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Thread: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

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    Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    One thing Steelers fans coast to coast can all agree on this offseason is WE NEED ILBs.

    I'm just going to start putting players names out there. Hopefully over the next couple weeks we can match those names with insights, stats, and some form of ranking system for draftabilty. Highlights and actual game tape would be awesome too. What else do we have to do from now until April? Football-wise that is.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    I'll start the list off with the 10 most well known names.

    Roquan Smith, GA. 6'1" - 225lbs
    Career stats at Ga:
    28 games played. 232 total tackles. 19 tackles for loss. 3 passes defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 3 fumbles recovered. 6.5 sacks

    Rashaan Evans, Bama. 6'3" - 234lbs
    Career stats at Bama:
    42 games played. 150 total tackles. 23.5 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 2 forced fumbles. 2 fumbles recovered. 15 sacks.

    Tremaine Edmunds, VT. 6'5" - 250lbs
    Career stats at VT:
    32 games played. 213 total tackles. 33 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 10 sacks.

    Malik Jefferson, TX. 6'3" - 240lbs
    Career stats at Tx:
    34 games played. 231 total tackles. 26 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 2 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 13 sacks.

    Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State. 6'4" - 240lbs
    Career stats at Boise State:
    28 games played. 188 total tackles. 13 tackles for loss. 6 passes defensed. 4 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 5 sacks.

    Micah Kiser, UVA. 6'2" - 240lbs
    Career stats at Virginia:
    47 games played. 408 tackles. 33.5 tackles for loss. 12 passes defensed. 8 forced fumbles. 6 fumbles recovered. 19 sacks

    Josey Jewell, Iowa. 6'2" - 236lbs
    Career stats at Iowa:
    49 games played. 433 total tackles. 28 tackles for loss. 26 passes defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 2 fumbles recovered. 10 sacks.

    Jerome Baker, Ohio State. 6'1" - 225lbs
    Career stats at Ohio State:
    29 games played. 159 total tackles. 17.5 tackles for loss. 4 passes defensed. 1 forced fumble. 3 fumbles recovered. 7 sacks.

    Christian Sam, Arizone State. 6'2" - 237lbs
    Career stats at AZ State:
    35 games played. 240 total tackles. 17 tackles for loss. 4 passes defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 7 sacks.

    Kendall Joseph, Clemson. 6'0" - 230lbs
    Career stats at Clemson:
    30 games played. 206 total tackles. 16.5 tackles for loss. 1 pass defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 4 sacks.
    Last edited by Born2Steel; 01-31-2018 at 01:14 PM.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    I know we have an Iowa fan or 2 on this forum. Need some eye witness accounts on Josey Jewell and his ability to fit what the Steelers do at ILB. Very impressive numbers, IMO. Not projected to be as fast as some of the other LBs at comparable size. Highlights look like what highlights are supposed to look like. Need some honest input whether or not to put Jewell on the draft watch-list.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Edmunds 6’5
    Jefferson 6’3
    Vander Esch 6’4

    Seems like some height for LBs. I like it maybe something the Steelers could use.


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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Daniel Jeremiah posted his top 50 prospect for the draft and has Roquan Smith ranked 19th. Colbert/Tomlin needs to be all over him and trade up if he slips. Reason why he could fall? lack of size, but Tomlin does not shy away from that(Timmons & Shazier)


    Tremaine Edmunds is rated #3. He is a top 10 pick for sure. Too talented.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Just to put another guy on the radar.

    Genard Avery 6'1" - 250lbs Listed as an ILB on most draft sheets, but plays more like a OLB. Late round guy, maybe UDFA. Reminds me of VW/Harrison.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Born2Steel View Post
    Just to put another guy on the radar.

    Genard Avery 6'1" - 250lbs Listed as an ILB on most draft sheets, but plays more like a OLB. Late round guy, maybe UDFA. Reminds me of VW/Harrison.
    Career stats at Memphis
    45 games played. 230 tackles. 44.5 tackles for loss. 21.5 sacks. 3 forced fumbles. 2 INTs.

    Avery vs Western KY
    https://herosports.com/nfl-draft/hig...s-raiders-b6b6

    Avery vs UCF
    https://fullpresscoverage.com/2018/0...pect-lb-avery/

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Tremaine Edmunds, VT. 6'5" - 250lbs
    Career stats at VT:
    32 games played. 213 total tackles. 33 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 10 sacks.

