Injury-Prone Harrell Has A Lot To Prove

Here’s the total return on the Green Bay Packers’ investment of a first-round draft pick on defensive lineman Justin Harrell two years ago: Eighteen career tackles in 13 games with two starts. Packers General Manager Ted Thompson’s gamble on the former University of Tennessee player hasn’t paid off at all so far, something that even Harrell acknowledges to Mike Vandermause of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. This figures to be a pivotal season for Harrell, who’s projected to start at defensive end in new defensive coordinator Dom Capers’ 3-4 scheme. “It’s my third year here, and I haven’t really did anything since I’ve been here,” Harrell said. “It’s huge. This is one of the biggest years of my life.” Weight problems and injuries have plagued Harrell, who has defined the phrase: injury-prone. “You’ve seen my whole track record,” Harrell said. “I don’t think it’s ever going to be shaken. I’m just trying to stay healthy.” Vandermause raises the question about whether Harrell can be counted on to not balloon up during a two-week honeymoon in Jamaica. Harrell said his target weight is 305 pounds, but he admitted recently bulking up to over 320 pounds because of “a little bit too much barbecue.” Harrell is signed to a six-year contract with a total maximum value of nearly $15 million that includes $8 million in guaranteed money.