The Miami Dolphins have no idea whether Charles Harris will be a fine player or not because regular-season games don’t start for another 13 weeks and, obviously, those will ultimately determine the truth about the team’s first-round draft pick. But there are signs that make the team hopeful Harris is a keeper. Although the defensive end hasn’t put on shoulder pads or practiced with any significant contact yet, the Dolphins’ excitement about him is well chronicled. It can go almost without saying here because it’s been reported over and over already: Harris has a great first step. He’s got a great motor, meaning he goes hard every play. He looks the part on the field. And off the field, the news is almost better. Seems this first-round pick is coming to the Dolphins eager and hungry. He’s full of energy. And questions. Oh, yeah, and he’s using his head. Consider that he had one opportunity since draft day to meet Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor. Harris tried to maximize meeting, turning it into an opportunity. That’s because almost as soon as the rookie was introduced to Taylor, he asked if he could work with Taylor. “Yeah he did,” Taylor texted. “It was 30 seconds after I met him. He wants to work out and watch film together.” The work has obviously not yet begun. The Dolphins just finished a string of OTA practices and have a mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. But this will happen because both parties want it. Taylor has cleared the idea with the Dolphins who are thrilled their rookie not only has the desire to learn from one of the NFL’s all-time best pass-rushers -- Taylor finished with 139 1/2 sacks in 17 seasons -- but are also impressed Harris even got the idea. Why? Well, I ask Taylor how many other Dolphins rookie pass rushers ever asked him for tips and wanted to watch tape and work out with him ... “Ha,” Taylor said. “None."
Love this kids attitude! First vows to be the little brother to "Mr. Wake" and live in his shadow, and then this. He has the right head on his shoulder. I hope it translates. At this point if the off-season you couldn't ask for more. Good luck to him!
I dig the kids mindset, like why don't hey all come out like that right..jeez, I hope his game matches.
Well while we don't know whether or not this kid is going to be a success or not, you do have to admire his work ethic...reaching out to a HOF DE for guidance.
What about Cam Wake and OV? lol Dion was a bust from jump street, it wasn't because he didn't ask JT to show him the ropes, it's because of a lack of discipline, smarts and core strength.
Cam Wake actually played with JT in 2009 and 2011, so I'm sure Cam picked his brain. I could be wrong, but I interpreted JT's quote about rookies not working with him as something after retirement.
It wasn't a comment about JT in particular. He made the boilerpate quotes about working with the vets etc. but I can't remember Cam Wake or anyone saying how Jordan had been doing any extra curricular stuff with them. DJ basically thought he could coast by on his natural talent like he did in college.
Dion Jordan was directly compared to JT coming out of college though... One could only assume that being drafted into the franchise his HOF comparison was from that there would be some dialog or work together; Unfortunately DJ couldn't even start with his head on straight.