Shelby Harris’ Team First Attitude Standing Out At OTAs

Shelby Harris emerged last season as a promising inside pass rusher. In nearly every media session, Harris’ focus is team centered…

In 2017, the Denver Broncos discovered a diamond in the rough with Shelby Harris.

Unbeknownst to many Broncos fans, Harris was a guy who shined in training camp last season and impressed defensive line coach Bill Kollar.

Fortunately for Harris, Kollar discovered that he had a selfless player that would give his all for his teammates.

In the Denver Broncos week one win against the Los Angeles Chargers, Harris was the hero.

The Chargers attempted to tie the game at the end of regulation with their Kicker Younghoe Koo. Harris slashed through the interior and got his hands up and blocked the kick and Denver held on to win.

That was the first moment of Harris’ promising season in 2017. He finished the season with 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks and helped improve the Broncos’ interior run defense.

Harris would also go on to start the final five games for Denver.

In 2018, Harris continues to be a positive example as the second week of OTAs nears its conclusion.

Harris met with the media this week and had a lot of great things to say about the overall feel at practice.

"“I like the vibe. It’s a sense of urgency. Everyone has something to prove. There is competition at every level. At every position, except for finally the quarterback—there’s really not that much of a competition. On the D-Line, our room is loaded. It pushes everyone to be the best that they can be at every practice. You can’t take any days off. You’ve got to prepare and do everything like your job depends on it.”– Shelby Harris (via Denver Broncos PR)"

In 2017, a lack of urgency was a general feeling most got when watching the Broncos. Things have changed with new leadership on the offensive side of the ball with the addition of Case Keenum in the offseason.

Harris described the Broncos new QB as a ‘bona fide leader’, which also happens to be the same praises being sung by other Broncos defenders like Von Miller and Chris Harris Jr.

Enjoy The Process

When you ask Broncos defenders about coach Bill Kollar, they all fall in line. Kollar (who once wrestled a bear) is often seen as an intimidating coach, but his old-school approach is perfect for the guys who need to be the meanest on the defensive line.

Harris spoke highly on Kollar’s ability to get the most out of his players.

"“How do I describe Bill? Bill is Bill. It’s hard to describe Bill. Bill is—he’s out there. For someone that has never played for Bill, it’s an adjustment period. Like last year for me, it was an adjustment period. He gets the best out of his players and he demands the best out of his players. So you have to respect that.”– Shelby Harris on Bill Kollar (via Denver Broncos PR)"

Harris is focused on being productive in 2018, but more importantly, he wants to help his teammates succeed.

"“I just want to help us win. I’m not here for the personal accolades. I’m not here for anything like that. Anything I can do to help the team win, I’m game for it.”– Shelby Harris on his role on the defensive line (via Denver Broncos PR)"

I for one, am excited about seeing Shelby Harris develop and contribute further in 2018.