Redskins Draft WR Kelvin Harmon in Round Six

April 27, 2019

by Steve Thomas

The Washington Redskins drafted wide receiver Kelvin Harmon from North Carolina St. in round six of the 2019 NFL draft.  Harmon joins fellow rookie Terry McClaurin in a now-crowded Redskins receiver corps that has essentially every starting and backup spot except for Paul Richardson’s job up for grabs.

Harmon is a 6’2”, 221 pound outside receiver prospect who played 35 games in three seasons at North Carolina St.  During that time, he made 177 receptions for 2,665 yards, 15.1 yards per catch, and 16 touchdowns.  In 2018, he combined with Cincinnati Bengals draft choice Ryan Finley for 81 receptions for 1,186 yards, 14.6 yards per catch, and 7 touchdowns.  At the NFL Combine, he ran the 40 yard dash in 4.6 seconds, jumped 32.5 inches in the vertical leap and 9’9” inches in the standing broad jump, and ran the 3 cone drill in 7.15 seconds and the 20 yard short shuttle in 4.32 seconds.  Harmon was a First Team All-ACC selection in 2018 and a Second Team All-ACC selection in 2017.

Harmon, who was born in Liberia and grew up in New Jersey, doesn’t have elite objective measurables, but is a classic big, strong, outside receiver who plays with a physical style.  He’s known to have good hands and ball skills.  Harmon isn’t the type of player who is going to be a regular deep threat in the NFL, but with his advanced route-running skills and ability to use his size and strength to his advantage, he should be able to be a good possession receiver for the Redskins.  He is a prototypical X receiver who is physical and intelligent but lacks the top-end speed, acceleration, and leaping ability of an elite prospect.  He was not known for being able to earn significant yards after the catch in college, and his physical profile would suggest that he most likely won’t be able to do that in the NFL either.  Harmon is known to be outstanding run blocker.  Given the state of the Redskins receiver group, Harmon should have a good chance to make the team and contribute immediately.  If former first round pick Josh Doctson cannot put it together this year, the Redskins might have found his replacement in Harmon.  Most analysts believed him to be a top 50 pick.

With the selection of both Harmon and Ohio St.’s Terry McLaurin in round 3, Washington appears determined to give prized rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins some legitimate weapons to grow with in the coming years.  He should fit in well with McLaurin and Richardson Jr.