Wednesday, December 16, 2020

2021 NFL Draft LB Prospects

LB (Nick Bolton, Baron Browning, Zaven Collins, Jabril Cox, Dylan Moses, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Micah Parsons, Hamilcar Rashed, Monty Rice,  Charles Snowden, Chazz Surratt, Joe Tryon, Pete Werner):



Scouting Reports:


Nick Bolton NFL Draft Player Profile (11-6-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nick-bolton-nfl-draft-player-profile/


Scouting Lenz: Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Missouri:  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/scouting-lenz-nick-bolton-linebacker-missouri

Rankings:


Articles:

10 potential 2nd round picks for the Lions (Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri:  If Lions special assistant Chris Spielman is looking for a clone of himself to help build the middle of the Detroit defense, chances are he zeroes in on Bolton. Fans who remember Spielman patrolling the middle as a hard-hitting, sure-tackling, cerebral force at ILB will see a lot of that in Bolton.  He’s quite easily the best run-defending LB in this draft class and it’s not particularly close. His instincts, his ability to sift through the trash and attack the ball–they’re very reminiscent of Spielman (a second-round pick) in his Lions heyday. Bolton isn’t an elite athlete and doesn’t offer more than adequate coverage skills, however. He’s good enough to stay on the field but not enough to consider Bolton an asset in the passing game.) (4-22-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-draft-second-round-pick-prospects-2021-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft LB Superlatives: Best blitzer, most versatile, best tackler and more (BEST RUN-GAME INSTINCTS: NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI - This is where Bolton thrives. He’s the second-highest-graded linebacker behind Micah Parsons since 2019, and he’s led the SEC in stops in both of the past two regular seasons. There are so many plays on Bolton’s tape where he knows where the ball is going before it even gets there. He may not be the most agile, but he can certainly hunt down ball carriers sideline to sideline.) (4-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-lb-superlatives-best-blitzer-most-versatile-best-tackler-and-more

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2021 NFL Draft class (Four of the top five linebackers on the PFF Draft Board rank among the best in the class in forced incompletion percentage. Parsons is 92nd percentile over the last two years, while Nick Bolton ranks in the 99th percentile, Zaven Collins in the 98th percentile and Jabril Cox in the 93rd percentile.) (4-14-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-critical-factors-most-important-numbers-for-2021-nfl-draft-class

2021 NFL Draft preview: 5 linebackers that could interest Detroit Lions (4. Nick Bolton, Missouri - Stats line: Three-year player, two-year full-time starter. Last two seasons: 15 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 15 passes defended, 137 solo tackles.  How he could fit the Lions: Good run defender with range, and a chance to be a three-down player.) (4-13-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-linebackers-that-could-interest-lions-parsons-owusu-koramoah-collins

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for PFF’s top LB prospects (3. NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI
Biggest pro: Instincts - Bolton’s instincts might put him into the first-round conversation come April, and understandably so. He burst onto the scene as a playmaker once he took over the starting job in 2019, with his processing speed on full display. Among all Power 5 off-ball linebackers over the last two years, Bolton generated the second-most defensive stops (98), the highest PFF grade (91.2) and the most plays on the ball in coverage (13). He looked as though he'd been gracing the college gridiron for years at just 19 and 20 years of age. That's special.  Biggest con: Speed - Bolton is nowhere near the kind of athlete Parsons or Owusu-Koramoah is. His 5-foot-11 height and 31 ⅞-inch arms are well below the standard for the position, while his speed and change of direction aren’t anything spectacular. Those middling physical tools didn’t get in the way of him producing at a high level in the SEC, though, and they may not be much of a hindrance in the NFL with how well he sees the game.) (4-7-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-and-con-for-pffs-top-lb-prospects

Missouri & Central Missouri Pro Day 2021: Zach Davidson and Tyree Gillespie clear standouts (While all eyes were on linebacker Nick Bolton, it was another Mizzou defender who lit up the Tigers Pro Day workout today.  The junior linebacker measured a tick over 5’11” and 237 pounds. His 40 times came in between 4.58 to 4.60 seconds. His other marks included 32 inches in the vertical jump, 7.39 seconds in the three-cone, and 4.50 in the short shuttle. Bolton, a fierce run defender in college, struggled terribly in coverage drills.) (3-23-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/missouri-pro-day-2021-date-prospects-rumors-more/


2021 NFL Draft: The biggest differences between PFF's big board and mock draft ADP (LB NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI (PFF Board: 22.  Mock ADP: 41):  The two factors at play here are positional value and Bolton’s physical traits, or lack thereof. The Linebacker is just not a coveted position league-wide; there are certain general managers that flat-out refuse to invest high draft capital in the position. That immediately pushes it down draft boards.  Then there’s the whole “tools” conversation. Of the six linebackers drafted in the first round over the past two seasons, none ran slower than a 4.54-second 40-yard dash. Bolton isn’t a poor athlete for the position by any means, but he’s more than likely going to be somewhere in the 4.6 range. Still, Bolton is the second-highest-graded linebacker behind Micah Parsons over the past two years.) (3-2-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-big-board-mock-draft-adp

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl IV (Down - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri:  There have been some media projections of Bolton going in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but in speaking to some team sources, there are some teams that have Bolton graded as a mid-round pick. Hence he is a bit of a love/hate prospect. There probably are teams that value him higher than the mid-rounds, but Bolton should go on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft, unless those media members have information from some teams that are targeting Bolton late in Round 1.) (3-2-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_26.php

