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|
2012 Draft
INSIDE LINEBACKERS |
Luke Kuechly
6032 242 Boston College (Arm:
31) |
Combine - Forty: 4.58 |
BP: 27 |
BRS (Gollin)
Forty time is outstanding for an ILB and should keep
him in the Top 15.
PFW Scout's Candid Comments
- "If
you want to talk about pure football players,
Kuechly may be the best in the draft.
Pro Football Draft Guide –
Instinctive ILB with average athleticism. Great nose
for the ball and rarely misses a tackle.
Lacks elite size/speed and may have trouble
matching up with TEs
From nfl.com -
Blew blew away the competition as the top tackler in
the nation with a jaw-dropping 191 total. Many knock
that most of his plays were downfield tackles and
not "influential" enough, but 12 tackles for loss is
a testament to his overall ability and instincts to
get in the backfield and disrupt plays. More of an
athlete than given credit for and has simply been a
machine throughout his college career. Has all the
tools to be an immediate starter in the NFL.
One of the most instinctual and technically sound
linebackers to enter the draft in years. Can avoid
trash at his knees and elite when it comes to
shedding blockers and keeping himself free to the
ball. Excellent working over the top of TEs to maul
and delay their release/ can run with them in-phase
down the field. Has the sudden burst and long speed
to cover a very wide range against the run and is an
extremely sure-handed tackler who can bring ball
carriers down a number of different ways.
The major knock on Kuechly was that he had a lot of
"inflated" tackle production throughout his career.
Didn't get up into the LOS to make powerful,
impactful plays much, won't be relied upon as a pass
rusher at the next level and is strictly a tackling,
sideline-to-sideline backer.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc. - Elite instincts. Very
similar to Sean Lee. Disciplined. Takes very few
false steps. Diagnoses play-action quickly. Locates
the ball carrier as fast as any defender in the
country. Always seems to be around the football.
Gets the front seven lined up and is a very good
on-field communicator.
|
High cut and can get in trouble when he lets his
pads rise. Does not have a great anchor and can get
engulfed by bigger OL. Struggles to disengage once
locked on. But does a very good job of keeping
blockers off his body. Takes great angles, which
allows him to establish good inside or outside
leverage. Knows how to give up leverage in order to
keep blocker off his body. Uses the proper shoulder
to take on blocks in order to maintain gap
discipline. "
|
Range versus the run not elite but is better than
average. Makes more plays outside the tackle box
than most ILB prospects. Lacks great COD skills. But
he diagnoses plays quicker than most, takes good
angles and has above average straight-line speed for
the position. Shows surprisingly good closing burst
to the ball carrier. "
|
Tackling machine. Exceptional production. Not overly
powerful. Won't force many fumbles or jar many ball
carriers. But strong enough to finish vs.s bigger
ball carriers. Good at breaking down in space.
Really plays under control and wraps up.
|
Some man-to-man coverage limitations, but he's in
the upper echelon of ILB prospects in zone coverage.
Awareness in coverage is outstanding. Reads his keys
and diagnoses quickly. Gets good depth in his zone
drops and is very adept at reading the QB's eyes.
Can turn and run on a straight-line with bigger WRs
down the seam. Playmaker with above average ball
skills (7 INTs in three seasons). Pass rushing
potential (good awareness and adequate closing
burst) but is at his best in zone coverage.
|
|
Vontaze
Burfict 6013 248 Arizona State
(Arm: 31¼) |
Combine - Forty: 5.09 |
BP:DNP |
Pro Day - Big things were expected
of Burfict heading in 2011, but a locker room fight
with a teammate helped derail his season. He didn’t
run or take part in the broad jump, but he posted a
30-inch vertical, 4.68 short shuttle, 7.42
three-cone drill and 16 strength lifts.
BRS (Gollin)
- Highly heralded coming out
of HS and hasn't lived up to it. 2-inches shorter
and 4 pounds lighter than his predraft hype. Even
his arms are short for the position. Then he goes
out and runs a 5.09.
PFW Scout's Candid Comments
-
"I
did not like Vontaze Burfict at all. He is
extremely undisciplined. He has a soft, fleshy body.
He is not tough. I really question his instincts. He
fills the wrong holes. He makes flash plays but does
not make consistent plays. He's immature, off-base
and too emotional. A positional coach will be
dog-cussing the scouts for bringing him in."
