Vital statistics: 6-feet-3 1/8, 233 pounds, 4.44 in the 40.
Numbers game: Three-year starter who averaged 81.7 tackles 2000-2002, terrific two-way player as evidenced by 10 ½ sacks and nine interceptions in final two seasons. Really broke out with 114 tackles in 2002.
Upside: Fluid athlete who runs like a tailback and owns a vertical jump that certainly is NBA caliber. Not only has speed, but possesses a quick burst that allows him to go from sideline to sideline and chase people down. Can close quickly on the ball. Good coverage skills and can run up the field, as well as track backs into the flat. When it comes to just running all day, he's like the Energizer bunny. Clearly at his best playing in space.
Downer: Not a very solid power base and definitely has a game that's built for speed and finesse. Needs to use his hands better to shed blockers and to disengage from people. Gets into the habit of running around plays instead of taking them head-on.
The dish: Could be a better player at the NFL level than in college, where he was miscast as a strong-side linebacker. His game is reminiscent of that of Tampa Bay star Derrick Brooks, and he should be used the same way, in a scheme that covers him up and allows him to just run to the football. Will be the first linebacker off the board, not among the first 10 picks, but certainly in the top half of the round.
DA MAN!
Numbers game: Three-year starter who averaged 81.7 tackles 2000-2002, terrific two-way player as evidenced by 10 ½ sacks and nine interceptions in final two seasons. Really broke out with 114 tackles in 2002.
Upside: Fluid athlete who runs like a tailback and owns a vertical jump that certainly is NBA caliber. Not only has speed, but possesses a quick burst that allows him to go from sideline to sideline and chase people down. Can close quickly on the ball. Good coverage skills and can run up the field, as well as track backs into the flat. When it comes to just running all day, he's like the Energizer bunny. Clearly at his best playing in space.
Downer: Not a very solid power base and definitely has a game that's built for speed and finesse. Needs to use his hands better to shed blockers and to disengage from people. Gets into the habit of running around plays instead of taking them head-on.
The dish: Could be a better player at the NFL level than in college, where he was miscast as a strong-side linebacker. His game is reminiscent of that of Tampa Bay star Derrick Brooks, and he should be used the same way, in a scheme that covers him up and allows him to just run to the football. Will be the first linebacker off the board, not among the first 10 picks, but certainly in the top half of the round.
DA MAN!
WTF? That is completely insane for a freakin linebacker to run in the low 4.4-high 4.3s with a 46 inch vertical. Teams have got to be drooling over the idea of having him in their linebacking corp.
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