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (3. NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI:  Bolton won’t have the length and won’t have the high-end measurables. What he will have is the production and all the intangibles you could ask for. The Missouri linebacker led the SEC in stops each of the past two regular seasons. He’s the highest-graded linebacker after Parsons over the past two seasons. All he does is make plays. Oh, and light dudes up.  He simply sees and processes the game at a level that I’m not sure any other backer in the class can match. There are reads like the one below littered all over his tape.  And it’s not like Bolton is a bad athlete, either. He’s just not to the level of some of the others in the class. Put him in the middle of your defense, and you’ve got little to worry about.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

2021 NFL Draft interior defensive line rankings (5. Nick Bolton, Missouri (21):  Micah Parsons is an off-ball linebacker that also has the flexibility to rush from the edge. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is closer to a safety than a traditional off-ball linebacker. Zaven Collins is a read-and-react linebacker that can do a better job of tackling. Jamin Davis is an ascending talent. In his first year as a starter, he showed a lot of development. His coverage of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts earned him a lot of money. If you want a visual of his capabilities, watch the second play of that Florida game. Nick Bolton is an undersized linebacker that was not asked to do much in that Missouri defense.) (2-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-rankings

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's favorite draft prospect at each position (LB NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI (74.7):  The 74.7 grade may not sound impressive, but if you take it back to the beginning of 2019 when Bolton took over as the starter, his 91.2 overall grade is easily the highest of any Power 5 linebacker who played both seasons (Micah Parsons’ 91.6 from 2019 has him beat). In fact, the next closest in the draft class is Auburn’s K.J. Britt at 81.8. Bolton doesn’t have quite ideal physical tools, but he has more than enough to be a quality middle linebacker in the league.) (1-26-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-favorite-2021-nfl-draft-prospects

Prospects similar to NFL playoff stars (Bills LB Matt Milano - Missouri LB Nick Bolton:  Milano is ubiquitous. The former fifth-round pick is one of the league's most athletic, multi-dimensional linebackers, and he remains underrated. He's capable of carrying out all the responsibilities asked of a modern-day linebacker -- creating pressure as an A-gap blitzer, sticking with running backs and tight ends in coverage, and sifting through traffic to make splash plays against the run. He plays extremely fast because of his athletic gifts and a keen awareness of what the offense is attempting to go with the football on a given play. Even at 6-0 and around 230 pounds, Milano packs a punch too.  Much of the same can be said about Bolton. His Missouri film is littered with high-impact collisions, impressive plays on the ball in coverage and striking across the field against the run. He had 103 tackles in 2019 to go along with 8.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and two picks. While Bolton didn't have an interception in 2020 with the Tigers, he had 95 tackles with eight tackles for loss, and five more pass breakups.) (1-21-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bold-predictions-for-afc-nfc-title-games-josh-allen-bills-top-reigning-champs-to-advance-to-super-bowl/

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five players at each position (If there is an NFL combine this year, every single one of these guys is going to put on a show in some regard. That is, except Missouri’s Nick Bolton. He’s not the fastest nor the longest, but he brings the heat play after play.  He’s led the SEC in stops in back-to-back seasons and sees the game at a high level already.) (1-19-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-ranking-top-five-players-each-position

Week 16 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Nick Bolton looking to finish season strong against Mississippi State (4:15 PM):  He’s long been regarded as one of the best linebackers in college football, and not long ago, Bolton was recognized as a finalist for the Butkus Award. It’s a testament to Bolton’s skill and his ever-consistent production as a member of the Missouri Tigers’ second level. Bolton will do his best to make a bid for the award today against a Bulldogs offense that’s had its fair share of struggles in 2020.  Bolton profiles as a solid Day 2 prospect who could rise into the first round if a team thinks he is a good fit. I liken Bolton to a prospect in the mold of Devin Bush. While Bush had better top-end athletic traits, Bolton still fits the prototype in that he’s a slightly undersized linebacker who’s incredibly instinctive, fast-paced, and has density to his undersized frame. Other linebackers might have more physical upside, but Bolton’s reliability will undoubtedly be coveted at the NFL level. IC) (12-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-16-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 15 (Down - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri:  Bolton has gotten some media hype, but he has not played up to it this season. For the next level, Bolton looks like a backup middle linebacker who could contribute on special teams. He might eventually develop into a starter, but he lacks speed and explosion, and is just an average athlete, according to pro evaluators. Some team sources have said they graded Bolton in the mid-rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.) (12-15-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_15.php

NFL draft winners and losers: What to make of so-so games from Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson? (Losers - Missouri LB Nick Bolton:  Bolton was the victim of a horrible call — we promise this is not an angry alumni rant — on a targeting flag that held up after review, even though he very clearly led with his shoulder on a hit against an Arkansas receiver, knocking the ball loose.  That play might actually have earned Bolton even more praise in what has been a fantastic junior season. He has been a monster in almost every game since an uneven performance vs. Bama in the opener. But missing the second half of Saturday’s game because of the infraction stung, especially when Bolton's backup dropped a potential game-sealing interception.  And prior to the hit, Bolton might have been having his least impressive game since last season. It was by no means a poor effort, but Bolton was crossed up a few times in coverage, including on the Razorbacks’ first touchdown of the game.  Bolton is still a top-40 prospect but losing the equivalent of a full game because of the penalty, along with some questions about his coverage shortcomings that might take him out of the first-round picture, could ultimately hurt his cause.) (12-7-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-what-to-make-of-soso-games-from-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-195911948.html

NFL draft winners and losers: Indiana's Michael Penix Jr. outplayed OSU's Justin Fields (winners - Missouri LB Nick Bolton:  Watching Saturday night’s Mizzou-South Carolina game, it was stunning to see Bolton’s play range and instincts in racking up nine first-half tackles. He finished with 14 tackles, two of them for losses.  Bolton doesn’t miss a lot of tackles, using great instincts and technique to defeat blocks, square up ballcarriers and deliver a blow. We’re not sure if a slightly undersized linebacker with slightly-less-than-ideal athleticism will end up in Round 1 or not. But scouts have talked about Bolton’s leadership, commitment and determination as huge plusses, as he takes a serious, studious approach to football. He’s very well respected in scouting circles and almost certainly profiles as a top-40 selection the way things are trending.) (11-23-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-indianas-michael-penix-jr-outplayed-os-us-justin-fields-184208272.html

