Go Back   :   Go Forward

Derrick Harvey, Defensive End

Go Back   :   Go Forward

Matt's Notes on Derrick Harvey

Plays both left and right defensive end. Harvey came on very strong as a rotational player for Florida as a sophomore and led the team with 12 sacks. He also led the team in sacks as a junior. He is a very good pass rusher that could play either side in the NFL given his frame. Very quick burst off the line which he has kept through the years despite gaining nearly 50 pounds while in Gainesville. He does a nice job flattening out and getting inside the pocket to create pressure. Uses a variety of different ways to get to the quarterback. Generally more of a spin move or rip guy, but shows excellent body control and can adjust in mid rush to get penetration. He is a strong player, however he isn't a guy that bullrushed many offensive tackles at Florida. He did take some wide splits as well, which really put him in good positions to win his battles at times. Derrick does show the ability to change directions quickly and looks agile in the open field, leading me to wonder if 3-4 teams will take a hard look at him as an outside linebacker. Plays with his arms extended and can be stout at the point of attack. One of Harvey's best games as a junior came against Michigan. He showed really good awareness on one play, dropping into coverage from his right defensive end spot and covering the flat on a tight end screen. He got his hands up constantly when he couldn't penetrate and caused a few errant throws. Came off the edge with a great burst from the left side to get a sack and force a fumble. Showed some quick inside moves to get penetration and break up running plays. He really used his speed off the edge a lot in the game and had success, however I could have liked to see him get his pad level just a tad lower. He had a number of tackles for loss in the game and also forced and intentional grounding. Harvey is just a very good pass rusher and with him coming in at 271 pounds I believe he cemented himself as a Top 15 player. He could play in both the 4-3 or 3-4 in my opinion and I could see him climbing into the Top 10.

Tommy's Notes on Derrick Harvey

Only a Junior. Derrick is a natural pass rusher. He led UF in sacks as a Sophomore, despite not starting the whole year. Led them in '07 as well and finished his career with 20.5 sacks. Harvey was the Defensive MVP of the BCS Championship game after the '06 season. Has bulked up each year. Started off in the 225 range. Did get bigger and stronger, but didn't lose his burst. Plays both sides. Gets down almost in a track stance. Explodes off the edge. Does a good job of flattening out. Can fly off the football. Has good body control. Aside from his burst, Derrick will use a spin move and a good rip move to get to the QB. Shows a good feel for rushing the passer. Can beat you with his first move, but also has counter moves and knows how/when to use them. Can be a strong, physical player. Drove UGA TE back on run play. Doesn’t fly upfield out of control. Able to change directions and get after the QB when he moves. Can be stout at the POA. Exploded upfield on pass play vs UGA. They threw a WR screen. Derrick got the TFL as he got the WR when he came in toward the middle of the field. Looped inside from RE and hit the UGA QB as he threw the ball. Took an inside slant and got pressure on QB. Played well in the bowl game. Racked up 2 sacks of Chad Henne. Weighed in at 271 in Indy. Had a solid showing at the Combine. Had a good Pro Day. 3-4 teams are considering him as an OLB. SUMMARY Derrick is a gifted pass rusher that will go in the top 15 for sure. Most likely to be a top ten pick and might just end up at 3-4 OLB.