NFL Draft Guide 2022
Linebackers
Troy Andersen Montana State 6”3 235lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Has played QB, RB, LB (effective QB used like Taysom Hill)
High energy/effort defender
Length leaves room for upside getting off blocks
Moved to more ILB through career (between the tackles from overhang role)
Moves tall/ change of direction can be a little delayed to work up to speed
Run Defense
Aggressive off the edge- Size to move around (SLB/WLB/Overhang)
Range tackler (wingspan)/ good straight line speed
Length leads to good upside shedding blockers/ However struggles to get off blockers at second level
Struggles dialing down to make tackles in space- overruns ball carriers
More read and react, than downhill gap shooter- lacks flexibility to split blocks
Slower reads not consistently on top of plays takes a tik to see it/ left some plays on the field (NDSU)
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Top end speed (runs high) could run w/ slot receivers over middle of field- ran upfield w/ receivers (fades, wheels)- best coverage reps come with limited cuts
Lot of coverage zone reps/ lined over slot often 2021
Size/length improved instincts on play fakes to fill pass lanes middle
Can give up routes in zone coverage playing off QB eyes
Top heavy will see him stumble in C-O-D
Role/Grade: WLB: play in space/coverage ST- Read and React Cover 2/ possible offensive creative plays. Developmental Linebacker 5.2 Grade
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 3
Brian Asamoah II Oklahoma 6”1 228lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Moves and looks like a defensive back
Length (32.6 inches) Very impressive Combine results
Keeps a strong pursuit through play
Late or not break down as tackle overruns more tackles than you would expect (could use exp to have the game slow down)
Leaves game for short stretches
Development to help game slow down everywhere
Run Defense
Top notch sideline to sideline speed (4th & 1 vs TCU stop)- runs down plays for backside (Baylor TFL)
Can force cutbacks on wide outside tackle runs
Run defense understanding/ make sure edge is set- can see where runs are going (angle)
Aggressive attacking LB/ reckless shooting gaps battling undersized
Struggles to hold any kind of run lane inside at size (driven back 15yds vs Baylor)
Forced to play around blockers most of the time
If stays inside should add some mass- learn to attack and shed blockers
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Good change direction in space- upside for zone coverage and man work
Reactive eyes during play in coverage identify plays setting up
Play action fakes can draw in/ Read options- keying on RB
Role/Grade: WLB/ Nickel (Raw/less athletic JOK)
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 3
Ellis Brooks Penn State 6”1 241lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Run Defense
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Zone coverage confusion in communication
Role/Grade: WLB: kept clean/ allowed to blitz often
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 6-7
Chance Campbell Ole Miss 6”2 232lbs (From Maryland)
Linebackers
Athlete
Explosive combine (4.57 40/ 39.5in vertical)
Arm length short side for OLB role/ tasked on edge in college
Run Defense
Workable change of direction on edge early downs
Downhill speed translates well for 1gap or blitzing
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Very limited coverage role (used like a 2-down linebacker)
Role/Grade:
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 6
Tariq Carpenter Georgia Tech
Linebackers
Athlete
Would be a move from S to LB (took some reps here at Senior Bowl)
Run Defense
Angles can get too flat working downhill- trajectory is questionable
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Great build/ability to cover TE’s on the line
Hesitates on breaks from high safety role
Role/Grade: Best move might be OLB in the NFL (Even he noted he’d be drafted higher for this)
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 6
Leo Chenal Wisconsin 6”2 260lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Pretty explosive downhill mover (40 1/2 vert)
Just keeps working back into play- 100% all the time
Straight line speed (4.53 40) very good at build
Run Defense
Lot of power taking on blockers between tackles
Powerful tackler
Flies through traffic on way to backfield/ continues to QB if PA not hesitation
Array of ways to dodge traffic (will be a problem for rushing teams between tackles)
If ball is found- can rock ball carrier/ drives through tackle
Keys on lead blocker- leads to open lanes w/ mis-directions or counter runs (fake sweeps- motions)
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Powerful and successful A/B gap blitzer (wrecked Purdue)
Can bull pass protecting Tight Ends/ Running Backs
Zone coverage- leaves open passing lanes/ awareness of receivers in area- can completely follow eyes
Very little coverage production (can run up seems w/ tight ends)
Very little man coverage reps noted
Gives away post-snap role pre-snap (dropping or blitzing) hard counts
Can get caught flat footed on speed slots from PA
Role/Grade: SILB/ Downhill role
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 2
Nakobe Dean Georgia 6”0 225lbs WLB
Linebackers
Athlete
Butkus award winner (top college Linebacker)
Worked behind NFL Defensive Line (Carter, Wyatt, Davis, Walker…)
Run Defense
True sideline to sideline speed/ Attacks running lanes downhill like a RB
Very fast play speed (man coverage looks) can sense counter runs- pretty reliable tackler (little high)
Should be kept clean- washed out by lineman at second level
Caught jumping in wrong rush lanes/ overrunning plays attacking ball carriers
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Blitzing machine- fearless works Man coverage on basic routes- (primarily on backs- flats/vertical shots) Not a mismatch for RBs to blow by overtop can run stride for strideing downhill (30+ pressures)
Disciplined to stick w/ assignment
Not many zone drops in coverage/ preferred as a blitzer or man
Size in coverage (tough to match-up seams w/ Tight ends)
Lacks some flexibility to dip and bend blitzing
Role/Grade: WLB: kept clean/ allowed to blitz often
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 1-2
Devin Harper Oklahoma State 6”0 234lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Outstanding pro day: 4.4-4.5 40/40 1-2 vert/21BP
Closing speed in space
Balanced defender on toes
Great communicator- can be late/ but gets guys in place (5yr player)
Run Defense
Can overrun tackles downhill- becomes a reach- gets to flat