NFL Draft Stock Report: Nevada QB Carson Strong rising in Week 8 (Risers - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri:  Mizzou pulled a slight upset over Kentucky and held the Wildcats to 145 yards of total offense and 10 points, a defensive charge that was led by Nick Bolton. Bolton led all Tigers defenders with seven tackles and added one tackle for loss, one sack, and a quarterback hurry. I gave Bolton a strong third-round grade entering the season, and I believe he could move higher up draft boards. He’s a smart, intense linebacker with great range and speed in lateral pursuit.) (10-26-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-8-risers-sliders-carson-strong/

College Football Recap, Week 6: The top storylines from the weekend (Nick Bolton helps Missouri score massive upset of LSU (3:45 PM):  The Missouri Tigers managed to stave off a last-minute LSU drive and close out the defending champions, and a lot of the credit goes to draft-eligible linebacker Nick Bolton, who deflected a pass at the line of scrimmage, using his trademark speed and instincts.  Bolton is a tremendously underrated linebacker prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft; while he is a bit undersized at 6-foot-0, he’s very well-built, and he has the traits to be a game-changer on defense, as he just showed against the No. 17-ranked team in the nation. IC) (10-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-scores-schedule-live-blog-week-6-2020/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 4 (Down - Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri:  Bolton has the potential to get picked in the top half of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he got his 2020 season off to a slow start versus Alabama. Bolton was very quiet in the early going as the Crimson Tide built their lead. Early in the first quarter, Bolton got knocked backward at the goal line, and that helped open space for Najee Harris to fall into the end zone. Bolton managed to scoop up a fumble in the fourth quarter, but he did not have any other splash plays. Bolton showed throughout the game that he needs to improve his ability to take on and shed blocks for the NFL. It was a disappointing and underwhelming season opener for Bolton.) (9-29-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_04.php

NFL draft: Top-tier SEC talent raises the bar for this week's prospects to watch (Alabama RB Najee Harris vs. Missouri LB Nick Bolton:  The 6-2, 229-pound Harris had an incredible 2019 season, rushing 209 times for 1,224 yards and 13 touchdowns and catching 27 passes (on 33 targets) for 304 yards and seven TDs.  We frankly were surprised when he opted to return to school for his senior season after flashing receiving ability that he hadn’t previously. But given the depth in the Bama backfield the past few years, Harris still has good tread on his tires with only 424 touches the past three seasons combined.  The strength of Mizzou under new head coach Eli Drinkwitz is on defense, but even a unit that’s solid up the middle — two draftable defensive linemen, plus Bolton — is going to be taxed by the firepower the Tide can bring to this game.  After all, QB Mac Jones has two more first-round talents at receiver, Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith, a season after they placed two other receivers in Round 1. Missouri could be starting a true freshman at corner in Ennis Rakestraw. Handling those threats on the outside will be a tall order.  But this game is big for Bolton, who started earning some high praise in draft circles this summer. His high motor, athletic traits and football instincts all rate highly. The Tigers’ defense didn’t fall off the cliff when Cale Garrett was hurt last year and the sophomore linebacker slid from his “Will” LB spot to take over for Garrett in the middle.  How Bolton handles Harris and Co. could help give the redshirt junior some nice tape to kick off what could be his final season in Columbia. Last season, LSU’s Queen made some standout plays against the Crimson Tide that helped launch his ascension into a Round 1 prospect.) (9-24-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-toptier-sec-talent-raise-the-bar-for-this-weeks-prospects-to-watch-160428581.html

2021 NFL Draft: SEC prospects to know (Linebacker Nick Bolton led the Tigers with 103 tackles in 2019 to go along with two picks, seven PBUs and a sack. He's the prototypical NFL inside linebacker in that he's listed at just 6-foot, 235 pounds but he flies all over the field. He has sideline-to-sideline speed, is a tackling machine and is surprisingly stout against the run. Some may questions his instincts but he can prove those doubters wrong in '20.) (9-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-sec-prospects-to-know-ahead-of-the-conferences-weekend-openers/

College Football: PFF's 2020 Preseason All-SEC Team (FIRST TEAM: NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI:  Bolton had a big-time breakout campaign in 2019. After logging 101 snaps as a true freshman in 2018 and struggling (57.5 PFF grade), he came back in 2019 as a starter and earned a 91.1 PFF grade that ranked third in the FBS. Bolton combined for 10 plays made on the ball in coverage, second to only Isaiah Simmons for most by a Power 5 off-ball linebacker. That type of production is rare to see from an SEC linebacker.) (8-21-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-what-would-have-been-2020-pff-college-all-sec-team

Is Missouri LB Nick Bolton a top tier 2021 NFL Draft prospect? (8-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/missouri-lb-nick-bolton-challenge-top-linebacker-spot/

College Football: The 2020 PFF College All-American team (FIRST TEAM: NICK BOLTON, MISSOURI:  Bolton had a big-time breakout campaign in 2019. After logging 101 snaps as a true freshman in 2018 and struggling (57.5 PFF grade), he came back in 2019 as a starter and earned a 91.1 PFF grade that ranked third in the FBS. Bolton combined for 10 plays made on the ball in coverage, second to only Isaiah Simmons for most by a Power Five off-ball linebacker. That type of production is rare to see from an SEC linebacker.) (8-19-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-all-american-team

