The Cincinnati Bengals are reportedly getting Michigan State Spartans linebacker Darien Harris as an undrafted free agent.
Harris broke the news on Twitter:
GOD always puts you in the right place !! Thankful to be a part of the @Bengals organization !! Can't wait to get to work next week! #WhoDey
— Darien Harris (@DHarris_45) April 30, 2016
This past season, Harris racked up 90 tackles and nine tackles for loss for a Spartans defense ranked among the best in college football. According to NFL.com's Lance Zierlein, Harris was projected a late-round pick or priority free agent that will likely be a WILL linebacker in the NFL.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent
BOTTOM LINE Undersized WILL linebacker who can run and chase around the field and who has plus football intelligence and instincts. Harris has just one year of impressive tackle production, but he doesnt have thump behind his pads and his play strength is below the NFL minimum. Harris may need to try and bulk up to give himself the best shot to make a team, but a practice squad seems like it should be his goal.
Like most UDFAs, Harris is likely going to end up on a practice squad this year, but never count out these guys to make the Bengals' 53-man roster.