Myles Harden

Myles Harden Player Profile

Summary

Myles Harden was drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Round 7, (pick 227) out of University of South Dakota.Harden is a developmental cornerback with traits and character that warrant optimism. His college production, leadership role, and physical profile give him a shot at asserting himself over time. He enters the NFL with a realistic path: contribute on special teams early, learn the pro game, and gradually take on more defensive snaps.

However, he is not without risk. His early pro‑metric grades suggest he’s behind many peers in coverage performance, and his FCS‑level background means he may need more time to adjust to NFL speed, route complexity, and elite receivers. His best role in the short‑term is likely as a depth piece and special‑teams contributor, with upside to develop into a rotational or starting corner if he improves substantially.

Strengths

  • Leadership & production at the college level: Harden was a team captain and first‑team All‑America in the FCS in 2023, showing he stood out in his conference. University of South Dakota Athletics

  • Size and physical traits for a corner: At 5′11″ and 195 lbs, he has decent bulk for the position and the length to handle bigger receivers more comfortably. Pro Football Reference

  • Work ethic and developmental upside: Coming from a smaller school, his trajectory shows improvement and adaptability—traits that translate well for late‑round picks.

  • Special teams and depth value: As a seventh‑rounder, his ability to contribute on special teams and grow into a defensive role gives him immediate value.

Weaknesses

  • Advanced coverage metrics at NFL level are underwhelming: According to Pro Football Focus, in 2024 he ranked 216th out of 222 CBs in overall grade, with a coverage grade of 31.5 (214th of 222). PFF

  • Recovery speed and elite‑level athleticism concerns: While decent, his top‑end speed and ability to recover on deep routes have been flagged as areas needing improvement.

  • Limited experience against top‑tier opponents: Playing FCS competition means fewer truly elite matchups in college, which raises projection risk when facing NFL‑caliber receivers.

  • Role and snap limitation early on: As a late pick, he may not receive many defensive snaps initially; his growth may require time and opportunity.

Fit & Outlook

  • Fit:

  • Best placed in a defensive system that uses rotation at cornerback, supports young players in coverage development, and allows him to gain confidence on less‑high‑stakes matchups initially.

  • Could thrive in sub‑package roles (nickel, dime) where he covers slot receivers and can use his physical traits without being isolated on every down.

  • Less ideal at this stage if he’s thrown into a role requiring isolation vs. the fastest boundary receivers from day one.

  • Outlook:

  • Short‑Term (Year 1): Will likely see special‑teams snaps and limited defensive action; his goal should be to show coverage improvement, reliability, and readiness when called upon.

  • Medium‑Term (Years 2–3): If he develops his recovery speed, technique, and coverage instincts, he could step into a rotational CB or strong depth role, with potential to start in favorable matchups.