2020 SEC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (While I grade Nick Bolton as a fourth-round prospect, he has the skills and ability to move into the second day of the draft. Bolton is an explosive run-and-chase linebacker who plays all-out on every down. He’s undersized and has growth limitations, but he’s a tough defender with terrific speed.) (7-25-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-sec-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/3/

Three critically underrated prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft (Nick Bolton, Linebacker, Missouri (Junior, 6’0″, 235 pounds):  The headliners of the 2021 linebacker group are Penn State’s Micah Parsons and Alabama’s Dylan Moses. Both prospects are tremendous players but don’t sleep on Missouri’s Nick Bolton.  Bolton played his high school football at Lone Star High School in Frisco, Texas, where he was a three-star prospect. In 2018, as a true freshman, Bolton earned significant playing time in all 13 games.  However, it was his 2019 season that put his name on the map. In 2019, Bolton posted 103 tackles, including 8.5 tackles for a loss, one sack, two interceptions, seven passesdefended, and a defensive touchdown. His outstanding play led him to be named first-team All-SEC by the Associated Press.  Where Nick Bolton excels:  There are many aspects of Bolton’s game to like, highlighted by his exceptional football intelligence. He plays with a non-stop motor, possessing the range and instincts to make plays all over the field. Bolton brings a physical brand of football to the table, which is evident in his ability to lay the lumber. He is a disciplined open-field tackler and is one of the best coverage linebackers in college football. In fact, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the best coverage linebacker in the nation in 2019. Pro Football Network’s Matt Valdovinos is also a fan of Bolton, stating: “He possesses elite sideline-to-sideline speed and functions as a positive against both the run and the pass. Bolton should already be in the conversation for a first-round selection and makes a very nice consolation prize for any team that missed out on the top two linebackers.”  When I said that Bolton could lay the lumber, I wasn’t kidding. The clip below will highlight his ability to deliver powerful hits.  What are the concerns with Nick Bolton?
Due to his size and average strength, Bolton too often struggles to get off of blocks. This is something that doesn’t concern me too much, as a full NFL training program will make him a stronger player, which will help a great deal. Also, while Bolton is an adequate athlete, he doesn’t possess the jaw-dropping traits that a Micah Parsons will bring to the table.  The verdict on Nick Bolton
It is hard to imagine a scenario that doesn’t end with Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton being a first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. On tape, he is clearly the third-best linebacker in the draft class and offers a true plug-and-play option. The worst-case scenario for Bolton would be a top-50 selection, but the tape screams first-round talent. You won’t find Bolton, an extremely underrated draft prospect, in many early mock drafts, but when the dust settles, he will be a high pick in the 2021 Draft.) (7-21-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-underrated-prospects-terry-horn-bolton/

Early 2021 NFL Draft positional rankings (2. Nick Bolton, Missouri:  In his first season as a starter for the Tigers, Bolton had a monster 2019 campaign that saw him earn an 89.8 run-defense grade and 90.4 coverage grade. While he doesn’t quite have the ideal size/length combo that Parsons has, Bolton isn’t too far behind in the way he plays the game of football. The rising junior has proven to be extremely versatile in coverage and had two picks and eight pass breakups last season.) (6-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-early-2021-nfl-draft-positional-rankings

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (3. Nick Bolton, Missouri:  One of the most productive players in all the SEC, Mizzou’s Nick Bolton is fresh off a 100 tackle campaign and will look to be a force for the Tigers defense in his third season. Bolton measures in at six feet and just a hair over 230 pounds and will receive some negative reviews for a lack of size.  However, he’s a dominant athlete and willing to mix it up in the trenches. He possesses elite sideline to sideline speed and functions as a positive against both the run and the pass. Bolton should already be in the conversation for a first-round selection and makes a very nice consolation prize for any team that missed out on the top two linebackers.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft: Top-10 prospects coming out of the SEC (7: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri:  Nick Bolton is one of my favorite prospects in next year’s class, and he may fly under the radar for a while. Next year’s linebacker class is loaded with talent like Penn State’s Micah Parsons and Alabama’s Dylan Moses. Bolton deserves to be in the same conversation with those two. He’s smaller, but an elite athlete and the best of the trio in pass coverage. Despite being only 6’0″, 235, Bolton still managed 103 total tackles last year, 9.5 of which were for losses. If Bolton can improve his ability to get off blocks, those numbers could see an increase. Bolton is the perfect prospect for a team picking in the 16-25 range, in need of a MIKE linebacker.) (3-13-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-top-10-prospects-coming-out-of-the-sec/


Scouting Reports:




Rankings:


Articles:

WHICH DEFENSIVE PLAYER WILL CHANGE A FRANCHISE'S FORTUNES AFTER THE 2021 NFL DRAFT? (Tulsa linebacker Zaven Collins, winner of the 2020 Chuck Bednarik Award and Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's top defensive player, could also possibly sneak into the top 10.  He had 54 total tackles, four sacks and two forced fumbles during the 2020 season, and will likely singlehandedly represent the Group of Five conferences on Thursday, considering he is the only non-Power 5 defensive player projected to go in the first-round of the draft.  The University of Tulsa is part of the American Athletic Conference (AAC).) (4-25-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/draft-defensive-players-micah-parsons-jaycee-horn-patrick-surtain-kwity-paye

2021 NFL Draft: 17 prospects Charles Davis would pound the table for (Zaven Collins
Tulsa:  Ball-magnet alert! Every time I turn on his tape, Collins is making a play. Now, I know he reportedly weighed in at 270 pounds recently at the NFL Scouting Combine, which is 11 pounds more than he weighed at his pro day early this month. I think he'd be better off playing between 250 and 260 pounds. I'm not overly concerned about the weight right now, though. Collins can play inside or on the edge, like the Patriots have used Dont'a Hightower. My comp for him is Leighton Vander Esch, another big linebacker who played the passing lanes really well and went in the first round.  I realize Micah Parsons is the No. 1 linebacker in the draft, but I believe Collins is a very similar player and might even have a little chip on his shoulder after being pegged as the No. 2 prospect at his position coming out of Tulsa. ) (4-22-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-17-prospects-charles-davis-would-pound-the-table-for

