Was Drafting Duron Harmon A Mistake?

Nov 10, 2012; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights linebacker Duron Harmon (32) returns a fumble for a touchdown against the Army Black Knights during the second half at High Point Solutions Stadium. Rutgers won the game 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

This was a huge surprise to most Patriots fans, well no. It was a huge surprise to everyone as this guy had no film for NFL Network, and ESPN to show. This is a very questionable call and had they waited until the 7th, he’d still be available. Harmon (6-foot, 196 pounds) was not invited to the NFL combine and is the only player so far to be drafted that didn’t attend the combine. He had one interception and 50 tackles as a senior playing alongside Logan Ryan, who was selected by New England earlier in the third round. It’s getting to the point where if you play for Rutgers, the chances of the Patriots drafting you are very high.

This is a very typical Bill Belichick response when he was asked about drafting Harmon during his presser:“Thought it was a good value when we took him. I don’t know how the other teams have their board stacked or anything else. You have to take the players that you feel can help your team.”

He was a two-time All Big East player at Rutgers and started 27 of 50 games at Rutgers. He also had 50 tackles as a senior and the Patriots other third-round pick, Logan Ryan, who claimed that they are both best friends. Both Harmon and Ryan have special teams upside which is a constant with the Patriots. They are always looking to improve in every area, and Special Teams is one of their weaknesses. This screams insanity, I just can’t get to the point of why they needed Harmon when there was so many better options than him. I truly hope he proves us wrong, but this was a terrible pick in my opinion.

One question is where will Harmon even play for the Patriots. Devin McCourty, Adrian Wilson, Steve Gregory and Tavon Wilson would seem to have the majority set of playing time locked up already even with an injury or two. Nate Ebner is another guy who is waiting in the wings. This looks entirely like the a pure depth and special teams pick which disappoints me. Unless the Patriots plan on releasing one of those players, this looks like a pure depth and special teams pick. They need to make these types of moves in the earlier rounds, not the 3rd round where they need to focus on upgrading their defense with guys who will make an impact.

At the end of the day, Belichick is going to do what he feels is best for this football team. It’s obvious he’s a genius and an amazing football coach, but this is a situation where he made a mistake that will hurt them in the near future. Harmon has quite a long way to go if he wants to try to make an impact on this football team aside from being on special teams.

Here is a cutup of Harmon’s game against Arkansas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=c4BKf-miCtM