6’4″ – 253 lbs. – 4.54
Started two of thirteen games played as a true freshman, then spent the past two seasons as a full-time starter, enjoying two highly productive campaigns before declaring for the draft. Has outstanding size for a pro linebacker, with a combination of height, bulk, and length which should allow him to play either inside or outside in either defensive front at the pro level. In college, took the majority of his snaps as a strongside linebacker, but also played extensively in the middle. Able to help set the tone defensively. Plays off of blocks as well as you’d expect a linebacker of his size to. Does a good job of working his way through trash by getting extension and using his length to lock out opposing blockers and the strength in his hands to shed at the appropriate time. Very rangy for a player of his size, with impressive speed and explosiveness; can pursue opposing runners to the sidelines. Reliable, physical tackler with a wide radius, good form, and the power to stop forward progress. Demonstrated the ability to blow up plays in the backfield when playing off the edge. Instincts need further refinement; struggles to locate and will take himself out of some plays by biting on misdirection. Struggles to defend the read option. Not overly aggressive, but teams will want him to play with more discipline in his run fits. Remained on the field on passing downs in college, typically as a robber in short zones. That may not be his ideal role at the next level; has the explosiveness to plant and drive on a spot when he’s able to keep the play in front of him, but overall feel and awareness aren’t there yet. Has a tendency to lose track of opposing receivers. Balance and technique looks a little bit awkward at this point. Looks better when he’s able to shade over and blow up screens on the outside, and even when he’s using his length and speed to carry opposing running backs out of the backfield and into the flats or down the field on wheel routes. Length and explosiveness make him an intriguing candidate to rush from the edge as well, although snaps in that capacity were limited relative to his coverage work at the college level. Has a rare combination of physical and athletic tools which should allow him to appeal to teams running various defensive schemes, although raw instincts make him something of a project.
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