AJ Harris is a cornerback from Penn State who is ranked No. 110 on my NFL Draft Top 100 Big Board. This comprehensive scouting report analyzes Harris’s draft potential, current mock draft trends, and where he ranks among the top prospects.
AJ Harris’s NFL Draft Potential
AJ Harris has always had first-round potential; he’s a former five-star recruit who stands at a long 6’1″, with elite short-area quickness, burst, and eye-catching fluidity for his size. But in what was supposed to be an emergent year for the tools-rich prospect, Harris has fallen flat along with most of the Penn State roster.
There are still glimpses of inspiring processing and reaction speed in press-man and off-man, and his universal mobility palette is sure to win over coaches confident in their ability to develop. However, he’s still inconsistent with his timing and ball tracking in coverage, as well as his take-on technique in support.
As more CBs rise, Harris may continue to settle toward late Day 2 range — but someone will gamble on the tools, and in a more stable NFL environment, Harris could start to work toward his ceiling.
CFB Week 9 Update
Penn State was on a bye in Week 9, but the Nittany Lions will return to action in Week 10 to face the No. 1 team in the nation: the Ohio State Buckeyes. For Harris, whose 2022 season has been a disappointment relative to expectations, his clash with Ohio State marks a crucial checkpoint.
Even in games they readily control, the Buckeyes make a point to give ample opportunities to Carnell Tate and Jeremiah Smith. Harris will be tested — potentially by both of them — and while he has the size-athleticism profile to contend, he can’t afford any lapses in timing or technique. If he can help stall the Ohio State offense early on, it could incentivize evaluators to take another look at his tape.
CFB Week 10 Update
Harris wasn’t targeted for any of Ohio State’s big plays in Week 10 — having been spared from most of Carnell Tate’s wrath. But on three targets, Harris allowed three completions for over ten yards a pop, per TruMedia.
His inconsistent depth and break discipline against press and in off-man remains a concern, and he struggled to make an impact or set the tone for a Penn State defense in need of inspiration. Harris needed a breakout 2025 campaign to realize his potential as a 2026 NFL Draft prospect, but instead, his play has stagnated, and a return to school could be on the table as a result.
CFB Week 11 Update
Harris flashed the upside that made him such a popular early-round projection in the summer against Indiana in Week 11. His blend of length and short-area matching quickness at 6’1″ is awe-inspiring, and he also has the lateral explosive range to correct his positioning after being off-set. He used this quickness to match in press, and also proved adept in providing support help — at one point splicing past a block to help secure a tackle for minimal gain.
That said, while Harris’ athleticism, motor, and support ability remain appealing, the same flaws from weeks and even months ago still show up on his film. He still experiences lapses in situational awareness and role responsibility, he still falls victim to extraneous motion when matching, and he still struggles to find the ball and make plays at the catch point. For all the upside, those factors may steer him toward a return to school, so he can keep refining his game.
CFB Week 12 Update
Harris was listed as questionable ahead of Penn State’s game against Michigan State, and ultimately did not play in Week 12.
Where Is Harris Being Selected Most Often in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator?
Mock draft data for AJ Harris is not currently available. Check back for updated MDS information as we get closer to the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Where Does AJ Harris Rank Amongst Other NFL Draft Prospects?
Harris is currently ranked No. 110 overall in my November 2026 NFL Draft Big Board. Among CB prospects, Harris ranks 19th at the position, trailing prospects like Mansoor Delane, Jermod McCoy, Keith Abney II.
Want to see how we rank all the draft prospects in the PFSN Mock Draft Simulator? Check out our NFL Draft Prospect Rankings page, which includes more than 750 prospects.