    Maybe the highest ceiling of any in this draft. Still very raw as far as his potential.

    http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profiles/tremaine-edmunds?id=2560062

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_alNNzT1n0

    https://www.hogshaven.com/2018/1/13/...2018-nfl-draft

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Jerome Baker, Ohio State. 6'1" - 225lbs
    Career stats at Ohio State:
    29 games played. 159 total tackles. 17.5 tackles for loss. 4 passes defensed. 1 forced fumble. 3 fumbles recovered. 7 sacks.

    If you watched any OSU football this past season, surely Jerome Baker popped off the screen to you. A prospect I expect to quickly rise up draft boards.

    http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/jerome_baker_972168.html

    http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2017/1...draft-profile/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeCFpFWovTw

    https://www.landof10.com/ohio-state/...eat-linebacker

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Christian Sam, Arizone State. 6'2" - 237lbs
    Career stats at AZ State:
    35 games played. 240 total tackles. 17 tackles for loss. 4 passes defensed. 3 forced fumbles. 7 sacks.

    One of my favorite "Work Horse ILBs". Sam is one of those high motor, fly to the ball LBs.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R301CpSTP0

    http://thesundevils.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=4000

    https://www.houseofsparky.com/2017/1...-for-nfl-draft

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Rashaan Evans, Bama. 6'3" - 234lbs
    Career stats at Bama:
    42 games played. 150 total tackles. 23.5 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 2 forced fumbles. 2 fumbles recovered. 15 sacks.

    Just a hard hitting, run stuffer every defense needs. Made the move inside from OLB, which looks like the right move. Compares to Lawrence Timmons.

    http://www.rolltide.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=3898

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWryYBBAylE

    http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profil...ans?id=2560073

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Malik Jefferson, TX. 6'3" - 240lbs
    Career stats at Tx:
    34 games played. 231 total tackles. 26 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 2 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 13 sacks.

    Maybe the hardest hitting LB in this draft. A run stuffing, get after the QB beast they call "The Predator"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oFi9Xn8Pdk

    https://www.burntorangenation.com/20...exas-longhorns

    http://texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7224

    This is game footage vs OK State. MJ had a very good game and you get to see him in on a lot of plays.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obR85cBvDK8
    Last edited by Born2Steel; 02-14-2018 at 12:39 PM.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Born2Steel View Post
    Malik Jefferson, TX. 6'3" - 240lbs
    Career stats at Tx:
    34 games played. 231 total tackles. 26 tackles for loss. 5 passes defensed. 2 forced fumbles. 1 fumble recovered. 13 sacks.

    Maybe the hardest hitting LB in this draft. A run stuffing, get after the QB beast they call "The Predator"

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oFi9Xn8Pdk

    https://www.burntorangenation.com/20...exas-longhorns

    http://texassports.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=7224

    This is game footage vs OK State. MJ had a very good game and you get to see him in on a lot of plays.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obR85cBvDK8
    I've seen a few mocks with him going in R3, is that accurate?

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Shoes View Post
    I've seen a few mocks with him going in R3, is that accurate?
    I doubt he will fall that far, but stranger things have happened in the draft.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Shoes View Post
    I've seen a few mocks with him going in R3, is that accurate?
    Quote Originally Posted by Born2Steel View Post
    I doubt he will fall that far, but stranger things have happened in the draft.
    I've seen legitimate "big boards" with Jefferson as a R3/R4 prospect and Jewell falling behind that.

    There also seems to be a big variation in how the safeties are ranked right now as well. Logic and reason will likely start to prevail after the combine and all these guys can start on the "group-think" copy and paste responses and scouting reports!

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Shoes View Post
    I've seen a few mocks with him going in R3, is that accurate?
    He is the quintessential "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane."

    He will need a lot of coaching, because right now, he simply gets by on his superior physical skills. But, he often plays slower than his top speed, because he has a difficult time recognizing/diagnosing plays.


    If he never makes that mental leap, he will be what Bud Dupree currently is (a physical specimen with otherworldly potential).

    If he does indeed reach his full potential, he will be Ryan Shazier (a whirling dervish).

