The 2001 team had a surplus of LB talent - including Durr, Billy Silva, and Kevin Bentley, a 4th round pick - and not many pass rushers. From what I recall, the move was made as Napo was an athletic freak and the coaching staff hoped he could provide a unique pass-rushing edge on defense.If I’m not mistaken, Harris shifted to DE his final season at NU, at least in part to get Durr on the field. He stood up a fair amount even as the starting DE, and was the starting MLB for the Oak super bowl team. Of course, I could be mistaken.
Sadly, it didn’t quite work out that season - perhaps they should have tried a 3-4. However that year certainly didn’t hurt Napo’s draft stock.