Roman Harper S 6' 198 Alabama
By: Robert Davis

Harper has been a mainstay in the Bama secondary since his sophomore season. After a freshman season in which he totaled 42 tackles, Harper blew up as a sophomore. He was credited with 114 tackles to go along with an interception in 2003. He didn't approach those numbers his final two seasons, but his impact was just as large. AS a junior he had 77 tackles, seven for loss, and three picks. Before his senior season, Harper was voted to the Playboy All American team, then went out and earned All SEC honors with 69 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and an interception.

Harper is a pure football player. He has started 38 straight games at Alabama, and is as intelligent a safety as you will find. He reads and reacts very well, and flows to the ball. Harper has a nose for the action and is always around the play. He is at his best moving forward, attacking the line of scrimmage and being a force in the running game.

Physically, Harper is only average across the board. He projects as a strong safety, but lacks the bulk for the position. His speed and athleticism do not jump out at you either. He needs work in coverage, because he lacks the athleticism to turn and cover, and the speed to keep up down the field.

Roman Harper may not be the best physical specimen in the draft, but he knows how to play football. His instincts allow him to get to the ball quicker than guys faster than him. With the combination of talent at safety, and with him probably not possessing major upside, he will probably fall to the second day. At that point, he may be a steal. His ability to react and get to the ball carrier stands out, and some team will realize that.