Charles Harris thinks he can make more of an impact for the Lions this year
Charles Harris had a breakthrough season in 2021, but he sees plenty of room to improve this year.
After four NFL seasons, three with the Miami Dolphins and one with the Atlanta Falcons, Charles Harris landed with the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal last offseason. Opportunity knocked playing on a team that was not expected to do well, and the former first-round pick set a career-high with 7.5 sacks last season.
The Lions brought Harris back on a two-year deal this offseason, and even with who has been added to come off the edge he’ll be an important part of the Detroit defense this year.
At OTAs this past week, Lions head coach Dan Campbell noted where Harris was at the same point in 2021.
#Lions Dan Campbell loves Charles Harris' story. This time last year he was running with the 3s, holding bags in practice, and taking ST reps. Says Harris worked into earning himself some $$$ for a team that gave him a shot, and in return gave the Lions a shot by re-signing.
— Dannie (@dannierogers___) June 2, 2022
Detroit Lions: Charles Harris sees room to improve this year
Harris also set clear career highs in tackles (65), tackles for loss (10), quarterback hits (16) and pressures (34, according to Pro Football Reference). But speaking himself after last Thursday’s OTA practice, via Heavy.com, he seems room to improve in 2022.
"Mentality-wise, I think I’ve been able to go back and watch a lot of film from last year and see the plays that could have (been) made but didn’t get made and I think that’s kind of where I am this year. If I added every (play) I could have made, you know, numbers would be crazy…."
As for the key Harris is eyeing this year?
"Just making sure I’m being more efficient, so I think efficiency is the right word for what I’m trying to do this year,"
A look at Harris’ 2021 game log shows ups and downs he seems to be citing. He had a four-game sack streak from Week 2-5, then he went six straight games without one as his numbers across the board sagged. His remaining 3.5 sacks for the season came in two games (two sacks in Week 13 against the Minnesota Vikings, 1.5 sacks in Week 15 against the Arizona Cardinals).
Better consistency and efficiency (to use his word) would line Harris up to reach double-digit sacks this year. Having better players around him along the defensive line will help too.
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