ASU Football: Preseason draft expectations for N’Keal Harry

It’s no secret that ASU football has a highly touted NFL draft prospect in N’Keal Harry. How can Harry’s stock change over the course of his junior year?

The college career of Arizona State’s N’Keal Harry has been defined by a number of accolades ranging from a First team All-Pac-12 selection, a spot on the Biletnikoff Award watch list and preseason AP All-American honors.

As he enters his third season at ASU, Harry is now in pursuit of yet another title, one possibly more substantial than any prior achievement: A first-round draft pick.

With 140 receptions and 1801 receiving yards recorded through two seasons, the former four-star recruit has established himself as one of the top wideouts in the Pac-12. Now, he’s got a chance to separate himself as a junior, improving his draft stock in the process.

Harry arrived in Tempe in 2016 already possessing the ideal size of an NFL-caliber wide receiver. But like many promising prospects, certain aspects of his game needed polishing.

While he dazzled fans and media alike with a number of difficult catches and an uncanny ability to absorb contact and finish plays, Harry has continued to refine his footwork and improve his route running, enabling himself to become a more versatile receiver.

Best Case: Harry and redshirt senior quarterback Manny Wilkins develop a rhythm in non-conference play that translates to at least 80 catches, well over 1,100 yards and double-digit touchdowns. Harry is named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, surprising scouts with his 40-yard dash time before hearing his name called in the first round.

Worst Case: Wilkins is unable to develop chemistry with his other receivers, leading to a steep decline in production for Harry a few games into the season. Unable to replicate his success as a sophomore, Harry returns to Tempe for his senior season with an inexperienced quarterback at the helm.