New Seahawk WR Chris Harper Has The Muscle To Do Great Things In The NFL

Jan 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats receiver Chris Harper (3) is defended by Oregon Ducks cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (14) in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

I spent a little time yesterday watching game film on new Seattle Seahawk wide receiver Chris Harper. There’s a lot to like in his game; length, speed, power, hands. The thing is, none of those were what stood out the most when watching him. That would be his biceps.

The dude is ripped in a way that is rare for a wide receiver. All NFL wide receivers are in great shape and have amazing muscle tone, but Harper is ridiculous.

Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA: Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Chris Harper (3) against the Oregon Ducks during the 2013 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Oregon defeated Kansas State 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The only similar receiver I’ve seen in that regard would be Terrell Owens from a few years ago. Even former Seahawk Joey Galloway, who was a notorious gym, never matched the level of “ripped” that Harper possesses. Seriously, it’s crazy.

I’m not trying to imply that Harper will match the productivity of those other two receivers. Both had amazing careers that spanned multiple decades.

Watching Harper’s tape does invoke visions of a young Owens. He has the ability to go up and get the ball, even when being challenged by multiple defenders. There was one play where he had a safety pulling on one arm, a corner back pulling on the other arm, and he still make the catch. I’m not even sure that is possible, but it happened.

It’s difficult to watch tape of Harper and not wonder if he would have been ranked much higher had he played on a team with a real quarterback. The Kansas State offense certainly didn’t do Harper’s draft stock any favors. I suppose that’s great for the Seahawks. A very good player may have dropped enough for them to select him.

Harper was forced to spend most of his time as a blocker, and he clearly has developed into a very good one. He outweighed most safeties and corners by 30 or more pounds in college and it showed up on the film. His size and strength  made him effective crashing inside on line backers and defensive ends to provide an edge for the runner to get around. Harper’s blocking is going to be a major asset for this offense.

Overall, we’re going to have to wait and see what kind of pro Harper develops into. He is an extremely gifted athlete, but others like him have failed to make the jump to the NFL.

It is simply impossible to watch his film and not get excited. Welcome to Seattle, Chris. Make us proud!