NFL Draft: Eight bold observations about 2021 class (Pete Werner is the best Ohio State linebacker prospect in this class - Baron Browning was the five-star recruit who blossomed in his final season for the Buckeyes and has received plenty of pre-draft hype as one of the best Day 2 linebackers in the class. Then there's Justin Hilliard, another five-star recruit -- imagine that -- who battled injuries in Columbus but flashed in 2020 as another athletic linebacker to monitor in the middle rounds.   But the best Buckeyes linebacker in this class is neither Browning nor Hilliard. It's Werner. He looks like an oversized safety, strikes like 2012 Brandon Spikes and has some of the loosest, most fluid hips in the entire class. He had 14 pass breakups and four forced fumbles in his final three seasons as a full-time player for the Buckeyes. While not overly fast, he identifies plays quickly and has the explosion to get to the football. I get serious Fred Warner vibes while watching him.) (4-20-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-bold-observations-eight-takeaways-from-studying-this-draft-class-that-arent-so-conventional/

10 NFL Draft Thoughts For 10 Days Before The 2021 NFL Draft (Players I consistently hear the media is too high on - lOne of the things I regularly do is send mock draft projections to NFL team employees I trust, a few agents and a trusted old source who has been wildly helpful--and mostly correct--over the years. And I generally get honest feedback. Here’s what I have gotten back this year, as well as what others have intimated in various outlets. BThe NFL doesn’t see these players nearly as lofty as the draft media does, and why if applicable:  Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State (uneven play, no easy positional fit).  It doesn’t mean they’re primed for a massive fall. Smith is still a top-20 lock. Browning and Davis will go in the top two rounds, Radunz likely does as well. But it’s an indication that they’re more generally expected to get drafted earlier than the NFL sources believe they will.) (4-20-21):  https://football.realgm.com/news/analysis

Lions 2021 draft preview: Detroit could fill long-term need at linebacker in Round 2 (Browning is another prospect with a stellar combination of size and athleticism. Wher he lacks, at least at this stage in his development, is the instincts to take full advantage of his physical gifts.  Playing both inside and outside for the Buckeyes, Browning does offer versatility. And with his speed and burst, there's room for him to be utilized as a blitzer, both off the ball and standing up on the edge.  In the later rounds, the Lions still should be able find ways to upgrade their athleticism at linebacker. What you're looking for with those options is a player capable of immediately contributing on special teams, with the developmental potential to eventually handle a role on defense.) (4-13-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-2021-draft-preview-detroit-171700666.html

Lions 2021 draft: A linebacker for every round (Second round: Baron Browning, Ohio State:  After Browning’s superb pro day athletic performance, he might not last to the Lions pick at No. 41. That’s a shame because he’d be a fantastic, versatile fit in the Detroit defense  At 245 pounds, Browning blazed a 4.55 40-yard dash, but his explosive metrics are the real showstoppers: 40-inch vertical, 6.78 in the 3-cone, 4.22 in the short shuttle. Those are incredible numbers, and they show on game film too.  Browning can line up at off-ball or on the edge. At this point, he’s better in coverage than in run defense, where he will be too quick to bite on fakes and can react too late to cutbacks and second-level blocks. Think prime DeAndre Levy but with a lot more pass-rush potential.) (4-8-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-2021-draft-a-linebacker-for-every-round/

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest winners, losers from Pro Days (Top 10 - LB BARON BROWNING, OHIO STATE:  Browning didn’t put up a single below-average testing number compared to linebackers. The biggest number here from a scouting perspective, though, is weight. Browning was at his best at Ohio State while going one on one as a pass rusher. He could easily make the transition to the edge with those numbers.) (4-2-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-winners-losers-pro-days

EYE on B1G: 2021 NFL Draft Preview (7. Baron Browning, LB Ohio State:  Dynamic linebackers are coveted in the NFL. Browning has the traits to become a superstar in the league for many years.) (2-9-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/eye-on-b1g-2021-nfl-draft-preview

NFL Draft risers and fallers after the Senior Bowl (Baron Browning - LB - Ohio State:  As the most athletic linebacker in the draft, Browning turned some heads in the game on Saturday. His week of practice was great, but Browning showed that he can be a force to reckon with in both pass coverage and when he is pursuing the football. His reads and instincts need polishing, but his combination of athleticism and power are certainly going to be hard to look past.) (2-1-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-risers-and-fallers-after-the-senior-bowl

NFL draft: Ohio State's rare LB group shows how far it has come at Senior Bowl (1-29-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-ohio-states-rare-lb-group-shows-how-far-it-has-come-at-senior-bowl-192001246.html

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 2 National Trenches (JAYLON MOORE from Western Michigan projects as a really good guard, using his feet to mirror with heavy hands and a reliable anchor inside. In team drills, he created movement as a down blocker, opening running lanes for backs. Moore has struggled with speed off the edge and was beat by Ohio State linebacker BARON BROWNING once.) (1-27-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-2-national-trenches

TWENTYMAN: Senior Bowl Day 2 observations (LB versatility: The more a player can do, the more teams value his services in the pre-draft process. Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning has played inside linebacker this week, but also shown an ability to rush the passer from the edge. He would have had a sack in a team period Wednesday, if defenders were allowed to touch the quarterback. He's also shown an ability to play in space. The Lions could be looking to retool their linebacker corps this offseason.) (1-27-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-senior-bowl-day-2-observations-jones-radunz-bates

