The Cleveland Browns signed undrafted free agent Felix Harper after an impressive showing at rookie camp over the weekend.
Harper becomes the fifth quarterback on the roster.
He joins Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett, Baker Mayfield, and Joshua Dobbs.
#Browns are signing FA QB Felix Harper from Alcorn St. He was in minicamp for rookies on a tryout basis. Team currently has 5 QB’s on the roster, including Baker Mayfield (Deshaun Watson, Jacoby Brissett, Josh Dobbs, Mayfield and Harper)
— Fred Greetham (@FredGreetham9) May 15, 2022
Here are three things to know about Harper.
1. Left Handed Quarterback Out Of Alcorn State
Harper is from HBCU Alcorn State.
One thing I really like about new #Browns QB Felix Harper is how fluid his throwing motion is as a lefty.
Personally, left handed QBs have made me uncomfortable in the past, but he's such a natural thrower of the ball.
— Derrick M. Deen (@derrick_deen) May 15, 2022
Left-handed quarterbacks always garner attention because they are unique and somewhat rare which can confuse defensive players.
#Browns officially signed Alcorn State QB Felix Harper after having him in for rookie minicamp this weekend. pic.twitter.com/eXKaGy3tIK
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) May 15, 2022
2. Accurate Thrower
A quarterback’s size always comes into play.
Harper is 5’10” and weighs 180 pounds.
His pinpoint accuracy compensates for his smaller stature.
Not only is he an accurate passer, but his passes also pack a punch.
Clevelanddotcom’s Hayden Grove described him as a “lefty with a cannon”.
Felix Harper is the smallest QB I’ve ever seen on an NFL level, but when you see the way the ball comes out of his hand, it makes sense.
Lefty with a cannon.
— Hayden Grove (@H_Grove) May 15, 2022
At Alcorn State, he threw for over 5,600 yards with 55 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
He added 15 rushing touchdowns during his Alcorn State career.
Harper was the 2019 SWAC Offensive Player of the Year, and he participated in the 2022 HBCU Legacy Bowl.
He is also multi-dimensional as he can punt the ball in a pinch too.
During the 2021 season, he punted four times for 103 yards.
3. Good Football Instincts
His NFL Draft Buzz profile documents his positive attributes.
New #Browns QB Felix Harper pic.twitter.com/eV4X0TnyOK
— Faithful Dawgs Podcast (@FDPodcastCLE) May 15, 2022
He gets the ball out quickly, has good football intelligence, and is capable of the split-second decision-making required to change plays on the fly.
Another one! The Browns have signed Alcorn State QB Felix Harper, who participated in the @HBCULegacyBowl, to a UDFA contract. Harper had a tryout at rookie mini camp and earned a legit shot.
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) May 15, 2022
Conclusion
As mentioned above, Harper is the fifth quarterback on the Browns roster.
He drew enough interest to be added, but there is no way that the Browns are carrying five quarterbacks in the fall.
On the plus side, he outdueled Jake Fromm, another QB that was invited to the Browns’ rookie camp.
#Browns brought in two rookie QBs (Felix Harper and Jake Fromm) to rookie minicamp.
Team decided to sign one of them: Harper out of Alcorn State.
191 passes, 2,489 yards and 20 passing touchdowns & 47.1 QBR in 2021.@fox8news
— John Sabol (@John_Sabol) May 15, 2022
But something has to give.
Besides Baker Mayfield, another quarterback will likely be removed from the roster by fall.
Could Harper beat out Joshua Dobbs for QB3?
Time will tell; he took the first step in that direction over the weekend.
Welcome to Cleveland Felix Harper!
NEXT: Can The Browns Challenge The Bengals In The AFC North?
