HOOVER, Ala. -- Charles Harris sees himself as an early entry candidate for the 2017 NFL Draft, and a first-round talent, at that.
The Missouri pass rusher left no doubt about his confidence at SEC Media Days on Wednesday, telling College Football 24/7 that he will consider leaving the Tigers after this upcoming season as a fourth-year junior.
"It's amazing, and nothing I would have thought about three years ago," Harris said. "It's definitely a blessing and an honor, but I have to be smart about when to go and when not to go. The (NFL) is always going to be there. ... I feel like I'm going to be the best to ever do it. So why not go first (round)? Why wouldn't I be first (round)?"
Indeed, momentum for Harris' status as a draft prospect is building after he posted 18.5 tackles for loss and a team-high seven sacks last season as a third-year sophomore. He also led the team with 10 quarterback hurries, and he dropped ball carriers behind the line of scrimmage on roughly one-third of his tackles. Harris conveyed an abundance of confidence in himself, likening his pass-rushing style to that of Denver Broncos star Von Miller, and targeting another Broncos player -- former Missouri teammate Shane Ray -- for his Missouri school record for sacks.
"It definitely is (in jeopardy). I already told him," Harris said. "Shane Ray, I'm going to put him in hot water this year. The record is 14.5. I've got to get to 15."
NFL Media analyst Lance Zierlein ranks Harris the No. 2 edge rusher in college football for 2016, noting Harris' exceptionally quick first step.
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