Jermari Harris NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for Iowa CB

HEIGHT: 6'0"
WEIGHT: 185
HAND: 9½"
ARM: 31⅛"
WINGSPAN: 74⅜"
POSITIVES
— Long athlete with smooth backpedal and quick feet to get out of breaks. Plays under control showing very good lateral movement in press, keeping his leverage and getting hands on.
— Instinctive player with good vision and awareness in zone coverage. Does a very good job of baiting the quarterback and jumping the ball in air.
— Good in run game, comes up quickly to support, showing physicality and aggression. Willing tackler who throws his body around, delivering a blow at the point of attack.
— Very good ball skills and timing to swipe through catch points, as well as catching the ball away from his body. Shows timing and ability to judge the ball in the air.
NEGATIVES
— Good but not great top end speed. Plays with good positioning but loses a foot race with faster receivers.
— Limited scheme versatility. Zone defender who excels best with eyes on quarterback and ball.
— Some tightness in space. Average breaking, slower to sink his hips and transition.
— Inconsistent tackling, especially in the open field. Struggles to break down and secure a wrap tackle.
2024 STATISTICS
— 10 Games, 27 Tackles, 1 TFL, 3 INT, 10 PBU, 1 TD
NOTES
— Born Sept. 19,2000
— Games Started: 28
— 3-Star recruit in the 2019 class, per 247Sports
— 2024: Opted out of the last two regular season games to get ready for the NFL draft.
OVERALL
Jermari Harris is a long, instinctual cornerback from Iowa whose physical tools and competitive mindset make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams seeking a zone-heavy defender. At 6'0" and 185 pounds, Harris has the length and smooth movement skills to compete on the outside, paired with a high football IQ that allows him to anticipate and disrupt plays. While his play style and strengths align best with zone coverage schemes, Harris's ball skills and physicality in the run game add to his overall appeal as a mid-round prospect.
Harris is an aggressive and willing participant in run defense, frequently coming up quickly to support the edge. He uses his physicality effectively to shock and shed blockers, helping to contain outside runs and maintain leverage. As a tackler, Harris throws his body around with intensity, delivering impactful hits at the point of attack. However, his tackling consistency is a concern, particularly in the open field, where he can struggle to break down and secure wrap tackles. His tendency to dive at ball-carriers' legs can result in missed opportunities, highlighting an area for improvement.
Harris excels in zone coverage, where his vision, awareness, and ability to read the quarterback shine. He uses his instincts to bait throws and jump routes, consistently putting himself in position to make plays on the ball. His lateral movement and controlled footwork in press coverage allow him to stay square and maintain leverage, while his length aids in disrupting receivers' timing at the line of scrimmage. Harris displays very good ball skills, showing the ability to track and attack the ball in the air, both by swiping through catch points and securing interceptions. However, his top-end speed is only adequate, which can leave him vulnerable against faster receivers on deep routes. Additionally, Harris's transitions can be slowed by occasional tightness in his hips, impacting his ability to recover or react to sudden changes in direction.
Jermari Harris projects as a mid-round pick with the potential to develop into a reliable zone cornerback at the next level. His instincts, ball skills, and physicality make him a strong fit for schemes that allow him to keep his eyes on the quarterback and play with leverage. While his limitations in tackling consistency and deep speed may restrict his versatility, Harris' competitive edge and ability to disrupt plays in coverage give him the tools to be a valuable contributor in the right system.
GRADE: 6.9 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)
OVERALL RANK: 104
POSITION RANK: CB15
PRO COMPARISON: Bryce Hall
Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings
Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.
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