CNNSI.com NFL Draft 2002


 
Grading System
Alan Harper | DT | Fresno St. | Western Athletic Conference
Selected by New York Jets in round 4, pick 23 (121 overall)
Height Weight 40 Grade
6'1½ 295 5.32 3.71
Alan Harper
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Four-year starter that was an All-Conference selection every year since his sophomore campaign. Totaled 53/20/12 last season with one interception in 13 games. Junior totals were 50/14/2 after 74/11/4 as a redshirt sophomore.

Quick, interior lineman best on the nose or if placed next to a wide body. Explodes off the snap displaying a terrific first step, plays low to the ground with forward lean and relentless in his pursuit of the ballcarrier. Quick burst of closing speed, always looks to get involved in the action and makes plays up and down the line of scrimmage as well as in the opponents back field. Fast rushing the passer, gets to the flanks and displays excellent range. Shows some ability to hold his ground against blocks but for the most part, not big and has difficulties if opponents run directly at him. Does not always play in control and slow locating the ball at times. Could improve his hand technique and not make himself such an easy target for opponents. Had a difficult time at the Senior Bowl when he went up against better competition and was constantly driven off the line of scrimmage. May need some time adjusting to the competition at the next level but should be effective in a system that rotates its lineman and eventually be able to hold a starting position by himself. Early Fourth Round.

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