Christian Harris

Christian Harris Player Profile

Summary

Christian Harris was selected in the 3rd Round (#75 Overall) in the 2022 Draft out of University of Alabama. Harris entered the NFL with strong athletic traits and versatility as a modern linebacker capable of playing in space, making plays in run‑defense, and covering. Early in his career with the Texans, he’s shown flashes of big‑play potential, high tackle volume, and the athleticism to impact multiple phases of defense. At the same time, he still has growth areas—particularly around play‑strength, consistency, block‑shedding, and maintaining performance under the full demands of the NFL. If he refines these, he has a good chance to become a core defensive player; if some aspects lag, he may settle as a very solid starter but not a dominant one.

Strengths

  • Elite athleticism & range: Harris ran a 4.44‑second 40‑yard dash at the combine and showed excellent closing speed and sideline‑to‑sideline range in college. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Versatility in space: He has demonstrated ability to drop into coverage, cover backs or tight ends, and also blitz or defend against the run.

  • High tackle volume & production: In 2023, Harris logged 101 combined tackles (65 solo), showing his ability to stay around the ball and make plays.

  • Football IQ & instincts: At Alabama and early in the NFL, he’s shown good pre‑snap recognition, alignment skills, and the ability to diagnose plays.

  • Effort & pursuit speed: He shows an aggressive pursuit mentality, often showing up near the point of attack or chasing plays down.

Weaknesses

  • Lack of ideal size/play strength for the position: Some scouting reports note that Harris is undersized for an every‑down linebacker (especially in power run‑fits) and that his anchor against blockers is a work in progress. NFL Draft Buzz

  • Block‑shedding and physicality against heavy personnel: While good in space, he can struggle when tasked with shedding big linemen or performing at his best when engaged by powerful blockers.

  • Consistency in instincts under NFL speed & complexity: Although he has good athletic traits, at times he can be “read‑and‑react” rather than natural‑instinct driven, which may delay reactions in faster‑paced pro schemes.

  • Experience and refinement: Being early in his career, there are still aspects (e.g., complex coverage assignments, advanced role‑versatility) that he needs to polish to reach his full ceiling.

  • Durability / small sample size: As with many younger players, maintaining consistency over full seasons and staying healthy will be key to establishing trust as a full‑time centerpiece.

Fit & Outlook

Harris fits best in a defense that uses athletic linebackers who can play multiple fronts, drop into coverage, and chase plays rather than simply being big thumpers. He can excel in a system that allows him freedom in space and alignment variety rather than one that demands frequent heavy two‑gap or pure power run roles. In the near term, expect Harris to be a key starter in the linebacker corps, contributing heavily in both run and pass defense, while further refining his game. Over time, with continued growth, he could become a foundational piece of the defense. Harris’ long-term ceiling is a true three‑down linebacker who covers, defends the run well, produces big plays, and becomes a leader on defense. Otherwise, he will remain a very good starter linebacker who is solid in most phases, but perhaps not elite in play‑strength or dominance against the run.