Can Mac Harris and Jhalyn Shuler break USF's 7-year NFL draft drought?

USF hasn't had a player taken in the NFL draft in seven years but there is a chance that streak could end this time around.

Linebacker Mac Harris is generally projected as a late-round selection or become a priority undrafted free agent. Linebacker Jhalyn Shuler is probably in the same boat. ESPN's Mel Kiper ranks Shuler 31st among players at his position, although Kiper had him at UCF (boo!). Harris is rankked 34th among linebackers.

If either one hears their name called, they will become the first Bulls taken since 2018. Defensive tackle Deadrin Senat was taken in the third round by Atlanta and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling went in the fifth round to Green Bay.

Shuler started at USF in 2022 after playing two seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. He then played four seasons for the Bulls, receiving a waiver to play in 2025 because of the NCAA's rule to allow former junior college players an extra year of eligibility.

He had his best season as a Bull in 2025, making a combined 105 tackles -- including 49 solo -- and returned an interception for 31 yards at North Texas.

Harris was terrific in 2025. He had 103 tackles -- 54 solo -- three forced fumbles and two interceptions. He returned one of those picks for a 93-yard touchdown against South Carolina State.

Perhaps Harris is most remembered for the play he made at the Hawaii Bowl on Christmas Eve in 2024. He broke up a pass in the end zone in the fifth overtime to secure USF's 41-39 win over San Jose State.

Harris is listed at 6-0 and 235 pounds. He has been called a "tackling machine" and the numbers back that up. He had five games in 2025 with double figures in tackles, including 10 in USF's upset win at Florida. He had 13 tackles against Memphis and 15 against Navy.

Inside The Star, a website with coverage of the Dallas Cowboys, pointed out that the team has a critical need for linebacker help. It had this to say about Harris.

"USF linebacker Mac Harris and Miami (Ohio) linebacker Jackson Kuwatch are not the flashy prospects everyone likes to talk about, but both feel like the sleepiest of sleepers in the 2026 NFL Draft who could help Dallas improve its depth at a position that still doesn’t feel settled.

"Mac Harris jumps out to me first because his production has some edge to it. He is listed at 6 foot tall and 230 pounds, andhis 2025 stats were 54 solo tackles, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions. That’s production that gets my attention for a player to compete. He’s not a tackle collector, but when I saw the six sacks and multiple takeaways from a linebacker, I think about a player who could create problems for an opposing offense. The Dallas Cowboys still need linebacker help, and that is why I like these two names that are flying under the radar. Mac Harris is the kind of late-round name I would like to see Dallas find because he could give more than expected."

The Cincinnati Bengals are also desperately trying to shore up their linebacking corps.

The tackling skills of Harris and Shuler may also be attractive to an NFL team because it could translate to special teams help.

If neither player is taken in the draft, it's likely their phones will ring late Saturday afternoon with offers to join teams as undrafted free agents.

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