Pro Football Draft Guide –
Big 4-3 backer with great size/speed. Questionable
smarts. Best physical skills among ILB’s. Packs
power as a tackler, but question is his head – a
personal-foul-magnet who can’t control his emotions.
Could have issues learning an NFL scheme. Could fit
at either outside spot.
From nfl.com -
Consensus top linebacker in the country as a
sophomore, and then really fell off as a junior. A
final season of turmoil, weight issues, discipline
issues, and general friction between Burflict and
his coaches has undermined him entering the draft,
but talent alone should be enough for Burflict to be
picked early.
Has been a fierce, punishing competitor throughout his career.
Provides a serious physical presence and is a likely
upgrade to the middle of any NFL defense. When he is
in shape, he can fly from sideline to sideline and
cover TEs well sufficiently in the pass game. Really
excels as a pass rusher and inside tackler where he
can meet nearly any RB in the hole and deliver a
punishing blow that sends him backwards. Savvy and
instinctive - can read blocks well to get to the
ball. In the right circumstances, he could become a
leading tackler in the NFL.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a player whose on-field discipline
issues had such a negative effect on draft status.
Not many coaches are going to have the patience to
deal with personal foul penalties like the coaches
did at ASU. Put on weight within the last year that
has really slowed him downa nd
inhibited his
athleticism and sideline to sideline range.
ESPN
(Scouts, Inc. - Plays out of control.
Will try to slip blocks when he needs to take them
on. Will leave his defensive scheme vulnerable due
to lack of discipline. (Can he play within a scheme
in the NFL)? However, he has natural football
instincts. Can take a snapshot before taking on
blocks and get in position to make plays most
collegiate LBs cannot make.
|
Prototypical MLB traits -
thick
frame, powerful, displays a violent and
quick-twitched strike that can shock blockers. Has
the agility and savvy to slip many blocks. But gets
lazy and undisciplined by trying to slip too many
blocks that he should take on. Also lets his pad
level rise when attempting to take on blocks and
allows OL and FBs to ride him wide too easily. Has
physical tools to be great, but is far too
inconsistent at this point."
|
Gifted athlete for his size. Has the range to make
plays outside of the tackle box. Light on his feet
with an easy COD. Closing burst is above-average /
can make up ground in pursuit. Must show more
consistent with effort chasing plays.
|
Violent hitter. Rare ability to uncoil hips upon
contact. Displays more consistent leverage as a
tackler than he does taking on blocks. Leaves his
feet too often. Puts himself in bad position too
often due to poor angles Leads with helmet too much.
|
Very good athlete for size. Good speed and COD
skills when playing with leverage and staying
balanced. Light on his feet. Intimidating presence
over the middle of the field. Very good burst and
power when turned loose on the blitz. But he can be
late diagnosing pass. Sells out vs. run at times and
struggles to gather himself to change directions vs.
play-action. Consistently a quarter-count late
feeling receivers cross into his zone. A loose
cannon in gap-discipline as a rusher. Has big play
ability in the passing game that few ILB’s possess,
but he cannot be trusted.
|
|
Dont'a
Hightower 6022 265 Alabama (Arm:
32½) |
Combine - Forty: 4.68 | BP: DNP |
Pro Day — Stood
on his combine numbers, except he posted a 9-foot-9
broad jump. He also had a 4.68 short shuttle and a
7.55 cone drill. He worked really well. He’s one of
those guys who helped himself. I view him as a high
second-round pick.
PFW Scout's Candid Comments
-
"If
he played as hard as (teammate) Upshaw, he'd
be a wrecking ball. The games I watched,
(he) didn't do anything. With his size and
ability, I expected to see a lot better.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Massive ILB who can move and hit. A big
thumper with great instincts and a high
football IQ. Still not quite 100% after a
2009 knee injury. Savvy pass rusher with
questionable range and coverage skills.
|
From nfl.com -
Has looked the part of a starting Mike linebacker in
the NFL for two years…an early-entry junior with a
bright future. If he can keep his weight steady and
play at a fast speed, he can do many of the same
things that McClain or Brandon Spikes did as the
physical inside presence of a defense. Could be a
better fit within a 3-4 scheme, since he has the
size to shed big OLs who would work free to block
him in the run game.
