LB Mack Wilson, Alabama*

6’1” – 240 lbs. – N/A
Five-star recruit who played sparingly in fifteen games as a freshman (8-0.0-0.0) before rotating in more heavily over twelve as a sophomore (40-2.5-0.0) but didn’t step into the starting lineup until this past season, being stuck behind the likes of Reuben Foster, Rashaan Evans, and Shaun Dion Hamilton. Posted 65-4.5-1.0 and decided to declare for the draft. Well-built for a modern linebacker, with long arms and a muscular frame; should be able to play on the inside in either an even or odd front, with Alabama’s defense often using three down linemen. Athletic player who likes to play downhill and who gets up to full speed in a hurry. Rangy linebacker who is able to pursue toward the sidelines. Not afraid to get physical with opposing linemen, holding up pretty well on contact and being pretty active with his hands; however, does tend to get stuck on blocks at this point. Generally does a decent job of reading keys, with further development possible as he gets more starting experience. Length gives him a solid tackling radius, and has the closing burst to chase down ballcarriers even in backside pursuit. However, production in opposing backfields was somewhat limited. Primarily considered a high-end prospect for his coverage ability. Gets adequate depth and is able to use his burst to plant and drive on a spot when working in zone coverage or when functioning as a quarterback spy and closing in on a passer who’s fled the pocket. Stays focused on the quarterback’s eyes, has pretty sound shuffle and backpedal technique, and was able to record six interceptions over the past two years. Able to flip his hips smoothly. Also athletically-suited to a blitzing role but didn’t produce much in that capacity at Alabama; looked fast and did a good job of identifying lanes to the passer during the games reviewed, so it’s a little bit surprising that he ended up with just one career sack. A prospect who has plenty of explosiveness as well as the athleticism/ball skills to potentially develop into an every-down linebacker at the next level, but who might have benefited from a return to school in order to polish his instincts and technique when playing the run and taking on blocks. Those concerns may relegate him to being more of a second-day pick, whereas he may have had first-round potential with additional progress.