2021 Senior Bowl Practice Report: National Team (Tuesday - It’s clear now that Baron Browning is the best Ohio State linebacker in the 2021 NFL Draft. Now, the question is, how far can he rise? He was a big winner at the weigh-in, and he had some nice plays in practice, too. On one occasion, he put his elite athleticism on display, changing directions with ease to mirror a pass catcher in coverage. The upside is immense with Browning, and with any luck, he can keep proving that this week.  Wednesday - Browning might not fit the typical definition of “riser”, because he’s already thought of very highly. That said, my Senior Bowl practice report has Browning a cut above the other National Team linebackers today. The Ohio State product is an elite athlete on the second level, and that athleticism helps him a ton in all phases. Early on, he had a pass breakup after matching his opponent out of a route break. Later on, he won several times rushing the edge with his burst, and he even stood tall in run defense, filling lanes and dishing out physicality.  Thursday - Browning again boasted all the necessary athletic tools to succeed on Thursday. He was explosive as a pass-rushing threat, rangy from sideline to sideline, and he also displayed good reactionary quickness when pursuing targets. Overall, it was a solid week for Browning, and he did what he needed to do to maintain his stock.  Analysis - In what was potentially the most complete week by a Senior Bowl linebacker, Baron Browning did a good amount of everything. He affirmed his upside in pass coverage and displayed playmaking ability, he clicked and closed on ball carriers well in run defense, and he built up searing speed when traveling downhill, either to rush the passer or take on blockers. Browning is one of the highest-upside linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft. During the National Team practices at Senior Bowl week, we saw him convert on that upside.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/2/

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 1 National Linebackers and Running Backs (Baron Browning - LB - Ohio State:  The highly talented Browning didn’t practice much. He came in on a couple of plays during 7-on 7s as well, as OLB vs. TE/RB routes. He displayed a lot of strength and power when he was engaged. His plan for the day appeared to get acclimated and stay loose but he didn’t plan to perform many drills. It will be interesting to see what his plan for practice is in the coming days.) (1-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-1-national-linebackers-and-running-backs

Complete guide to the 2021 Senior Bowl (Stud: Baron Browning | Ohio State — Browning looks like the prototypical linebacker getting off the bus, and while his play has been inconsistent at times, his size and skill set give him tons of potential at the next level. If he can play to that high ceiling more consistently, he can be a difference-maker in the NFL.) (1-26-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-2021-preview-top-prospects-positions-rosters/

Top linebackers at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Baron Browning, Ohio State:  He was a 5-star recruit with all the physical talent in the world. However, it never really clicked for Baron Browning at Ohio State until this season. His ability to process defensive blocking schemes helped in that journey. Before, he’d miss on plays simply because he was a tick late diagnosing the play. Even great physical ability is no use when reacting painfully late.  Yet, this athletic phenom worked on his craft, and it showed in his tape from this season, which culminated in an outstanding playoff run for the linebacker. He’s the perfect mold of an NFL WILL linebacker at 6’3″, 250 pounds. However, even playing that heavy, he has no issues athletically in coverage, which will bode well for his projection to the next level. The Senior Bowl linebackers group got a big win with his invitation acceptance.)(1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-linebackers-at-the-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

NFL draft winners and losers: DeVonta Smith brilliant in one half, but what was Jaylen Waddle doing? (Ohio State LB Baron Browning:  This is the kind of game scouts have been waiting for from Browning. There’s actually a lot of love for him from a traits perspective, as he possesses nearly everything physically you want to see in a modern-day linebacker. He even received some low first-round grades over the summer despite not being a full-time contributor entering this season.  His highlight came on a great disguised, late blitz early in the second quarter when he strip-sacked Mac Jones, which the Buckeyes turned into a game-tying touchdown. It’s plays such as those that keep scouts fascinated with Browning’s tremendous upside, even if he hasn’t yet fully realized his potential.) (1-12-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-de-vonta-smith-brilliant-in-one-half-but-what-was-jaylen-waddle-doing-191942171.html

Detroit Lions' scouting guide to the 2021 National Championship (Browning is a freaky athlete with the tools to succeed but hasn’t put it all together on the field consistently. His stock will range all over depending on how much value teams put on testing.) (1-11-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/11/detroit-lions-scouting-guide-to-the-2021-national-championship/

10 prospects to watch for Detroit Lions in Ohio State-Alabama CFP championship game (Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State:  Baron Browning showed some pass-rush skills last season as a junior and returned to school to improve his stock. The former five-star recruit has great size and speed and could compete for playing time inside off the bat in Detroit. Jarrad Davis had his fifth-year option declined and Jahlani Tavai hasn’t put much good tape into existence after two seasons. Browning also comes with a little more versatility than he gets credit for, seeing reps off the edge leading into the strange 2020 campaign. Browning had 24 tackles in six games this year after posting 43 tackles, 11 for loss and five sacks in 11 games last year.) (1-11-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/01/10-prospects-to-watch-for-detroit-lions-in-ohio-state-alabama-cfp-championship-game.html

Week 9 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Baron Browning meeting expectations (8:50 PM):  From his sophomore film of 2018, Browning displayed great skill and potential. His game took a step back last season as Browning struggled to see the field after being left off the starting unit.  Despite this, scouts handed Browning high grades entering 2020 (top 45 prospect) and thus far he’s justified scouts faith in his play.  Browning played well last week against Nebraska and he’s playing even better this evening against Penn State. He’s incredibly athletic, as Browning showed covering Pat Freiermuth to break up a pass in the end zone, forceful up the field on the blitz and he’s playing assignment football. He’s developing into a more complete version of former Buckeye Malik Harrison, selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round of April’s draft.) (10-31-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-9-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