Long and imposing lining up in the middle of a
defense. Uses long arms effectively to fight off
blockers, dip and push to avoid trash at his feet,
and keep balls close to him. Not the most athletic
mover in space, but he uses his arms to tie up
receivers within his zone and hand fight tight ends
off the ball. Technically sound, although his style
of play looks effortless. There aren’t many wasted
motions, and he takes good angles to the ball
working both sides of the field. Although he lacks
the speed to be a true sideline-to-sideline inside
backer or be the sole tackler in the middle of a 3-4
defense, he uses his instincts well and remains in
position.
He has a big frame and will labor at times to move
all over the field. Excels within the box but won't
run down many scatbacks at the next level. Can
defend the pass in zone but struggles to maintain
man coverage. Struggles to flip his hips in man
looks, or when he has to change direction
unexpectedly. Not heavy-footed, but pursues with a
lot of momentum and can overshoot plays at times.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc. - Consistently the first
Alabama LB to sniff out plays. Quick to react,
disciplined and plays within the scheme. Can be a
quarter-count late to diagnose counters and
misdirection.
|
"Big, strong and powerful. Sinks his hips naturally
and takes on blocks with good leverage. Generally
disciplined and uses proper shoulder. Savvy versus
the run, especially between the tackles. Keeps head
on a swivel and can find ball carrier while taking
on blocks. Also knows how to give up leverage to
keep blocker off of his body while locating the
ball. Biggest knock is he must protect lower body
better when working east-west."
|
Diagnoses run quickly. Usually takes very good
angles. Good closing burst for size, but will not
make many plays vs. the run outside the tackle box.
Lacks initial burst / lateral agility is slightly
below average.
|
Good size and pop POA. Thumper. Has short area power
and can jar the ball carrier. Brings legs through
contact. Occasionally gets into trouble leaving his
feet in space but has long arms and makes a lot of
tackles on the fringe of his range that way.
|
Good awareness in coverage. Diagnoses play-action
quickly with a good feel in underneath-middle zone.
Limited athletically. Lacks good initial burst /
stiff hips. Will have man-to-man limitations. Spent
more time working as an edge rusher on passing downs
in 2011. Some savvy and power as a pass rusher. Good
initial burst off the line and good at turning speed
to power. Adept at getting underneath OTs pads and
forcing the OT to respect his power. Some torso
flexibility when bending the edge. Developing an
effective rip move and should continue to improve
array of pass rush moves with more experience.
|
|
Bobby Wagner
6-0¼ 241 Utah State |
Combine - Didn't show (even to be measured).Forty: DNP |BP:
DNP
Pro
Day - Wagner
was supposed to work out at the NFL Scouting Combine
but couldn’t due to pneumonia. He
ran the 40-yard dash in 4.46
seconds and recorded a
39-1/2-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump.
He completed the short shuttle in 4.24 seconds, did
the three-cone drill in 7.03 seconds and did 24
strength lifts. Wagner had a
fantastic workout, and will probably be
selected in the middle of the second round. He’s
been very productive in college. Wagner has been
playing inside, but I think teams would like to play
him as an outside linebacker.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Four year starter (played both inside and
outside(. High effort player who sheds blocks
quickly and packs some pop as a tackler. Average
speed/doesn’t change directions well. Tick slow to
react.
From nfl.com -
No write
up
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Above average overall
instincts. Some problems tracking the ball behind
offensive linemen but almost always stays in gap
when he loses sight of it. Disciplined / stays home
against misdirection. Above average awareness in
zone coverage. Quickly recognizes play action and
sniffs out screens.
|
Not as effective in phone booth as heis in space but
not a liability either. Above average upper body
strength. Posts tight ends and sets the edge. Gets
off blocks …hands are active but a quarter-count
late shedding forces him to gives ground.
|
Above average motor /usually takes sound angles.
Active hands & upper body strength make it difficult
to keep a body on him in space. Top-end speed is
just average and he won’t run down quicker backs
when in a trail position.
|
Misses the occasional tackle & not a big hitter but
still above average . Breaks down, wraps up and
drives legs when he can square up on the ball
carrier. Above average body control and space. Drags
defenders down when chasing. "
|
Physical /makes it difficult for tight ends to get
off the line, Gets adequate depth in zone drops.
Reads the quarterback and can make plays in
coverage. Instinctive pass rusher who senses where
cracks will open in protection when he rushes from
the inside. Keeps head up and tracks the quarterback
as he works upfield. Active hands / can counter when
he doesn't win with first moves. Average bend and
closing speed off the edge. Above average effort
rushing the passer and can get there with effort.