    SUMMATION:
    If a team thinks that they can coach him up, he'll go in the top 40. It only takes ONE team to fall in love with a player... or... a team with extra draft picks to "risk" on him (I'd bet that he goes at 35 to the Browns).

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by teegre View Post
    He is the quintessential "Looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane."

    He will need a lot of coaching, because right now, he simply gets by on his superior physical skills. But, he often plays slower than his top speed, because he has a difficult time recognizing/diagnosing plays.


    If he never makes that mental leap, he will be what Bud Dupree currently is (a physical specimen with otherworldly potential).

    If he does indeed reach his full potential, he will be Ryan Shazier (a spinning dervish).
    Isn't that the same knock that floats around about Edmunds? I realize that Edmunds is a bit younger and perhaps even more physically gifted, but I hear similar criticisms about slow to react and lack of instincts, etc.

    Here is the thing for me. It seems like these scouting reports are dancing around some stern questions that no one wants to put in print.

    1. Is the player really just inexperienced and under-coached? Then no problem, draft high and coach 'em up.
    2. Is the player dumb? Is all of this "lack of" stuff just code word for too darn dumb to read and react to keys in any kind of reasonable time frame. So don't draft because at the NFL level the athleticism that bought that player success to date will no longer be enough.
    3. Does the player just not like the violence of the position? Not everyone has a passion to go out and hurl their body into a car crash 3-4 dozen times per game. For some it is a path to a paycheck and I know there is a certain point where a "business decision" becomes a realistic choice. That's fine, doesn't mean the kid is a bad person or a broken misfit toy - it just means there is only so much they are going to progress. Draft with caution.
    4. Is it some other aspect of the game? Most common is that a player is being asked to do things in their college system that they won't have to do in the NFL. Freed up from whatever was holding them back (often having to make ALL OF THE PLAYS) they blossom. Draft away!
    5. Player has simply been playing at less than all out in college. Knew their goal was the NFL and knew that they had to be healthy enough to get there. Caution, but draft anyway?

    That's how I see it. I suspect that #2 is the most common reason. Fred Gibson might have been illiterate and he was certainly cut because he was simply too stupid to grasp the playbook. Martavis Bryant is walking a similar path. I have suspected Shamarko Thomas was also terminally dumb. One has to begin to wonder if Bud Dupree is going to join that club? What else explains his often "lost" wanderings in the run game and his stubborn refusal to alter any aspect of his pass rush "plan" (which I am starting a petition to call the "Ricky Bobby" - "Look, Mama, I'm going fast!") of just running around OTs.

    All in all it is a curious wonder to me why some physical freak undersized linebackers get the Ryan Shazier scouting report (it's cool. he'll be fine - just needs time to adjust) and others get what we are seeing some say about Edmunds and Jefferson (lacks instincts, slow to react, etc). Only thing I can really find is that Shazier is really smart and a leader and the other two.....are not smart?????

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mojouw View Post
    Isn't that the same knock that floats around about Edmunds? I realize that Edmunds is a bit younger and perhaps even more physically gifted, but I hear similar criticisms about slow to react and lack of instincts, etc.

    Here is the thing for me. It seems like these scouting reports are dancing around some stern questions that no one wants to put in print.

    1. Is the player really just inexperienced and under-coached? Then no problem, draft high and coach 'em up.
    2. Is the player dumb? Is all of this "lack of" stuff just code word for too darn dumb to read and react to keys in any kind of reasonable time frame. So don't draft because at the NFL level the athleticism that bought that player success to date will no longer be enough.
    3. Does the player just not like the violence of the position? Not everyone has a passion to go out and hurl their body into a car crash 3-4 dozen times per game. For some it is a path to a paycheck and I know there is a certain point where a "business decision" becomes a realistic choice. That's fine, doesn't mean the kid is a bad person or a broken misfit toy - it just means there is only so much they are going to progress. Draft with caution.
    4. Is it some other aspect of the game? Most common is that a player is being asked to do things in their college system that they won't have to do in the NFL. Freed up from whatever was holding them back (often having to make ALL OF THE PLAYS) they blossom. Draft away!
    5. Player has simply been playing at less than all out in college. Knew their goal was the NFL and knew that they had to be healthy enough to get there. Caution, but draft anyway?

