Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Update: Kelvin Harmon, WR WAS

Dwight Peebles Posted On May 22, 2019

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Name: Kelvin Harmon

Position: Wide Receiver

Pro Team: Washington Redskins

College Team: North Carolina State Wolfpack

Draft Status: Sixth round, 206th overall

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

COMBINE REVIEW

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 221 pounds
Arms: 32 ½”
Hands: 9 ½”
40-Yard Dash: 4.6 seconds
Bench press: 18 reps
Vertical Jump: 32 ½”
Broad Jump: 117”
3-Cone Drill: 7.15 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.32 seconds
60-Yard Shuttle: N/A

STRENGTHS

Physical receiver. Not afraid to hit, great blocker
Strong hands. Catches well away from his body and overhead
Reads defenses well and works open when plays break down
Reliable target and exceptional working underneath
Has a strong build. Good core and strength throughout
Tracks ball in air well. Handwork in contested situations is good
Aggressive and bullish with route running. Doesn’t get knocked around
Runs a variety of routes well and is technically sound

WEAKNESSES

Separation quickness is pedestrian. Has to create with physicality
Foot quickness is average and doesn’t allow him to pull away
Can be caught after separating due to average speed and acceleration
Not a receiver who creates yards after catching the ball
Press coverage can trigger his physical nature, leading to unclean releases

OPPORTUNITIES

Kelvin Harmon joined the Wolfpack as a three-star prospect in 2016 and quickly established himself as the top receiver. He had 27 catches for 462 yards and five scores, and won the Philip Rivers award for the top freshman. Over the next two seasons, he joined quarterback Ryan Finley, running back Reggie Gallaspy II, and fellow 2019 wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (claimed as an undrafted free agent by the Patriots) to form a potent offense which led N.C. State to finish near the top of the ACC. Harmon finished 2018 with 81 catches for 1,186 yards and seven scores, then skipped the bowl game to prepare for the draft process.

The Scouting Combine did not allow Harmon to feature his strengths, and the numbers were average at best. The draft process led to a slide, with him falling all the way into the sixth round, drafted by the wide receiver-needy Washington Redskins. Thought to be one of the better prospects due to his size, physicality, and technique, he was ultimately the 23rd wideout selected. Harmon will have an opportunity to earn a starting role with a group of wideouts that includes fellow draftee Terry McLaurin (third round) and a group of incumbents featuring Josh Doctson, Trey Quinn, Paul Richardson, and Brian Quick.

THREATS

Doctson is the longest tenured starter in Washington but has been injured for most of his career and his days are likely numbered with the team. Richardson is the other likely starter at this point but has been consistently underwhelming thus far in the NFL. Quinn was drafted in 2018 and profiles as a dynamic slot receiver and should take a step forward.

It will come down to McLaurin and Harmon to unseat either Doctson or Richardson, or both. Harmon is a tough outside presence which would be a valuable tool for the uncertainty at quarterback – a battle between Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, or 2019 first round pick Dwayne Haskins.

SHORT-TERM EXPECTATIONS

Harmon will take some time to get on the field. I don’t see him winning over the coaching staff from day one and earning a starting role directly out of camp. He will see some playing time and if injuries arise, he will be the first in line to fill in. Harmon’s role in the offense will be providing a solid, reliable target who will move the chains as well as a red-zone target to gather in contested catches for scores. A stat line of 35 catches for 470 yards and four touchdowns is what I project in year one.

LONG-TERM EXPECTATIONS

The draft process was not kind to Harmon. He is a much better wide receiver than his combine showing suggests. He is a strong, physical receiver, works hard to get open and has great hands – he will catch nearly everything thrown his way and not drop many passes. Harmon and Haskins will be a strong duo for the Redskins for many years. The big receiver will provide his young quarterback with a target he will be able to rely on.

Harmon doesn’t have the athletic profile to be a true dominant WR1. He could be the top wide receiver in this offense but won’t put up the numbers of players like Julio Jones and DeAndre Hopkins. He will be a receiver who routinely averages around 75 catches for 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns for his career. Harmon will far outplay his draft stock. The Redskins got a steal in the sixth round.

NFL PLAYER COMPARISON

A good comparison for Harmon is Alshon Jeffery. He is not the fastest alpha wide receiver and won’t be drafted among the top dozen wideouts, but will be the top option – reliable, tough, and capable of big plays, moving the chains, and being a red-zone target. Harmon fits this role and they have a similar physical profile as well.

PROJECTED ROOKIE DRAFT RANGE

According to our Rookie ADP, Harmon is currently 23.10 on average in the first ten rookie mocks since the NFL Draft. He is currently the 11th receiver drafted on average during rookie drafts. The end of the second round or early third round is the sweet spot for the rookie wide receiver.