Gets hands up when he isn't going to get to the
quarterback. But is a limited athlete who will have
a harder time staying with backs and some tight ends
in man coverage.
|
|
Audie Cole
6041 246 North Carolina (Arms: 32¾) |
Combine - Forty: 4.81 | BP: 15 |
Pro Day —
Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.78 and 4.81 seconds. Cole
had a good workout and should be a mid-round pick.
PFW Scout's Candid Comments
(as an OLB) -
I liked Cole more as an outside guy than
where he played (inside) this year. He was
disappointing."
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Huge SAM who moves well for his size. Flexible/can
change directions well-enough. Played inside and
outside.
Has excellent instincts but lacks elite speed.
Projects as a 4-3 SAM or 3-4 ILB.
From nfl.com -
A SLB who relies on power to defeat blockers and
make plays on the ball (since he is limited
athletically in space). Best suited playing in close
and flying to the LOS from inside the box. Has
sixth-round value based on his strength.
A strong player who is noticeably explosive when
throwing his body into linemen. Can make good
tackles in the box and when the play comes to him.
An obviously competitive player who seems to enjoy
taking on pulling lineman and fitting up with them
before using his arm strength to shed. Can maul a TE
on the line but has difficulty running with them.
He’s been a productive tackler, but most of that
production comes on plays that come directly to him.
Has difficulty turning his hips and running in
space, and would be a liability in coverage at the
next level.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Diagnoses plays quickly
and has good natural instincts. Takes few false
steps vs. play-action. Plays under control but needs
to show more gap discipline. Will have to make a
seamless transition from SLB to MLB, where he has to
make quicker reads in tight quarters.
|
Loses outside contain too often and must be more
consistent with his take-on shoulder. Good initial
pop /will lock out his arms to keep blockers off his
body. But he lacks great anchoring strength and can
get pushed around at times when bigger blockers get
into his pads in close quarters.
|
Better closing burst than most LB prospects his
size. Relentless in pursuit and has made several
tackles from behind due to effort and pursuit
angles. Some athletic limitations. Has trouble
changing directions quickly and is slow to recover
when
he
takes a false step. "
|
Highly productive. Makes a lot of tackles in
pursuit. Good initial power at POA. Usually plays
under control and takes quality pursuit angles, but
he needs to become more consistent. Lacks good COD
skills and will struggle to bring down quicker backs
in space. Tries to wrap up too high at times and
will fail to finish smaller, quicker RBs. Some
trouble finishing as a tackler when he's fighting
off blocks.
|
Diagnoses pass quickly. Has quicker feet in pedal
than most his size and gets adequate-to-good depth
in drops. Good balance / plays within himself in
coverage. Spends a lot of time working outside the
box vs. multiple receiver sets and has good
experience pressing slot WR's and working the flats
in zone coverage. But he’s shown tightness in his
hips and he can be exploited when asked to cover too
much ground. Good burst off the edge when turned
loose on the blitz. Some initial power and
relentless in pursuit but struggles to get off of
pass blocks and does not have great torso
flexibility when attempting to bend the edge.
|
|
Mychal
Kendricks 5112 239 California (Arm:
31½) |
Combine - Forty: 4.47 |
BP: 24 |
Pro Day -
Kendricks ran an impressive 4.14 short shuttle and
6.68 three-cone drill.
BRS (Gollin)
- Forty time was fast (even for an OLB) and
impossible to ignore. A bit light, short and
short-armed - makes you wonder whether he might be
best suited as a designated edge rusher. Write-ups
remind me of a faster version of Ronald McKinnon.
PFW Scout's Candid Comments
-
"Kendrick
is the best senior they have at Cal. You wish he
were taller, but he's a good football player. He'll
play a long time in this league.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Stocky, violent ILB whose style of play will be
popular with coaches.
Gets low, can power through blockers and hit
hard. Straight line/liability in coverage/lacks
great range.
From nfl.com -
Has had high tackle production and has been durable.
Will bring a physical presence to any defense and
grades out as out of the top inside linebacker
prospects in the draft, with 2nd round value.
