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Percy Harvin Wins Rookie Award
Photo – Percy Harvin - Vikings
The Vikings first year receiver Percy Harvin was named the NFL Rookie of the Year this week after an outstanding '09 season. Harvin was selected in the 1st round last April by the Vikings and has become a key weapon in their explosive offense.
Harvin was among five nominees, including Texans LBers Brian Cushing and Packers Clay Matthews and Ravens OT Michael Oher and Bills S Jairus Byrd.
Harvin set a Vikings record with 2,081 combined yards during the 2009 season that was the second overall production in the NFC. He had two kickoff returns for a touchdown, including a 101-yarder, and ranked fourth in the NFL with a 27.5-yard kickoff return average (42 returns for 1,156 yards). In 15 games, Harvin had 60 receptions for 790 yards and 6 TDs and 135 rushing yards on 15 attempts.
Harvin, who attended the University of Florida, was nominated for seven Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week awards, winning twice.
Scouting Report on Percy Harvin last March in DraftInsiders.com Yearbook prior to being selected in 1st round by Vikings
* Percy Harvin #1 - 5’11” 190 lbs. - Florida - Sp. 4.40 / Rating 90
Hindu Theory - Steve Smith (Carolina)
Electrifying all-purpose junior playmaker has been one of the most explosive performers from the college ranks to enter the NFL early in recent years. Percy is a fast receiver/return specialist who shows explosiveness quickness after he gets his hands on the ball whether as a runner, receiver or a return specialist. He is a premier playmaker who has been instrumental in the Florida national title victories. Despite some concerns about size, he is a tough athlete who is well built, though he has only marginal NFL measureables for the position. He is a highly developed athlete as both a receiver and returner. He is both fast and quick with the explosive burst to separate easily and dangerous to score from any on the field. As a receiver, he possesses fine hands with the separation speed to get deep and hit the home run regularly. He also has outstanding openfield running skills after he gets his hands on the ball to create special problems for a defense. He has the components to become an NFL star - speed, quickness, hands, great vision and the natural running skills to strike from anywhere. After helping the Gators win another national title, he declared for the NFL Draft ’09. He has elite speed to get deep and hit the home run and displayed this consistently over his career. He has the top burst of speed to separate and get past cover men in the deep game to hit the big play. At the line, he needs to show he can beat the bump and run vs NFL caliber defenders after rarely facing that technique in college. His ability to handle the physicality of the NFL game is a major concern despite his big play ability at a very high level in the SEC. Once into his patterns, he can take the short hitch pass and create room to break a big play. His excellent running skills after the catch will warrant a very early selection and probably in the mid first round area. He is especially dangerous on the shorter routes to take the play the distance and is ideally suited for the West Coast offenses. His ability to find the end zone and natural running ability will make him a top commodity in April with every club looking for playmakers. He has fine hands and shows the ability to run sound routes and create separation consistently. He must prove he has the ability to stay on his routes and go over the middle in the NFL game. On the deep pass, he has developed good instincts tracking and the body control and hands to make the big play. He shows the ability to track the deep ball with the savvy to be in position to make the big catch. He is well developed as a route runner and recognizes coverage quickly with the ability to adjust and help his passer. His speed off the line puts him in a position to eat up a corners cushion when he comes off the line clean. Once into his route, he retains his top speed very well at the breakpoint and creates consistent separation. He has sudden speed and is very quick into his routes and cuts with the ability to create space in patterns. He needs some strength development to battle the jam and fight through being pushed off his routes. As a collegian, he was rarely tested with the bump and run and must prove he can beat that technique to become a starting NFL receiver.
The Numbers: As a junior, he started 11 of 12 games and caught 40 passes for 644 yards and 7 TDs for an 16.1. yard average per catch that earned him SEC honors. As a sophomore, he started 10 of 11 games and caught 59 passes for 858 yards, a 14.5 yard average per catch. As a freshman, he started 5 of 13 games and caught 34 passes for 427 yards and 2 TDs for a 12.6 yard average. At the NFL Combine, he checked in over 5’11” and a chiseled 192 lbs. He ran 4.39 and 4.41 times with and 10 reps in the lifting. He stopped due to an ankle injury.
The Skinny: Fast explosive playmaker with the speed and well developed talent to change games quickly as a receiver and returner. He can provide major impact as a rookie return specialist. He is one of the best return specialist in this class and one of the special playmakers in several roles. With the return game playing a bigger role in the NFL, return sensations like Devin Hester have provided incredible impact and Percy can be the next dangerous returner. As a receiver, he is one of the better deep threats in this class, displaying the special burst of speed to get behind the secondary, in addition to terrific run after the catch ability. He needs work on his strength and hand use to better fight off the bump-and-run from physical cornerbacks. As a return specialist, he combines both elusiveness and the sudden speed to pressure defenders. He needs some strength development to hold up vs big NFL athletes. He is a chiseled cut athlete who has been surprisingly durable as a collegian, though he was nicked up during the late ’08 season. He has a nose for the end zone and has produced vs. a high level of competition where he often beat double coverage situations. He is similar to the Panthers’ Steve Smith and former NFL Pro bowl returner Desmond Howard in size, athleticism and big play ability. Top 20 player and an excellent addition to a passing and return game, but he needs a creative coach to get him the touches to make a difference. He is not your classic #1 receiver and how he is used as a receiver will determine his pro success. He needs movement, reverses and slip screens to maximize his big play ability. Teams like the Texans, Chiefs and Bucs have on their short list for the 1st round. Playmaker with the talent to become an impact performer and an NFL star, but only if used properly in the passing game. Big play performer with character issues that hurt his final grade.
Draft Projection: 1st Round