Should the Chargers consider Reed Harris next offseason?
Arizona State wide receiver Reed Harris has broken out onto the national stage with his elite catch radius, shocking quickness, and ability after the catch. He’s an intriguing day-two option for the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2027 NFL Draft and would help elevate a questionable receiver room.
Harris, the six-foot-five, 220-pound senior, spent the previous three seasons at Boston College before transferring to Arizona State. He’s had an exceptional first three games with the Sun Devils, tallying 19 receptions for 374 yards and five touchdowns. He ranks fifth in the league for receiving yards and is trending towards being among the nation's most productive weapons.
Harris’ A-list trait is his exceptional hands. He hasn’t recorded a drop since week five of 2024 and is a reliable option for quarterbacks. He uses his superb catch radius to highpoint the ball and make highlight-level off-target catches. Additionally, he’s unfazed by contact and uses his physicality to box out opposing cornerbacks, bullying them in contested-catch situations.
Beyond this, Harris has uncanny agility for someone of his size. He’s a smooth mover and has threatening vertical speed (estimated 4.45-ish) that forces defenses to commit a safety towards him. He’s a quick accelerator and has flashes of stopping on a dime, although he must be more consistent.
Another underrated aspect of Harris’ game is his RAC (run after catch) ability. He’s already tallied 160 yards after the catch and can turn a measly gain into a game-changing moment. He runs through arm tackles and fights for every yard, especially near the first-down markers and the goal line.
As with any tall receiver, Harris’ biggest concern is his ability to create separation. Although he’s a smooth mover, he’s still a mediocre route runner and relies on his physicality and contested-catch prowess to win. He can develop in this aspect, especially with NFL-level coaching, but it’s something to watch throughout the season.
Despite this, Harris is still an enticing option for the Chargers in April, especially with their struggling offense. Their receiver room has potential, highlighted by Ladd McConkey and Tre Harris. However, a mix of injuries and inconsistencies has plagued them. This has left Justin Herbert stranded, and it is something they must fix next offseason.
Plenty will change before the 2027 NFL Draft, but Reed Harris is already emerging as a potential fit for the Chargers. His combination of stellar hands, surprising quickness, and RAC ability makes him an attractive fit to improve a floundering Los Angeles offense.
