NFL Draft Profile: Fresno State WR Josh Harper

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As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.

Josh Harper (WR), Fresno State

6’1” | 191 lbs.

2014 stats:

90 rec, 1097 yards, 7 TD

Projection:

5th-6th round

What scouts are saying:

"Long-waisted wide receiver who is quicker than fast. Harper was a possession receiver at Fresno State and NFL cornerbacks will likely press him to make him win at the line of scrimmage. With work on his routes, Harper has the feet, body control and hands to get open and become a viable NFL target. His ability to make plays after the catch will improve his draft stock." - NFL.com's Lance Zierlein

"Intriguing athlete who emerged as a stronger, more disciplined player the past two seasons. Accelerates well and does a nice job mixing gears, turning on the jets with smooth strides to gain a step vertically and stretch the field. He has a quick burst off the snap and can stick his foot in the turf and explode out of his cuts to gain separation. Good hand-eye coordination to extend for the difficult reception away from his frame and shows some toughness in hanging on after absorbing the big hit. Uses his broad shoulders to effectively seal defenders away from the ball on slants." - CBS Sports' Dane Brugler and Rob Rang

"Lean limbed with limited power, which makes him unreliable in jump-ball situations and as a blocker. Inconsistent with his timing to win at the catch-point, too often losing out to shorter defenders on 50-50 balls. Some wasted movement as a route-runner and after he catches the pass. Dances too much trying to make defenders miss with rather than burrowing his head and getting what he can. Only average balance to run through arm tackles. Struggled with injuries over his first two playing seasons at Fresno State after redshirting in 2010. Missed a total of eight games in 2011-12 with various injuries, including a sports hernia, hamstring and undisclosed foot injury." - CBS Sports' Dane Brugler and Rob Rang

Fit for the Bears:

He's not going to make anyone forget about Brandon Marshall, but Green Bay's Davante Adams proved a year ago that Fresno State wide receivers can live up to the hype even though they're not from Power 6 schools. The key with Harper, according to the above scouts, was that he continued to grow as a player, physically and mentally. That could be good for a Bears team that likely won't be contending this season. He could learn a thing or two from Alshon Jeffery and Eddie Royal. That being said, if the Bears go with Amari Cooper or Kevin White at No. 7 this won't be a need in the middle rounds.

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