Struggles to create space on run blocks- gets hands in chest, not too much separation
Good gap shooter/ flexible sliding through
High pursuit player (Oklahoma)
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Sneaky scary blitzer: flexible upper body/hesitation on IOL/ Not a ton of power
Used as a fake blitzer to drop in zone coverage (hole)
Plenty of coverage depth shown
Active eyes in zone coverage- searching for routes and keeping eyes on the QB
Physical underneath zone coverage- lets you feel in crossing the field (slows the timing)
Easy running back man coverage
Allows space between receiver at catch-point
Role/Grade: WLB- edge ability/pass rusher
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 1-2
Christian Harris Alabama 6”3 235lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Good not great closing speed to sideline
Feels like a jack of all trades master of none (step slow)
Run Defense
Can pack a punch on pulling blockers (well built through frame)
Must improve attacking blockers w/ arms and hands- to create space
Keys on QB or RB and misses plays to be made (doesn’t see the whole play) completely out of plays at times (spotty awareness)
Better shedding OL than shedding TEs at second level
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Well versed Linebacker- drops into zone cover/ man reps on TE & RBs/ blitzing
Sticks in coverage change of direction better than most at position- high upside in coverage in right role/ can get plenty of depth in zone and handle pretty much any coverage role
Has impressive reads from time to time (diagnosing a screen vs LSU 2021)
Hasn’t had much production in pass coverage/ has rare ability to break up passes at catch point (uses hands well here)
Gets caught up in Play action/RPOs loses zone
Role/Grade: Moving a role like WLB may allow to play faster- make more plays: as a SLB/ May fit WLB better - coverage upside 6.9 Grade
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 1-2
Devin Lloyd Utah 6”3 236lbs LB
Linebackers
Athlete
Long arms/ helps shed blockers, reach for tackles and deflect passes
Controlled defender- balanced and breaks down
Lacking explosive stop and start movement
Run Defense
Has played at DE/Edge (Strong side) Attacks w/ power in upper body to set edge
Jumps in running lanes based on pre-snap movement reads
Dives on tackles- missing closing burst (higher missed tackle rate)
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Good zone coverage feel- passing of crossers/ seeing receivers
Can be a problem for backs in pass protection/ overwhelms them
Not really any pass rush strikes from edge/ wins w/ power-length and sidesteps
Could be limited a tad in man coverage/ movement skills
Role/Grade: 3 down all around LB/ could have 2-gap read and react upside
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 1
Micah McFadden Indiana
Linebackers
Athlete
Run Defense
Throws shoulder into blockers/ can be pushed out of a play
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Role/Grade:
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 3
Chad Muma Wyoming 6”3 243lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Good sideline speed to size combo- has worked off edge
Smart linebacker/ day 1 ready to handle green dot
Competition/ however performed well at senior bowl week
Run Defense
Tackling machine/ led nation in tackles (142tot)
High instincts run defender/ rare reps out of place- usually on top of plays before anyone else
Very reliable run defender- rarely misses tackles
Hit and miss shedding blockers- could shoot hands earlier to not get bottled up/ yet has tools to improve
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Above average coverage linebacker- wins w/ instincts and ball skills (3int last season) can man cover TE/RB however more complex routes may give up space
Change of direction is middling in zone coverage/ plays a little high
Flashed in pressuring QB (5.5 career sacks) wins w/ timing- not elite here however
Role/Grade: Smooth Linebacker/ could play any role- Mike may fit best
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 2
Mike Rose Iowa State
Linebackers
Athlete
Adequate sideline to sideline speed (has played overhang role)
Run Defense
Attacks blockers w/ hands to keep himself clean
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Role/Grade:
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 3
Brandon Smith Penn State 6”5 227lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
High level athlete w/ great size-easy mover in space (ran down Smith-Njigba from behind)
Played a lot outside of tackle box in 2020/ Lot of room to grow at ILB (overhang)
Run Defense
Plays fast- trusts eyes and goes
Sidesteps blockers at second level
Physical player that invites contact
Should develop disengaging blockers w/ hands (uses upper body thrust)
Raw run reads from inside tackle box/ can take bad reads leaving responsibility
Wrap-up tackling has room for improvement
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Can easily turn and run up seams w/ Tight Ends (lined at slot 200+ times in 2020)
Lacks bend around lineman as a pass rusher
Little top heavy in backpedal/lateral movement slower- fastest in straight line
Role/Grade: Sub down LB/ time to improve run reads for 3 down player
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 3
Channing Tindall Georgia 6”2 230lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Moves really well in space/ plenty of speed and C-O-D ability
Incredible edge pursuit speed to the sideline
Carries weight over toes leaning forward
2021 first season of consistent playing time & production
Run Defense
Improved through season vs mis-directions/fakes discipline- played faster as year went on
Violent hitter/ doesn’t hold back
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Plays w/ a very high motor- aggressive blitzer- beats lineman to spot on stunts
Closing man coverage speed (flats)
Not a ton of zone coverage reps/ more reactionary currently (improve moving w/ QB and receivers
Raw in coverage snaps (should expand on role) -more of a spy/blitzer
Role/Grade: WLB shines in pursuit
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 3
Jeremiah Tyler Princeton 6”1 225lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
Run Defense
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Role/Grade:
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd.
Quay Walker Georgia 6”4 240lbs
Linebackers
Athlete
80” wingspan
Run Defense
Can strike Tight Ends setting the edge
Tackles high
Long/run and hit
Pass Coverage/ Blitzing
Struggles in zone coverage depth
Role/Grade: SILB
Comp:
Draft Proj: Rd. 2