Physical and capable of playing in a 3-4 scheme if
necessary. A very solid tackler who punishes running
backs when he fills the gap on inside runs.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Naturally instinctive and tough. Reads keys well and
usually diagnosis play early. Generally in good
position to make plays. Playmaker who lacks the
upper echelon anticipation of most elite LB's. Can
sniff out and react to screens quickly.
|
Sawed off and has natural leverage to take on
blocks. Adequate explosive power at POA. Understands
angles and adept at absorbing collisions especially
when on the move. Balanced / keeps shoulders square
to set the edge against the run. But struggles with
lack of size and strength especially when locked in
a phone booth situation. "
|
Quicker-than-fast. Solid lateral quickness /changes
directions well. Not a sideline-to-sideline defender
but shows more than adequate range. Closing burst is
good but he could do a better job of avoiding
traffic in pursuit.
|
Reliable and strong tackler. Good at bringing hips
and wrapping up upon contact. Can deliver heavy
strike. Good at breaking down and securing tackle in
the open field.
|
Adequate range in underneath zone coverage. Has
solid awareness to mark targets in his area. Will
have limitations when asked to matchup with TEs or
RBs in man coverage. Lots of upside as a pass rusher
but not a finished product at this point. Can win
with initial quickness and does a nice job of
leaning and bending the edge. But must develop as a
counter puncher.
|
|
James-Michael
Johnson 6011 241 Nevada (Arm: 32¾) |
Combine - Forty: 4.68 | BP: 23 |
Pro Day -
Johnson stood on his times from the combine. He ran
the short shuttle in 4.23 and did the three-cone in
6.99 seconds, and had a positional workout. He did
fine; he did what he was supposed to.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Tough, athletic ILB who closes on the ball quickly
once he locates. Fundamentally sound wrap-up
tackler. A bit undersized…poor instincts…slow to
react.
From nfl.com -
Has played both outside and inside finishing up at
the Mike position. Productive tackler and an obvious
leader and inspiration on the defense. Athletic and
thick, - brings power to the LOS when tackling. Has
fourth-round talent and the temperament to
contribute on special teams early.
He’s thick, and it shows when he tackles. A reliable
form tackler. Strong / sheds blocks with ease, and
fills the gap quickly. Instinctive and highly active
on the field, and smooth in his pass set. Reacts
well to both run and pass and should develop into a
starter.
But he can struggle making plays on the ball (always
around the play but has a tough time making the play
on passing downs). He can cover in man but is better
in zone and could get outrun by TEs in the NFL. Not
very fast and is better served playing inside the
box.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) -
Tracks ball and reads blockers. Can read quarterback
when dropped into underneath coverage. Above average
gap discipline but may get caught out of position
whenhe
loses
track of the ball.
|
Average lateral mobility doesn’t slip blocks in
phone booth. Doesn’t protect legs well enough. Gets
engulfed at times but can lock out and control
blockers. Upper body strength is average. Flashes a
violent punch.
|
Quick enough to beat backs to the corner on
perimeter running plays but could and should make
more plays in pursuit. Takes shallow angles to the
ball and lacks the burst to get away with it. Will
gear down at times.
|
Delivers big hit in space but is not a downhill
thumper between the tackles. Stays square, chops
feet and wraps up in the hole. Wraps legs up when
closing down the line. But has below average body
control and misses too many tackles in the open
field. "
|
Gets adequate depth and limits YAC production in
underneath zone coverage but lacks the range Tampa-2
teams look for at ILB. Below-average route
recognition skills /will get spun around in
coverage. Lacks the burst necessary to stay with
quicker backs in man coverage. Uses slap-to-swim and
rip moves but has average initial quickness and
closing speed when rushing the passer.
|
|
Emmanuel Acho
6015 238 Texas (Arm: 33) |
Combine - Forty: 4.73 | BP: 24)
Pro Day - Impressive
in his position drills, and his draft position could
get another boost given that his brother —
Sam Acho — was a fourth-round draft pick of
the Arizona Cardinals last year and started 10 games
as a rookie in 2011, registering seven sacks and
four forced fumbles.
BRS (Gollin) - Sam Acho's brother,
but not as big or physical.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Instinctive LB who reacts quickly and moves well
laterally. A bit underpowered and not a thumper. May
not have the size
to play inside. Some potential as a blitzer.
From nfl.com -
A productive force inside but there are certain
hitches in his athletic ability and running motion
that inhibit him on the field. But he shows up
consistently and knows how to tackle and play well
in the box. Could be a special teamer at the next
level and seems to have the temperament to
contribute there. A fifth- or sixth-round talent
based on his ability to contribute early.
An instinctual ILB who usually takes a good first
step toward the ball off the snap. Will meet running
backs inside and fill a gap (if not two) to make a
play. Adept at sifting through blockers outside, and
is a better tackler from the inside/out in pursuit
than at the point. Knows how to time blitzes and
work against offensive lineman to get pressure on
the quarterback.
