Vikings QB Nick Mullens took the snap, dropped three steps back and threw towards TE N'Keal Harry. Browns rookie CB Myles Harden, blanketing Harry, turned quickly and grabbed the ball out of the air.
The Cleveland sideline erupted – and not for the last time that day during their first joint practice with the Vikings.
A few plays later, Harden once again picked off Mullens and, after the turnover, jogged to the sideline where he was greeted by some of the best cornerbacks in the league – and his new teammates.
"I definitely, 100 percent, think he's the steal of the draft," CB Greg Newsome II said. "I mean, you guys see him in a game playing outside a little bit more, you see him at the joint practices, picking the ball off and doing a lot of great things out there."
A step towards achieving a dream
The Browns selected Harden in the seventh and final round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The Athletics' draft analyst Dane Brugler graded Harden as a fifth-round talent, but the dynamic cornerback out of the University of South Dakota waited three long days before hearing his name called.
"It was everything. Just being able to get that phone call was everything, that's a childhood dream," Harden said.
Check out photos from practices and games of each of the players who are currently on the Browns' 53 Man Roster (as of January 2)
Safety Juan Thornhill (1) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 17-33.
Quarterback Bailey Zappe (2) before a NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on November 21, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns won 24-19.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on October 13, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns lost 16-20.
Quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks on August 24, 2024 at Lumen Field. The Browns lost 33-37.
Kicker Dustin Hopkins (7) and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on October 13, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns lost 16-20.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during a NFL football game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 15-21.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Wide receiver James Proche II (11) during a NFL football game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cleveland Browns on December 15, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 7-21.
Safety Rodney McLeod Jr. (12) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman (19) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 17-33.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during a NFL football game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 15-21.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium. The Browns won 18-13.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on October 13, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns lost 16-20.
Cornerback Cameron Mitchell (29) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on October 13, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns lost 16-20.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 15-21.
Cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (31) during a NFL football game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 15-21.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium. The Browns won 18-13.
Running back Jerome Ford (34) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders on September 29, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium. The Browns lost 16-20.
Cornerback Chigozie Anusiem (35) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on November 15, 2024.
Safety D'Anthony Bell (37) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Philadelphia Eagles on October 13, 2024 at Lincoln Financial Field. The Browns lost 16-20.
Linebacker Khaleke Hudson (39) during a NFL football game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 15-21.
Linebacker Bookie Watson (40) during a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns on August 10, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns lost 10-23.
Running back John Kelly Jr. (41) during the Hall of Fame Game between the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns on August 3, 2023 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The Browns won 21-16.
Linebacker Mohamoud Diabate (43) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns lost 12-27.
Long snapper Rex Sunahara (50) during a preseason NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns on August 10, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns lost 10-23.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Center Ethan Pocic (55) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57) during a preseason NFL football game between the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns on August 17, 2024 at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The Browns lost 12-27.
Linebacker Jordan Hicks (58) during a NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium. The Browns won 18-13.
Linebacker Winston Reid (59) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Germain Ifedi (65) during a preseason NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks on August 24, 2024 at Lumen Field. The Browns lost 33-37.
Offensive tackle Michael Dunn (68) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive tackle Geron Christian (72) before a NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on November 21, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns won 24-19.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Offensive guard Wyatt Teller (77) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars on September 15, 2024 at EverBank Stadium. The Browns won 18-13.
Offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Wide receiver Jamari Thrash (80) during a NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns on October 20, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 14-21.
Wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 14-27.
Tight end Brenden Bates (82) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on December 18, 2024.
Tight end David Njoku (85) during a NFL football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on September 8, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 17-33.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) before a NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football on November 21, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns won 24-19.
Tight end Tre' McKitty (87) during practice at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on December 11, 2024.
Tight end Jordan Akins (88) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive end Sam Kamara (92) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Washington Commanders on October 6, 2024 at Northwest Stadium. The Browns lost 13-34.
Defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson (94) during a NFL football game between the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns on September 22, 2024 at Huntington Bank Field. The Browns lost 15-21.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 14-27.
Defensive end James Houston (96) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals on December 22, 2024 at Paycor Stadium. The Browns lost 6-24.
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs (97) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers on December 8, 2024 at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns lost 14-27.
Defensive end Cameron Thomas (99) during a NFL football game between the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football on December 2, 2024 at Empower Field at Mile High. The Browns lost 32-41.
Since coming into the building, Harden has impressed coaches and teammates alike. He's quickly earned a reputation as a hard worker and a competitor who takes advantage of his time on the practice field or in preseason games.
"He's certainly a young guy that seizes every opportunity to improve his technique and fundamentals and his communication," cornerbacks coach Brandon Lynch said Aug. 8. "He is taking advantage of every practice rep, every bit of opportunity after practice and in the meeting room."
