Tim Harris hasn't gotten much of an opportunity with the 49ers. After being selected in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Harris picked up three tackles in the preseason before being placed on injured reserve with a groin injury.
Harris also dealt with an injury-plagued college career at Virginia, playing six seasons for the Cavaliers. 49ers teammate Richard Sherman is hopeful for Harris after essentially redshirting his rookie season in the NFL, and knows Harris has what it takes to play at this level.
“He’s physical,” Sherman told The Athletic's Matt Barrows this week. “You can’t coach that. You can’t teach that. So if a player has that, you can definitely work with him and mold him into the guy you want him to be. But without that trait, in this defense it’s hard to play.”
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When looking at Harris' tape from college, it's pretty evident that he isn't afraid of a little contact.
With Sherman, nickel corner K'Waun Williams and Akhello Witherspoon set to enter free agency after the 2020 season, Harris could be a cheap option for the 49ers to preserve depth at the position going forward.
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He has the size to fit defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's ideal boundary cornerback profile, and clearly knows how to lower the boom.
If he finally can stay healthy in 2020, Harris could be an integral part of the 49ers secondary in 2020 and beyond.