But he can
get dominated by bigger offensive lineman and
struggles to disengage at times. A decent athlete
who can look awkward when pursuing long or dropping
in his pass set . A bit undersized and can't maul
tight ends at the line to get them off route /
struggles in coverage when having to run with them.
Except maybe on special teams, he won't be a very
reliable inside presence early on.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Has natural
instincts and above-average diagnostic skills. Takes
proper angles with run-fits with a natural feel for
cutback runners. Can get overly aggressive, making
him vulnerable to misdirection and play action. Will
sniff out screens.
|
Good strength POA. Good at recognizing when to take
on or slip blocks. Lacks quick -twitch explosive
strike but does use active hands to disengage when
locked in a phone booth. But he can occasionally be
engulfed by more massive offensive linemen. Can
stack and hold the edge when aligned over TE. "
|
Knock-kneed and not a smooth athlete. Too much herky
jerky motions when having to quickly change
directions. Must do a better job of avoiding traffic
in pursuit. Above-average closing burst (when
pointed in the right direction).
|
Wraps up upon contact. Not a heavy hitter or
run-through tackler. Could improve angles when
closing in the open field. Some tightness when
having to break down in space to secure tackle.
Employs good technique and timing when cutting legs
of bigger runners.
|
Enough movement skills to hold up in underneath zone
coverage but much of playmaker and will have
limitations in man coverage with more athlete TEs or
quicker RBs. Lacks adequate power as a rusher but
has a good motor and will come up with second effort
sacks.
|
|
Ryan Baker
5113 232 LSU (Arm: 31) |
Combine - Forty: 4.88 | BP: 30
|
Pro Day -
Baker recorded 4.72 and 4.73 40-yard dashes, a 9-6
broad jump and 7.24 three-cone drill. He did not do
position drills because there weren’t any LB coaches
present to work him out
BRS (Gollin)
-
Forty time does not match his write-up.
Pro Football Draft Guide
– No write up
From nfl.com -
Prototype linebacker at LSU – with the undersized,
fly-around style that has brought terror to the SEC.
A fast player who can get to the ball from anywhere
on the field. Could be attractive to3-4
teams. He could play ILB, where he would be
relied upon to shed blockers and work within the box
to make a lot of tackles. But he struggles with
certain movements and isn't a great cover guy, so he
could get exposed covering tight ends from a 4-3
base defense OLB position at the next level.
Projects to the late rounds and will likely be a
special teams contributor early.
Very fast…a bit short, but very strong and has a
solid base to meet bigger OLs en route to the ball.
Could be attractive to a 3-4 team where the ILBs are
expected to be able to get off blocks from interior
linemen on the second level. A very reliable
tackler, who can gather his weight and settle down
to make a tackle in pursuit or dip his hips to
deliver an explosive blow in his gap. Similar to Ali
Highsmith although a little better working inside
the box. But he still needs to improve within the
box. He does not recognize plays immediately to drop
back into coverage, and his athletic ability does
not translate to pass setting or covering a guy down
the field. Doesn’t react well once setting in his
drop and has problems turning his hips to run; his
feet serve him well when pursuing a ball carrier but
not when having to work in a ton of space.
|
Shawn Loiseau
6004 236 Merrimack
(Arms: 32¾) |
Combine - Forty: 4.85 | BP: 19 |
Pro Football Draft Guide
– No write up
From nfl.com -
Ignored by bigger schools after an off-field
incident in HS but has displayed NFL ability in a
small college program. A productive tackler and a
natural at the position - can read lines and make
quick plays on the ball. Sixth-round talent based on
his ability to develop at the next level.
A very good tackler who plays instinctively from his
Mike position. Quick to diagnose plays with an
explosive drive step to the ball. Big enough to play
inside in a 4-3 scheme but could also play within a
3-since he has the arm strength to shed the blocks
of bigger linemen. He’s an explosive and physical
presence from the inside who has proved he can play
right away despite coming from a small school.
Small school background and off-field incident could
hurt his draft rating. He can be exposed as an
average athlete in space at times, and can fall off
tackles when working from the outside-in. Will need
a slight development period at the next level to
adjust to the speed of the NFL.
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Tank Carder
6023 236 TCU (Arm: 31½) |
Combine - Forty: 4.69 | BP: 19 |
BRS (Gollin) -
Every time I tuned in a TCU
game, he was making plays alll over the field.