    That's how I see it. I suspect that #2 is the most common reason. Fred Gibson might have been illiterate and he was certainly cut because he was simply too stupid to grasp the playbook. Martavis Bryant is walking a similar path. I have suspected Shamarko Thomas was also terminally dumb. One has to begin to wonder if Bud Dupree is going to join that club? What else explains his often "lost" wanderings in the run game and his stubborn refusal to alter any aspect of his pass rush "plan" (which I am starting a petition to call the "Ricky Bobby" - "Look, Mama, I'm going fast!") of just running around OTs.

    All in all it is a curious wonder to me why some physical freak undersized linebackers get the Ryan Shazier scouting report (it's cool. he'll be fine - just needs time to adjust) and others get what we are seeing some say about Edmunds and Jefferson (lacks instincts, slow to react, etc). Only thing I can really find is that Shazier is really smart and a leader and the other two.....are not smart?????
    That is where superior coaching (and, to a degree, superb coaching) come into play.

    Is Jefferson not making the tackles, because he is not diagnosing the plays quick enough? If so, is it from:
    -lack of experience
    -not enough film watching
    -limited drive/desire
    -he is simply dumb

    The first to can be rectified with superb coaching. The third one is what you get with Albert Hayneswoeth (good only in contract seasons). The last one is an incurable problem.

    But, it’s difficult to figure which one it is.

    That is why the draft is so difficult to navigate, because top tier picks turn into busts... and, R6 players become HofFamers.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Darius Leonard, SC State. 6'3" - 235lbs
    2017 stats at SC State:
    10 games played. 114 tackles. 12 tackles for loss. 8.5 sacks.

    Highest ranked FCS ILB in 2018 draft.

    http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profil...ard?id=2559818

    https://www.flofootball.com/articles...caliber-talent

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AWMn2kZ3r0

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Born2Steel View Post
    Darius Leonard, SC State. 6'3" - 235lbs
    2017 stats at SC State:
    10 games played. 114 tackles. 12 tackles for loss. 8.5 sacks.

    Highest ranked FCS ILB in 2018 draft.

    http://www.nfl.com/draft/2018/profil...ard?id=2559818

    https://www.flofootball.com/articles...caliber-talent

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AWMn2kZ3r0
    I really like Leonard. If Evans is gone at 28 and Leonard is there at 60, they should definitely take him

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Here is one of my many questions for the ILB class in this year's draft. Actually, I lied it is a series of related questions and I am not certain there is a "right" answer.

    1. Which player is the best ILB in 3 years?
    2. Which player is the best ILB right now?
    3. If the answers to #1 and #2 are different players, how big is the gap now and how big is the gap in 3 years? Does that difference matter?
    4. What are the most important criteria for making the evaluation (for the Steelers specifically)?

    I have no idea about 1-3, but I think I have a few thoughts on 4. I would be looking for speed, range, and the ability to make impact plays when an offense tries to pull the defense open horizontally. So on a spectrum from Vince Williams to Larry Foote to James Farrior to Lawrence Timmons to Ryan Shazier -- I would be focused on the Timmons to Shazier end of the spectrum.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mojouw View Post
    Here is one of my many questions for the ILB class in this year's draft. Actually, I lied it is a series of related questions and I am not certain there is a "right" answer.

    1. Which player is the best ILB in 3 years?
    2. Which player is the best ILB right now?
    3. If the answers to #1 and #2 are different players, how big is the gap now and how big is the gap in 3 years? Does that difference matter?
    4. What are the most important criteria for making the evaluation (for the Steelers specifically)?

    I have no idea about 1-3, but I think I have a few thoughts on 4. I would be looking for speed, range, and the ability to make impact plays when an offense tries to pull the defense open horizontally. So on a spectrum from Vince Williams to Larry Foote to James Farrior to Lawrence Timmons to Ryan Shazier -- I would be focused on the Timmons to Shazier end of the spectrum.
    I find it's too early to answer 1 and 3. I see 2 and 4 as the same question. The best ILB right now may be different for different teams. Personally, I really like this Josey Jewell guy, but all I have to go on at the moment is stats. And stats alone do not tell the complete tale. Jerome Baker is smaller, faster, and maybe the best in coverage so far that I've looked at. What I cannot find on Baker is him breaking down and making a tackle on a RB in the open field. Edmunds, Jefferson, and Kiser probably have the bigger upside and higher ceiling, the rest I think are what they are. Jewell, Kiser, Sam, and Evans are probably the most NFL ready right now just based on number of snaps in college. Vander Esch had a great 2017, but that's his production in college.