NFL draft matchups: Return of Big Ten adds major talent influx back to college football (Ohio State’s LB trio vs. Nebraska:  Even so, Werner not the Buckeyes linebacker with the highest ceiling. Despite playing only 40.5 percent of the defensive snaps a year ago, Browning has the kind of athletic potential that could make him the star of this unit.  Able to blitz, cover and fill against the run, Browning — who reportedly is playing in the 240-pound range now — might fully be unleashed this season at Werner’s former “Sam” spot. Even coming off a tough performance in the semifinals loss to Clemson, Browning figures to be an exciting prospect to track this season. He might even be a dark-horse first-round candidate, able to rise in the way that, say, LSU’s Patrick Queen did a year ago.) (10-23-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-return-of-big-ten-adds-major-talent-influx-back-to-college-football-131821130.html

NFL draft: Top-tier SEC talent raises the bar for this week's prospects to watch (But this game is big for Bolton, who started earning some high praise in draft circles this summer. His high motor, athletic traits and football instincts all rate highly. The Tigers’ defense didn’t fall off the cliff when Cale Garrett was hurt last year and the sophomore linebacker slid from his “Will” LB spot to take over for Garrett in the middle.  How Bolton handles Harris and Co. could help give the redshirt junior some nice tape to kick off what could be his final season in Columbia. Last season, LSU’s Queen made some standout plays against the Crimson Tide that helped launch his ascension into a Round 1 prospect.) (9-24-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-toptier-sec-talent-raise-the-bar-for-this-weeks-prospects-to-watch-160428581.html

2021 NFL Draft: Prospects with the most to gain from the upcoming college football season (Ohio State's Baron Browning is a free range linebacker who does a good job reading the play and bursting toward the action. Malik Harrison was drafted by the Ravens, so Browning was going to get more exposure.) (9-9-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-with-the-most-to-gain-from-the-upcoming-college-football-season/

2021 NFL Draft: 25 draft prospects who need football this fall (21. LB BARON BROWNING, OHIO STATE:  Browning was a former five-star coming out in 2017, but through three seasons hasn't even been able to crack a full-time starting role. While the physical tools are there, his 38.9 and 46.2 coverage grades the past two seasons aren't going to get him many early-round looks in the NFL.) (8-26-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-25-draft-prospects-who-need-football-this-fall

2021 NFL Draft: Big Ten prospects to know after conference cancels fall college football season (Inside linebacker Baron Browning and defensive lineman Tyreke Smith were two players that would have benefited from a larger role and more exposure this season. Browning possesses immense talent and could have elevated his stock to potential first round consideration.) (8-19-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-big-ten-prospects-to-know-after-conference-cancels-fall-college-football-season/

NFL draft: Big Ten, Pac-12 prospects hurt most by losing a fall college season (Ohio State LB Baron Browning:  Browning has intrigued scouts despite not being a full-time performer for the Buckeyes. The assumption was that he was going to take on a more prominent role this season, so without that chance, Browning’s projection is more tricky.  The 6-2, 245-pound senior was best in a blitzing role the past few years. He has a natural knack for taking good paths to the quarterback and making disruptive plays. Browning’s all-around linebacker skills remain undeveloped.  He seems to be in that Round 2 picture now. Can he make up ground without a season?) (8-13-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-big-ten-pac-12-prospects-hurt-most-by-losing-a-fall-college-season-195907835.html


Scouting Reports:





Scouting Lenz: Zaven Collins, Linebacker, Tulsa:  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/scouting-lenz-zaven-collins-linebacker-tulsa

Rankings:


Articles:

NFL Draft Rumors 2021: What happened with Zaven Collins’ weight? (4-23-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-2021-what-happened-with-zaven-collins-weight/

Arizona Cardinals targeting Tulsa LB Zaven Collins as potential first-round pick? (4-22-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/arizona-cardinals-targeting-tulsa-lb-zaven-collins-with-first-round-pick/

2021 All-Juice Team: Terez Paylor's legacy continues with 7th edition of squad that includes Justin Fields, Kyle Pitts (DE Collins:  When Tulsa recruited all-world linebacker Zaven Collins from tiny Hominy, Oklahoma, (pop. 3,400), the staff asked the same question NFL franchises are asking defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie: “What is he?”  Collins is a throwback linebacker with his size – 6-foot-5, 260 pounds – but with a new age skills. He can rush from the edge, cover tailbacks and tight ends, and also act like a true MIKE backer and traverse sideline to sideline. “I really think at this point, you have to ask: What is he not?” Gillespie said.  Collins arrived as a two-star recruit that Gillespie recalls having an offer from only Central Oklahoma. He left as one of the most decorated players in the sport – first-team All-American and winner of the Bronko Nagurski and Chuck Bednarik awards after a year with 11.5 TFLs, two pick sixes and a safety. He does everything, as Gillespie pointed out that he’s a proficient golfer and was a star gymnast.  Don’t be surprised if he’s gone by the end of the first round – Dallas, New Orleans and Arizona have shown the most interest, as his versatility will help him find a home. — Pete Thamel) (4-19-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-all-juice-team-terez-paylors-legacy-continues-with-7th-edition-of-squad-that-includes-justin-fields-130031523.html

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2021 NFL Draft class (Four of the top five linebackers on the PFF Draft Board rank among the best in the class in forced incompletion percentage. Parsons is 92nd percentile over the last two years, while Nick Bolton ranks in the 99th percentile, Zaven Collins in the 98th percentile and Jabril Cox in the 93rd percentile.  Collins has the top coverage grade in the draft class over the last two years, and it’s the top coverage grade on a per-play basis when compared to recent NFL prospects. Collins ranks in the 60th percentile in run-defense grade and 46th percentile in run-stop percentage.) (4-14-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-critical-factors-most-important-numbers-for-2021-nfl-draft-class