His performance against the Vikings was a validating experience for the young cornerback.
"It felt good just being out there and competing against some of the best receivers in the NFL," Harden said. "It was a great thing to do and I'm glad I was able to keep up with the guys here."
Harden kept up well enough to earn a spot on the Browns' initial 53-man roster, taking the next step on his way to fulfilling the vision he's had since his days growing up in South Florida.
"It's a dream come true," Harden said. "I'm just glad I'm here in this opportunity to take advantage of it."
A pickup basketball game along the road to the NFL
University of South Dakota CB Dennis Shorter didn't want to come out of his room.
The recent transfer from Bethune Cookman had been feeling homesick after moving to Vermillion, S.D. for summer camp ahead of the 2021 season and had yet to meet many of his teammates.
Harden, a sophomore at the time, was playing basketball with some of his teammates. He had heard of Shorter's arrival and wanted to meet his new teammate and fellow Floridian, so he knocked on his door and told him to come out and play basketball with the rest of the team.
The two quickly became close friends, eventual roommates and cornerstones of the South Dakota secondary.
"It's like once we met, it just clicked," Shorter said. "Like we became real close and just fed off each other's energy. We caught each other's stuff on the field."
Shorter is now a captain of the 2024 South Dakota Coyotes, filling a role left by Harden, whose small act of kindness sparked a close friendship with Shorter and is one of many examples of the rookie's leadership.
"He was a guy that was doing everything the right way," South Dakota defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs coach Miles Taylor said. "Leading by example on and off the field, holding guys to a high standard, pushing guys when guys needed to be pushed but also loving guys up when they needed to be loved."
Taylor said that Harden grew into a leader as he gained experience with the team. However, it didn't take long for him to show his prowess on the football field.
Because of COVID-19, South Dakota's 2020 season was postponed to the spring of 2021. Harden worked hard throughout fall camp and proved himself worthy of a starting spot as a freshman. When the Coyotes finally began their season against Illinois State, Harden started his collegiate career with a bang, nabbing two interceptions and breaking up two additional passes.
"To see him grow and pick up the information and work and play tough and physical was really impressive to see a freshman do that," Taylor said.
Check out photos of the team during the fourteenth day of Training Camp and joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (28) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Chris Edmonds (41) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Running back D'Onta Foreman (27) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Chase Williams (31) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Faion Hicks (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Tony Brown (38) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Brady Breeze (39) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerbacks Coach Brandon Lynch during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Ogbo Okoronkwo (54) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive Coordinator Ken Dorsey during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Faion Hicks (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive tackle Shelby Harris (93) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Ahmarean Brown (87) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
A helmet during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive guard Zack Johnson (63) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive tackle James Hudson III (66) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (83) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Isaiah Thomas (96) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Fullback Giovanni Ricci (44) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Justin Hardee Sr. (28) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) and Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Faion Hicks (49) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Assistant Offensive Line Coach Roy Istvan during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Running back Pierre Strong Jr. (20) and Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Kicker Cade York (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive tackle Dawand Jones (79) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Fullback/Center Nick Harris (53) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
The defensive backs during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Kahlef Hailassie (25) and Cornerback Denzel Ward (21) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Cornerback Tony Brown (38) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Kicker Cade York (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Wide receiver Elijah Moore (8) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Kicker Cade York (36) during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Head Coach Kevin Stefanski during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
Offensive Assistant/Quarterbacks Coach Ashton Grant during Joint Practices with the Minnesota Vikings on Day 14 of Training Camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on August 15, 2024.
A zero-star recruit out of high school, Harden did not attract attention from top universities in the recruitment process. That changed after he displayed what he could do at South Dakota. However, despite getting offers to transfer, Harden wanted to stay and finish what he had started.
"It meant a great, great deal because it showed that Myles is who he is," Taylor said. "He's a relationship type of guy. He has a strong commitment to something, which ties along with his competitiveness. If he's at a place, he wants to win there. He's determined to do it."
Harden's time at South Dakota did not, however, come without adversity. Both his sophomore and junior seasons ended early due to injury, but Harden remained close to the team, using his time on the sideline to grow his knowledge of the defense.
"Myles started asking me question after question after question," Taylor said. "He wanted to gain more information about our defense, about opposing offenses and I really saw him as a coach and I think he grew to have that mindset, to see the game in a different light where he could play the game a little bit faster."
Neither Shorter nor Taylor are surprised that Harden has made an impact in his first preseason in the NFL, each noting the rookie's work ethic and dedication to improving on the field.
Now, it's Harden's current teammates who are impressed by his unique athletic ability and his willingness to learn.
"Myles, he's been balling. He's been showing out," Newsome said. "He's gonna be a big piece on our team coming forward."
