Haralson became the second UT player selected in the 2006 NFL Draft when he was tabbed by the San Francisco 49ers with the 140th pick today. Listed as 6-1 and 253 pounds, he is considered a tad small for an NFL defensive end. He could be big enough to find a spot in San Francisco’s 3-4 defensive scheme, however.
ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper had this to say about Haralson: “If you’re a Parys Haralson, you’re disappointed you go in Round 5 but you go to a team where you’ve got a chance – if you’re up to the task – to start as a rookie.”
That’s because the 49ers lost some of their better defenders to free agency this offseason. They spent one of their first-round draft picks on another undersized defensive end, 6-4, 240-pound Manny Lawson of North Carolina State. Both Lawson and Haralson could wind up playing hybrid rush end/outside linebacker positions in the fall.
Like former Vol defensive back Jason Allen (taken by Miami in Round 1), Haralson was a two-time captain for the Vols. Originally from Flora, Miss., Haralson was a second-team All-SEC pick as a senior after leading UT in big plays with 22.5. He was incredibly consistent for the Big Orange, recording 44 tackles as a sophomore, 43 as a junior and 45 as a senior.
Best known for his pass-rushing ability, Haralson led the 2005 Vols in sacks (8.5) and hurries (12). He also batted down a pass at the line of scrimmage. In addition to his sacks, he recorded 8 more minus-yardage stops. One of the team’s biggest hitters, he forced three fumbles and recovered two.