes the top off defenses, quickly eliminates the defensive back’s cushion, speed and acceleration lead to natural separation, comfortable going low to make catches, varies release package, route salesmanship is solid, light and quick feet

Cons: Lack of playing time, hasn’t performed well in his limited contested catch opportunities, didn’t play a high-volume role at Louisville, dropped three of 36 targets in 2021, almost no slot snaps at Louisville, not twitchy, struggles to make defenders miss in space, thin frame, more linear speed than dynamic lateral playmaking, lack of production outside of the hashes, some fear about him becoming a one-trick pony, intermediate route tree is underdeveloped, lacks the strength to sustain as a blocker

Overview: Louisville unofficially listed Harrell at 6'0", 194 lbs. The former Cardinal has legitimate track speed and will likely be the fastest player in his draft class. Harrell flies past defenders on vertical patterns. You could argue that Louisville underutilized him by only targeting him three dozen times in 2021 and not giving him many reps in the slot. I expect Alabama will alter Harrell’s usage and volume significantly, giving him more schemed touches where he can create in space and at least 70 to 80 targets. However, Harrell hasn’t proved he’s capable of sustaining his ultra-efficient play on a high volume of targets. He’s also not a twitchy player in space and often relies on his speed to make defenders miss instead of jukes or cuts. Harrell’s route tree, especially at the intermediate level and outside of the hashes, is significantly underdeveloped. His tendency to rely on straight-line speed instead of dynamic open field moves is a trait many analysts decried in the past for other NFL prospects. Harrell will benefit from playing with Bryce Young and Alabama’s talented offense, but he’s a long way from providing us with a clear picture of his floor and ceiling.

Overall, Harrell remains a complete projection based on his one elite trait. He’ll need to show significant growth in 2022 to establish himself as a high-ranking draft prospect. Harrell’s elite acceleration and speed will break some game-changing plays, and that part of his game should translate to the NFL. However, Harrell is currently too one-dimensional and unproven as a high-volume receiver for me to believe he’ll go before Day 3. 

Role & Scheme Fit: Inside-out versatile receiver in an 11 personnel heavy scheme

Round Projection: Mid Fourth to Early Fifth

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-15-22