Over the last decade, the Seattle Seahawks have become known for their ability to turn relatively unheralded defensive back prospects into stars. The Legion of Boom was built from two fifth round picks, an undrafted free agent and first rounder Earl Thomas – a testament to Pete Carroll’s ability to develop talent in the secondary.
The other big hallmark of that era was length, a key scouting tool that allowed the Seahawks to find and evaluate players that were otherwise being overlooked.
Assuming those principles still apply to this team, there are quite a few day three cornerback prospects who could fit the bill as the next great Carroll project in the 2020 NFL draft.
One of them is Temple corner Harrison Hand, who projects as a fifth or sixth round pick but who was measured at the NFL combine with a 76 3/8 inch wingspan and 31 6/8 inch arms – well above the average among the rest of the corners participating in the event.
#NFLCombine key measurements thread…
290. #Temple CB Harrison Hand
Height: 5-11 1/8
Weight: 197
Hand: 9 1/8
Arm: 31 6/8
Wingspan: 76 3/8— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) February 27, 2020
Hand spent his first two collegiate seasons with Baylor before transferring to Temple, where he recorded 43 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, three interceptions and a forced fumble last season.
In addition to having the requisite length to thrive in Carroll’s defense, he is a punishing hitter known for his physicality, particularly in the run game. He excels in cover-3 schemes, Carroll’s defense of choice, and has a reputation for laying big-time hits, a la Marquise Blair.
Hand probably isn’t ready to come in and start right away, and there’s some concern about his overall quickness at the next level, but he seems nearly perfect for the next Seahawks developmental project in the secondary, and could be an instant contributor on the special teams.
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