Anthony Harris, S, Minnesota Vikings
It’s not that people in the NFL don’t know how valuable Harris is as a back-third defender — Spotrac has Harris getting a five-year deal at around $70 million out of free agency, which would put him near the top of the per-year market for his position. But there aren’t enough people in the general populace who understand what a great player Harris has become. Harris was the only player in the NFL last season with seven interceptions, and he allowed no touchdowns, with 14 catches allowed on 20 targets, 164 yards, and an opposing quarterback rating of 55.0. Whenever you’ve got a guy who picks off half as many passes as he allows in completions, that’s a problem for every opposing offense.
You want to watch the tape extra-carefully with safeties to make sure they’re not products of their cornerbacks or there schemes, and two things stand out with Harris: How infrequently he was out of posotion, and how he would extend to make plays other safeties just can’t. His interception of Philip Rivers in Week 15 is an ideal example.
At the snap, Harris appears to have his full attention on tight end Hunter Henry. But as he’s backpedaling, he’s also focused on deep post receiver Mike Williams, who is running out of trips from the other side. With great speed, excellent anticipation and perfect timing, Harris peels off and jumps the post for an impressive interception.
This is what Harris’ next team will get in free agency unless the Vikings find a way to re-sign him (not likely with their current cap situation), and he’ll be worth every penny of that new contract.