The Tennessee Titans selected Michigan Wolverines edge rusher Jaylen Harrell in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Harrell enters the NFL after spending four seasons at Michigan.
Harrell became a top pass rusher for the Wolverines. In 2023, the Florida native collected 31 tackles, a team-high nine tackles for loss and a team-high 6.5 sacks. His production last season helped the Wolverines win the national title, and he was named an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.
In 2022, Harrell appeared in 13 games with 12 starts and recorded 30 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He appeared in 14 games in 2021 and tallied 15 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. Harrell played in four games during the 2020 season.
“I’m a relentless and explosive player,” Harrell said in an interview with The Draft Network. “I’m a team-first guy with a lot of big-game experience under my belt. I’m versatile. I can set the edge and get after the quarterback. I’m also comfortable dropping into my coverage. My motor never stops running hot.”
Harrell also described his pass-rush arsenal. He said: ” I’m still working to expand my arsenal. I can always get better. I’m always working on new moves. Defining your technique is so important. I can always play better with my hands. You’re always working to refine your toolset.”
Harrell played high school football at Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa, Florida, where he was a four-star recruit. He ranked as the No. 319 and the No. 19 edge rusher in the 2020 class, according to the On3 Industry Rating.
What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Jaylen Harrell
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com shared his analysis of Harrell for his draft profile and predicted he would be selected in the sixth or seventh round.
“Good athlete but lacking size, play strength and aggression to thrive as an edge defender on the next level,” Zierlein wrote. “Harrell fails to strike and take command of blocks early on and can be widened out by stronger run-blocking tight ends.
“He’s fairly talented at ungluing from blocks and darting laterally to get in on tackles. His pass rush will need to become his bread and butter if he is to make an NFL squad. He has a legitimate spin counter but will need to prove he can win around the corner with quickness and hand work. Harrell could be a Day 3 selection, and teams might eventually give him a shot as an off-ball linebacker.”
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