Are you looking for a weakside linebacker? Draft Knowledge Part 8
Because this year? There is depth and breadth at the Will. Sure, there is versatility from Keith Rivers all the way down to Erin Henderson and Beau Bell (who I’m not going to break down). But most of them? They are weakside backers at best.
It is what it is.
AFTER THE JUMP!
1. KeIth Rivers USC
6′2″ 241 4.70
Keith Rivers plays beyond his timed speed. He plays on a down hill track, and believe me, he hits hard. He’s very instinctive. He can sniff out play action and slow hitters like the screens and draws. His size-speed ratio is great, and he will go all-out, even when hurt.
However, he’s not great in coverage. And with his general all-outtishness? He will get out of control at times. And if he gets blocked? He will get handled. He will take bad pursuit angles and open up the cutback lanes.
WHY will he be the first linebacker taken? Because he’s instant impact at the will.
2. Dan Connor Penn State
6′2″ 231 4.80
Dan Conner is the gritty, gutty white guy in this draft tier. He has a nose for the football, and like Rivers, he will play downhill and hit hard. He has the finely honed instincts to play smart on the field. He reacts quickly to run and pass plays.
But as I said in my tight end preview, gritty and gutty = slow white guy. Dan Connor? Slow white guy. A speed burner can get past him on the perimeters. If a lineman or fullback can engage him? He is so blocked. Also, his blitz skills are happy in that they suck. (They’re not mad, okay?)
WHY is he not going to suck as a pro? His awareness will keep him safe until he loses that step that he just can’t lose.
3. Jerod Mayo Tennessee
6′1″ 242 4.58
As an athlete, he’s one of the better OLB prospects. Great timed speed for a 240 pounder combined with some pretty good power. And get this? He can fly around the field too. He’ll step up and challenge a lead blocker on a run play, and he will put the proverbial stank on his tackles.
However, while he does fly around the field. He doesn’t fly around the field at a 4.58 speed. And while he can fly around the field, the lateral movement is a bit of an issue. He can overpursue and miss tackles. Also, a shifty running back can break his ankles. And if you can wall him off, he’ll take a bad angle to escape.
WHY is he still a great round two value? Because even if he’s not a great middle linebacker, he probably has a better pro long-term pro future than Connor.
4. Xavier Adibi Virginia Tech
6′2″ 232 4.72
As Mayo plays below his timed speed, Adibi has a game faster than his timed speed. Great move skills and all. You just cannot outrun him on the perimeter. He can elude blockers without losing the play, and he can also funnel the play back toward his defensive help.
Nevertheless, Adibi is still undersized. He will get blown out of the play. He can sometimes play out of control. He’s not a boom king like Connor, Mayo, or Rivers. And he will also miss many tackles.
WHY is he still above Bell or Henderson? Simple. He’s the best OLB in coverage we have in this draft. That’s just good value.
5. Quentin Groves Auburn
6′3″ 239 4.56
He’s got excellent athleticism. He plays to his timed speed. And what does he bring to the table? Pass Rush. You’re drafting him to attack the quarterback. When he’s attacking the quarterback? He’s gold, pony boy.
But he needs to keep his legs healthy. He’s lame without his wheeels. He’s a negative against the run and when he has to hold versus the point of attack. He has bad instincts and an inconsistent motor. Basically, he needs to attack the quarterback. If he doesn’t? He’s kind of lost.
WHY is he still a potential first round pick? The pass rush. The pass rush turned Dwight Freeney into a Top 15 pick and Jamal Reynolds into a top 10. Groves could go one way or the other.
Tackles, Corners, Receivers, a mock draft and boring homerism to come in the draft series.
I love you all.
Andrew