Reminds me of a few "less athletic" Ohio State LB's
who went on to star in the NFL. His forty time
suggests he has more than enough speed for the
position - a bit light, but the Cards seem to prefer
lighter, more mobile ILB's. One rare case where more
workout numbers will help clarify his draft status.
PFW Scout's Candid Comments
- "A
little guy who plays little. I liked him a lot more
last year. I don't know if he can hold up at our
level."
Pro Football Draft Guide
– Active, instinctive LB with great feel for zone
coverage. Straight-lined and athletically limited.
Has trouble shedding blocks and will get beaten in
space. Throwback mentality.
From nfl.com -
A highly effective, high motor player who
might not
have the athletic ability to get drafted in the late
rounds, but teams will have a tough time letting him
go during camp. Competitiveness and toughness should
allow him to find a role on a 53-man roster as a
backup and special teams standout.
Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year…consistent and active in
the run game, relying heavily on his instincts to
diagnose plays and hit his gaps. Has the size and
strength for the next level and is a very productive
tackler. Once he sees a play he is quick to get
there. It’s obvious he understands how to read
offensive lines to help him diagnose. A strong
player who will fight his way into a role at the
next level. But
he’s a bit undersized and lacks the speed to start
right away. Diagnoses plays quickly, but his
athletic ability can be exposed when he has to dip
his plant step to drop back into coverage and scan
the field for crossing routes. Must work toward the
ball to be productive, but when he has, he’s set
Pick 6 records. All of his production comes off his
instincts and many will question his athletic
ability at the next level; will to have strong
pre-draft workout performances.
ESPN (Scouts, Inc.) - Strong overall
diagnostic skills - reads keys and is consistently
the first to get a bead on the ball. Instincts allow
him to make plays on the other side of the LOS.
However, he can be overaggressive reacting to play
and sacrifice gap integrity. Quickly seeks out and
reacts to screens and draws. "
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Must improve overall strength at POA, but is
relentless in this area and not afraid to fire his
gun or sacrifice his body. Will absorb and slip
blocks when he has to. Has issues vs. bigger and
more massive blockers in close quarters.
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Overall range is good. Pursues with reckless
abandon. Does have limitations athletically ( tight
when having to make a sudden change of direction).
Weaves through traffic well but could do a better
job of protecting lower body in pursuit.
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Reliable and fundamentally sound tackler. Not a
heavy hitter but can uncoil hips and strike when he
can line up target. Angles are sound in pursuit /
breaks down well in the open field.
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Good range and awareness in underneath zone
coverage. Has a feel for passing window and can get
hands on ball (16 career passes blocked). Can turn
and run with TEs downfield but will have some
limitations when locked up in man coverage with more
athletic TEs or quicker RBs. Lacks elite power as a
pass rusher but can pressure effectively/ relentless
in getting home to secure sack.
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Colin
Parker 6-1 223 Arizona
State |
Pro Day - Forty: 4.70 | Ten: 1.69 | Twenty: 2.77 | BP:
23 | VJ: 31½ | BJ: 9-8 | Sh Sh: 4.53 | 3C: 7.18 |
BRS (Gollin) - Solid citizen and
inspirational team leader with a heck of a
back-story whose college
coach says nice things about. A bit light for the inside,
but not a lot of speed (& kind of short) if moved outside.
Walter Mitchell (posting on ASFN) - 2011 stats: 75 t, 6 tfl,
2.5 sacks, 1 int, 3 ff, 2 fr. He's from Chandler---and one
of his biggest plays was the punt he blocked versus Cal
which resulted in an ASU TD. Parker has a good nose for the
ball---he's a little undersized, but to me he resembles
Paris Lenon, and if he gets a little stronger he might show
some promise at 34 ILB.
S porting
News -
We know Arizona State LB Vontaze Burfict as the meanest man
in college football, but he’s not the Sun Devils’ best
defensive player, at least according to coach Dennis
Erickson, The Arizona Republic reported. That distinction,
Erickson said, belongs to senior LB Colin Parker, who leads
the team with 31 tackles. Burfict is second with 22. "No
question about it," he said "And our most consistent
defensive player. He doesn't make very many mistakes. I
compare him so much to Mike Nixon, who was here a couple
years ago, with the mental aspect and understanding what's
going on. . . . He's played really well for us.
