Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: S Thomas Harper, ND

The Las Vegas Raiders could take a close look at Notre Dame safety Thomas Harper in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders will soon evaluate prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Raiders are beginning a new era with Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco, so those two will combine to find players who fit the culture they want to create.

Under Pierce, the Raiders established an identity through their defensive tenacity and competitive edge. No matter the talent level, no team would outwork Pierce’s Raiders. The team is looking for players who can buy into that attitude.

One of those players could be Notre Dame safety Thomas Harper, who spent his first four college seasons at Oklahoma State, before finish up last year with the Fighting Irish.

Harper concluded his college career with 132 total tackles, 11 tackles for losses, two forced fumbles, nine passes defended and two interceptions. He posted career-highs in tackles for losses and added two sacks in his lone season with the Irish.

Harper had many responsibilities in Defensive Coordinator Al Golden’s system, playing free safety, in the slot and rushing the passer occasionally. The Raiders could covet that kind of versatility in their secondary.

The Las Vegas Raiders may covet Notre Dame safety Thomas Harper in the 2024 NFL Draft / Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

On tape, Harper moved all around the field and handled different responsibilities. At 5-foot-10 and 195 pounds, Harper could move full-time to safety in the NFL. 

According to Pro Football Focus, he played nearly 1,000 snaps at slot cornerback in college, but has the build to be a safety.

Harper is a well-built player with a broad upper body and a narrow lower frame. He has good speed but even more impressive quickness and uncanny route recognition. However, he may be best equipped in the run if the Raiders run out any nickel packages.

Harper’s strong upper body allows him to thrive in the running game, as he can get off blocks against receivers.

According to Pro Football Focus, Harper was targeted 131 times and allowed 79 receptions for 763 yards and seven touchdowns in his college career. He is smart, anticipatory, and technically proficient in coverage.

Harper could be a day three selection in the draft. If the Raiders are looking for an athletic presence to add to their secondary, Harper could make sense in the later rounds.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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