    If I had to take one of these guys at #28 overall today, I would narrow it down to 1 of 4. Roquan Smith, Rashaad Evans, Tremaine Edmunds, or Malik Jefferson. I put an asterisk next to Josey Jewell, only because he has 4 years of consistent production on the stat sheet, but I haven't looked at any film on him yet. He could be Matakevich or Urlacher. Just don't know yet.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    For an ILB, speed and football instincts. There are other intangibles, but I believe those two are the most important today. It would be nice if Matakevich could run a 4.6.
    Hater = Realist

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Steeldude View Post
    For an ILB, speed and football instincts. There are other intangibles, but I believe those two are the most important today. It would be nice if Matakevich could run a 4.6.
    Agreed. That is why I hesitate on Jewell. I don't know how fast he is. If he's a slow runner, he's another Matakevich. If he does have good speed he could be another Urlacher. He has all the production you could want for stats, plus 4 years doing it means consistency. Vander Esch, Baker, and Sam both have speed and good instincts, just not the consistency of doing it over time.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by Steeldude View Post
    For an ILB, speed and football instincts. There are other intangibles, but I believe those two are the most important today. It would be nice if Matakevich could run a 4.6.
    As far as pure speed, outside of Roquan Smith who will probably go top 10, Jerome Baker is probably the next quickest @ 4.62 - 40 and similar height/weight measures at 6-2" 225lb

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by SteelMember View Post
    As far as pure speed, outside of Roquan Smith who will probably go top 10, Jerome Baker is probably the next quickest @ 4.62 - 40 and similar height/weight measures at 6-2" 225lb
    Smith, Baker, and Evans are probably the only 3 sideline to sideline ILBs worthy of 1st round picks. There are some really good tackle to tackle ILBs that will be 1st round candidates as well. But even last year's crop only saw 3 go in the 1st round, and Foster dropped to 31.

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Micah Kiser, UVA. 6'2" - 240lbs
    Career stats at Virginia:
    47 games played. 408 tackles. 33.5 tackles for loss. 12 passes defensed. 8 forced fumbles. 6 fumbles recovered. 19 sacks

    Led the ACC in tackles 3 straight years. I don't think he needs to learn fundamentals.

    http://www.virginiasports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/micah_kiser_853656.html

    http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/college/football/bs-sp-military-bowl-micah-kiser-20171221-story.html

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL0myY0x42E

    This one against Boise you can see Kiser pretty much owns between the tackles. He doesn't show much in coverage, but works hard in the middle. Gets off blocks well, sure tackler, maintains gap responsibility.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cUpc36AF0Ck

    Last edited by Born2Steel; 02-14-2018 at 12:32 PM.

  28. #28
    Senior Member Array title="Born2Steel has a reputation beyond repute"> Born2Steel's Avatar

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    I love how this site breaks down the skill set for ILBs from a college to NFL comparison. They give their top 10 ILBs of this draft with bios, and strengths and weaknesses as well. A very helpful page, IMO.

    http://www.draftblaster.com/2018-nfl...de-linebacker/

  29. #29
    Good Guys with Black Hats Array title="SteelMember has a reputation beyond repute"> SteelMember's Avatar

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Okay, a obvious long shot, but here's the first Mock I've seen that Smith falls all the way to 28th... Dare to dream.

    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...with-top-pick/

  30. #30
    Senior Member Array title="Mojouw has a reputation beyond repute"> Mojouw's Avatar

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    Re: Inside Linebackers Draft Reference Thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by SteelMember View Post
    Okay, a obvious long shot, but here's the first Mock I've seen that Smith falls all the way to 28th... Dare to dream.

    https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/...with-top-pick/
    That'd work! The funniest thing about that draft is that it falls into the "Flacco needs weapons" trap. You're telling me that a guy who has Wallace, Perriman, Maclin, and whatever else has no downfield weapons? At what point are people going to realize that the problem is Joe Flacco not the weapons? I mean I hope the Ravens never realize it and keep tying their offense to one expensive Flacco shaped check-down anchor, but still...

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