Top 10 Players in 2009: #5 - CB Al Harris

by Brandon on Jul 7, 2009 8:00 AM CDT Comment 6 comments

I'm getting on a roll with the outstanding Packers' secondary. At #6 was FS Nick Collins, and now CB Al Harris comes in at #5. Although I've got some serious reservations about putting him here.

There are a lot of good reasons why he is one of the top 10 most important players for 2009. He's coming off a great 2008 season, which included a trip to the Pro Bowl. Since they traded for him before the 2003 season, he didn't miss a start until early 2008 when suffered a lacerated spleen on a collision with LB A.J. Hawk. Even that only kept him out 4 games, and he still made the aforementioned Pro Bowl. Despite the presence of CB Charles Woodson on the roster, Harris is more likely to be covering the other team's best receiver.

But 12 months ago, I would have never put him on this list. He had a brutal 2007 season and got burned on a lot of occasions. Most notably when WR Plaxico Burress toasted him repeatedly during the NFC Championship game. He'll be turning 35 during the 2009 season and that's really old for a cornerback. But 34 is old for a cornerback too, and he did just fine last season. Also, he's never been known for his speed, so he's been spending his entire NFL career finding ways to compensate for it.

Despite his skill, his loss wouldn't be a devastating blow to the secondary. CB Tramon Williams, I guy I love but he's not Top 10 material yet, played very well last season. The coaches gave CB Will Blackmon a long look during OTA, and last year's 2nd round pick, CB Pat Lee, played well when Harris was injured in 2008.

Overall, he's been one of the top defensive players every season since 2003, usually assigned the responsibility of stopping the other team's best receiver, and he is coming off a great 2008 season. He has to be one of the top players they are relying on in 2009.

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Think of the kool-aid guy when you read this comment

OH YEAH! Al Harris really does belong at this spot.

by Tim V on Jul 7, 2009 9:04 AM CDT reply actions

My only worry...

I agree we need him to be all he was in 2008 and then some. What worries me is his ability to play in space. He does fine in bump and run situations taking speed out of the equation somewhat. But in the new 3-4 scheme, his lack of speed may be problematic as his role will be less bump and run than in years past. I’ve always been a fan of Harris as I think he more than makes up for his lack of speed with his physical play. I only hope this weakness is not exposed more in the 3-4. What do you guys think?

by GreenandGolder on Jul 7, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions

I was thinking the same thing

But I didn’t mention it because I just don’t know. My guess is that it won’t matter. Before he used the bump to keep right with the receiver off the line, and in off-man he’ll use the cushion to read the QB better and anticipate. If he does struggle with the transition, hopefully he works it out during the preseason.

by Brandon on Jul 7, 2009 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions

agreed

I totally agree, and think Harris will flounder a little in the new D having to play “in space”, and losing his physical edge… Personally I would be fine if they traded him and Collins to TB. Bates is the DC in TB now and they would probably welcome both since they are perfect for that scheme. Neither really is a good fit for Capers 34, IMO.

Give them a couple weeks in camp to see how they adjust. But if its really slow, then make a deal… Both could walk into TB and be starters in a day, at any time during camp.

I have had these concerns all offseason! Basically since Capers was hired… Both were brought to GB to SPECIFICALLY to play in the Bates/Sanders 43

by Strohman on Jul 8, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions

I hope you're right

He’s a smart veteran player who has pretty much seen it all. Hopefully his knowledge and anticipation will make the difference. It will be very interesting to see how the transition plays out across the secondary. Atari could be the difference maker…

by GreenandGolder on Jul 8, 2009 8:19 AM CDT reply actions

I don't know how big a deal it will be

I have read many places that Capers is going to make the 3-4 more “suitable” to Harris and Woodson’s styles. We’re modeling our 3-4 after the Steelers and their cb’s play man to man the majority of the time. Sure, he will have to play in space some of the time, but he is a smart player. Like you said he has never been known for his speed, but he still gets it done. And I guess I don’t know but I think it would be easier playing in zone coverage, as opposed to covering someone man to man.

Greenandgolder- I don’t know neccessarily if Atari will be the difference maker. He is a run stopping safety, and a lot of the time he will be up by the line in our new scheme. I think Collins is going to be the difference maker. At FS, he is now the “QB” of the D, and needs to call audibles, and know all the different coverages. Hopefully he can do that.

by packallday555 on Jul 8, 2009 1:03 PM CDT reply actions