De'Vante

Harris

Harris was a special teams contributor for the Bucs last year after being waived by the Saints. Harris should get another look at cracking an active roster as a special teamer.

Acquired off waivers from the Saints last August, Harris missed the beginning of the season due to injury, but he ended up appearing in 10 games as mostly a special teams contributor. He should return to a similar role this season if he cracks the final roster.

Triplett said Harris was someone to watch even before the Saints released Keenan Lewis, but now he is almost guaranteed a roster spot. “I haven’t exceeded my expectations because, honestly, I’ve got a lot of confidence. My confidence is through the roof,” Harris said. “But I know I’ve exceeded a lot other people’s expectations.” P.J Williams is the favorite to start opposite Delvin Breaux, but Harris will likely see snaps with the first-team defense on Saturday night.

The Bucs promoted Javien Elliott with Brent Grimes also sidelined. Harris will miss at least the first eight games on IR. He may be released with an injury settlement.

Harris will stay in the division following his release from New Orleans. The Saints benched him in Week 3 following career performances from Sam Bradford (27-32-346-3) and Tom Brady (30-39-447-3) to start the year. He’ll have to flourish on special teams to stick with the Bucs into the regular season.

Harris finished 2017 season with 18 combined tackles and two passes defended. He was benched in Week 3 and was only thrust back into the lineup once Marshon Lattimore was forced to miss time with an injury. His best bet to sticking on a 53-man roster is efficient special teams play.

Harris (5'11/176) primarily played nickel back for the Aggies, starting for 1 1/2 seasons and tallying 29 career pass breakups, including five interceptions. Harris showed well at the Combine, running 4.54 but shining in the vertical (38 1/2") and broad (10'4") jumps. Harris is too light and lanky to play perimeter corner in the NFL, and not a good enough tackler to man the slot. Harris has potential, but he needs to get stronger while adding at least ten pounds.