Harris is impressing early

Rookie first-round pick getting pressure on quarterback consistently

DAVIE — Miami Dolphins first-round pick Charles Harris has been the most disruptive defender participating in the team’s organized team activities.

Maybe that has plenty to do with the fact that established veterans like Reshad Jones, Cameron Wake, Ndamukong Suh and Lawrence Timmons aren’t pushing themselves hard during these voluntary workouts.

But the former Missouri pass-rushing specialist has showcased a knack for harassing quarterbacks.

“It is consistent,” coach Adam Gase said when asked about Harris’ disruptive nature on Monday. “He’s really done a good job of trying to implement the techniques we’re asking him to do, and doing everything in the run game and passing game exactly [how] he’s coached to do.”

The Dolphins have lined up Harris against 2016 first-round pick Laremy Tunsil, the team’s new starting left tackle, and Harris has produced multiple would-be sacks, and consistent pressures on a daily basis.

During one practice the media watched last week, Harris recorded three sacks against Tunsil using an array of pass-rushing moves.

“He’s nice!” Tunsil said last month. “He knows how to turn his hips. He’s good with his hands and he’s quick off the ball. He’s a good pass rusher now. He’s nice.”

Harris did just as well against Sam Young during Monday’s session, when Young replaced Tunsil, who is sidelined this week by an undisclosed injury.

“Explosive. Very explosive,” said defensive end Andre Branch, who Harris is competing with for the starting right end spot. “He’s willing to learn. He doesn’t think he’s bigger than the [defensive] line or bigger than the team.”

When asked about his early success, Harris went to great lengths to downplay his OTA performance.

“I’m not surprised or anything with my game right now. If anything, I feel like there’s a lot of stuff I have to work on,” said Harris, who possess a polished rip-and-spin move that's difficult to block. “I feel like even when it comes to my first step, I’ve noticed it’s not as efficient, as consistent, as some of the older guys, some of the vets [like] Cam Wake. It’s something I have to work on every single day.”

A handful of Dolphins players have told the Sun Sentinel that Harris seems to be Miami’s best firstround pick “in years,” and many are eager to see if Harris’ disruptive ways continue when the pads come on during training camp.

During OTAs the Dolphins aren’t wearing pads or shells so Harris’ athleticism is on full display. Without pads, it’s difficult for offensive linemen to lock in on something to block. Things could change when the pads come on, but Miami’s coaches and executives love what they’ve seen so far.

“It’s hard to predict how far we can take [this] and what’s going to happen when we get in pads. That’s going to be a different world just because we’ll be able to do some different things offensively as far as the run game goes and some of the trap gametype things. That will be a new world for him,” Gase said, hinting at Harris’ inexperience when it comes to stopping the run. “I think it’s just going to be an evolving process for him. He’s just going to keep learning and see how fast he can adjust to the pro game.”

The Dolphins envision Harris being paired with Wake, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, as Miami’s passrushing specialist, coming on the field on third downs, and obvious passing situations. But it is possible that more will be put on his plate if he continues to excel.

“Explosive. Very explosive. He’s willing to learn. He doesn’t think he’s bigger than the [defensive] line or bigger than the team.” Andre Branch, defensive end

LESLIE OVALLE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Defensive end Charles Harris talks after organized team activities on Tuesday. Harris has impressed his teammates and coaches early on the last two weeks.

WILFREDO LEE/AP Defensive ends Charles Harris and Arthur Miley (72) run through drills during OTA work this week in Davie.