If the Detroit Lions draft a receiver first, N’Keal Harry or D.K. Metcalf?

The Detroit Lions case for N’Keal Harry

N’Keal Harry, WR, Arizona St., 6-2, 228, 4.53

N’Keal Harry is the other candidate being considered here. Harry has all of the tools to be a number one receiver in the NFL. There are things to consider with both he and Metcalf, though.

Let me start his evaluation with the bad stuff. Above you can see some basic data about him but what you can’t see is that some pundits question his work ethic coming into the NFL, like this article from Benjamin Solak of The Draft Network. His stats are good, not overwhelming for a first-round talent, similar to Metcalf.

Don’t get us wrong, consecutive 1,000-yard seasons is a big check for Harry when comparing on-field production between the two men. N’Keal’s worst year is better in almost every statistical category than Metcalf. His three years amass to 213 receptions, 2,889 yards, and 22 touchdowns as a receiver.

At times, he resembles Odell Beckham Junior when the ball is in the air. Harry is a beast with the ball in his hands, generating many yards after he catches the ball. When he is dialed in, Harry looks like an Andre Johnson or DeAndre Hopkins kind of dynamic player.

On the other hand, he doesn’t always get great separation and at times has difficulties with press-man coverage. He looks like he should be able to push through college cornerbacks but doesn’t always use his size and good technique to break a jam. His blocking at times also looks like he isn’t using his impressive physique to his advantage, where he is bigger than some linebackers.

His combine numbers were an athletic display, where he ran a 4.53 sprint, a 38.5 inch vertical, a 10-02 broad jump, did 27 reps on his bench press, and a 4.52 three-cone drill. Harry’s strength stands out but all of his numbers are very good. His production has been somewhat limited by not having many elite athletes on his team at Arizona State, allowing opposing defenses to focus on him more.

The bottom line is that N’Keal Harry is a top end athlete with upside, who although he doesn’t have the elite speed, is a playmaker when the ball is near him. Given general manager Bob Quinn’s desire to add playmakers, Harry would be able to create problems for many NFL cornerbacks.

Which guy would you draft if you were Bob Quinn and you had to choose? Maybe you’d choose a different receiver, who would that be? Let us know in the comments.

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