FSN-AZ 9/4/2011 -
Arizona State
defensive coordinator Craig Bray is not the type of
football coach to hold his players’ hands and sing
"Kumbaya."
“You’ve just got to learn to listen to
the message,” linebacker Colin Parker said. “(He) might
add in a couple extra words here and there, but you’ve
got to see past that . . . just try to take it as
constructive criticism.”
Parker has looked past
his fair share of choice words, but lately Bray’s
message has been sprinkled with compliments.
“Unbelievable kid with character, work ethic and
intelligence,” Bray said of Parker. “Nobody else could
do what he’s done.”
After two games, the senior
linebacker leads the Sun Devils in tackling. He had 11
last week in a victory over then-No. 21 Missouri. Parker
is tied for eighth place in the Pac-12 with 16 tackles,
and his 13 solo tackles are tied for second.
But
that’s not what Bray is talking about. Parker blew out
his ACL in both his junior and season seasons at
Chandler Hamilton High, enduring agonizingly long
rehabilitations. Now he’s starting for the nation’s
22nd-ranked team. “It is kind of weird to sit here and
think back on where I was and where I’m at. It’s not
exactly where I was thinking I was going to be,” Parker
said. “It took, honestly, almost three years before I
felt like I could go out and compete for a position on
the field.”
When Parker injured his knee the
second time, an MRI was inconclusive, so doctors told
him the surgery could go one of two ways once they
opened up the knee in the operating room. “It could
either be a scope or a full-blown procedure,” said his
dad, Anthony Parker, who played
cornerback
at Arizona from 1984-87 before moving on to the NFL.
“Colin didn’t know until he woke up in a hospital bed
that it was going to be the latter. It was devastating
for all of us. I remember wheeling him out in a
wheelchair so he could watch his team play, and it was
tearing him up inside. He had tears in his eyes.”
Anthony Parker suffered a similar injury his senior
year at Arizona State at a time when surgical procedures
were not as advanced as they are today. Yet he still
played 10 NFL seasons for Indianapolis, Kansas City,
Minnesota, St. Louis and Tampa Bay. That fact helped
Colin remain upbeat. “He could talk me through
situations where I’d get down on myself and start
doubting my abilities,” Colin said. “He could help me
keep it in perspective.”
Parker had another
concern, however. He was recruited to Arizona State by
former coach Dirk Koetter, who was fired after the 2006
season. Neither father nor son knew if new coach Dennis
Erickson would honor the scholarship of an injured
player he never had watched, never recruited and who
might not fit his system, particularly because he was
recruited as a safety. “I reached out to ASU, and the
institution stood behind us,” Anthony Parker said. “That
meant a lot.”
Parker didn’t inspire confidence in
the coaching staff as he learned how to retrain his
muscles, regain his confidence and adapt to a new
position. “He couldn’t run out of his own shadow,” Bray
said. “I always gave him (guff) because he didn’t get
the genes his dad got. He’s wearing somebody else’s.”
Parker never took the comments to heart. He was used
to that sort of motivation from former Hamilton coach
John Wrenn, now Arizona State's assistant athletic
director for football operations. Wrenn used to joke
that Parker “was the worst football player in the
history of football.” Parker was competing for a
starting job this season, but when senior Brandon Magee
went down with a season-ending Achilles' injury in an
August scrimmage, he knew he had to take on a greater
role. That responsibility was compounded when his
teammates elected him captain.
“He’s been our
most consistent defensive player without a doubt,” said
Bray, who expects Parker to be the team’s leading
tackler all season, ahead of even All-America candidate
Vontaze Burfict. “It’s an indicator that he’s reading
his keys -- that he’s where the ball is,” Bray
continued. “The guy that should be the leading tackler
is your middle backer because he gets to run free,
sideline to sideline. Colin’s just on one side of the
field. But Colin’s disciplined. He sees what he’s
supposed to see.”
Bray compares Parker to former
Sun Devils standout Mike Nixon. “Nixon had no business
playing linebacker, and he looked awful doing it,” Bray
said. “But the guy made plays because he saw the game so
well. You couldn’t fool him, and Colin’s getting to that
same place.” As for Erickson, he’s happy he kept a
scholarship that felt more like a blind date. “It’s hard
to have enough accolades for the guy,” Erickson said.
“He’s everything you want. He’s smart, he works hard and
he was raised in the game, so that’s a big help. “Having
been here five years and gone through all the things
he’s gone through with the injuries, he’s just really
taken advantage of everything.”
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