2021 NFL Draft preview: 5 linebackers that could interest Detroit Lions (3. Zaven Collins, Tulsa - Stats line: Three-year player after 2017 red-shirt season. Played 32 games with 30 starts. In eight games in 2020 posted 11.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and four interceptions.  How he could fit the Lions: Athletic for his size, powerful, and productive.) (4-13-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-linebackers-that-could-interest-lions-parsons-owusu-koramoah-collins

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for PFF’s top LB prospects (4. ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA
Biggest pro: Rare size - Collins is a rocked-up 6-foot-5, 259 pounds, but he moves like a far smaller player. He’s smooth and explosive and has the potential to be a big-time weapon against the pass, either through blitzing or dropping into coverage.  Collins actually shattered the record for the highest single-season coverage grade by an FBS off-ball linebacker this past season at 93.0. The previous high was set by former UCLA Bruin and current Minnesota Vikings LB Eric Kendricks back in 2014. Collins did that while also posting a 90.6 pass-rush grade, the third-best at the position in the FBS.  Biggest con: Tackling - Tackling has never been Collins’ forte. He posted a tackling grade below 69.0 in each of his three years with Tulsa, with 37 misses on 253 total attempts. That career missed tackle rate of 14.6% is the worst of any player on this list.  The strength of Collins' competition is also doing him no favors when projecting him to the NFL, and he is also somewhat scheme-limited. His best fit is with a team that intends to use his blitzing prowess.) (4-7-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-and-con-for-pffs-top-lb-prospects

Indiana, Oregon, Tulsa pro days: Penei Sewell, Zaven Collins showcase rare size/athleticism combo (Zaven Collins
Tulsa · LB (Ranking in Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: No. 25):  The potential first-round pick matched a lot of size with impressive speed on Friday. Collins measured 6-4 7/8 and 259 pounds, clocking a 4.67 40-yard dash, according to Jeremiah's scouting sources. He posted a broad jumped of 10-2, a vertical leap of 35 inches and 19 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. Typically, coaches conduct position drills at pro days, but for Collins, Titans GM Jon Robinson got involved. And Collins turned heads with his work on the turf.  "The big thing he did was on the field in the positional drills," said NFL Network's Jeffri Chadiha, who was on assignment in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "He's 6-5, 260 pounds, he moved great, very fluid catching the ball, he really showcased that versatility that makes him so attractive to all these teams. The guy could be a three-down linebacker for you -- he showed that."  NFL.com's Bucky Brooks ranks Collins as his No. 1 outside linebacker, while draft analyst Lance Zierlein compares the Tulsa product to Leighton Vander Esch.) (4-2-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/indiana-oregon-tulsa-pro-days-penei-sewell-zaven-collins-showcase-rare-size-athl

Should Lions Consider Drafting LB Zaven Collins? (4-2-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-zaven-collins-nfl-draft

3 Second-Round Options for Detroit Lions (Tulsa LB Zaven Collins:  The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Collins possesses both the size and speed to effectively rush the passer and play in coverage. Collins has the makeup of a three-down defender who can start at the next level right away and be able to play in multiple schemes. In eight games in 2020, Collins recorded 54 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, four interceptions, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles, a safety and a fumble recovery.  And, for his efforts, Collins was not only a first-team All-AAC selection, but he also captured first-team All-American honors and the Bronko Nagurski Award for the best defender in the nation. In his time at Tulsa, he certainly proved enough to warrant the Lions taking him in the second round.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-three-second-round-draft-options

2021 NFL draft: Brian Baldinger has strong opinions on this year's prospects (Tulsa LB Zaven Collins:  “You can’t help but think, ‘What is Zaven Collins going to be?’ Is he Levon Kirkland? Is he Jeremiah Trotter? What is he going to be at that size and length? With that and the way that he gets to the ball, he’s an intriguing guy.  “He’s skating at times. I like to see a guy who can just throw a flipper and take care of the offensive guard, you know? But that’s more the way they used to play inside. There’s some of that that doesn’t show up.) (3-22-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-draft-brian-baldinger-breaks-down-prospects-who-have-caught-his-eye-130949084.html

2021 NFL draft film room: Tulsa LB Zaven Collins (2-25-21(:  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/02/25/2021-nfl-draft-zaven-collins-tulsa-film-room-video/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl III (Down - Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa:  Collins is a highly debated prospect around the league. Some teams think he could go early in the 2021 NFL Draft, but there are some other teams have him graded in the mid-rounds. The teams that are high on Collins see a good skill set and versatility. The teams that don't like Collins, however, feel he is not physical at all and has simply average instincts. Collins will be an interesting prospect to follow in the 2021 NFL Draft because he could go on the opening night or could slide well into Day 2.) (2-23-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_25.php

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (4. ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Collins may not be for everyone. Not every team needs a 6-foot-4, 260-pound horse galloping in the middle of their defense. Teams that want to take advantage of his wingspan and blitzing ability will likely fall in love, though.  Collins looked like an adult playing against kids at times on tape this past year at Tulsa. His sheer physical prowess stood out like a sore thumb. He earned a 91.1 overall grade, including a 90.6 mark as a pass-rusher and 93.7 grade in coverage. While he’s not going to be your “space” linebacker, Collins has a skill set you won't find later in the draft.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

2021 NFL Draft interior defensive line rankings (3. Zaven Collins, Tulsa (18):  Micah Parsons is an off-ball linebacker that also has the flexibility to rush from the edge. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is closer to a safety than a traditional off-ball linebacker. Zaven Collins is a read-and-react linebacker that can do a better job of tackling. Jamin Davis is an ascending talent. In his first year as a starter, he showed a lot of development. His coverage of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts earned him a lot of money. If you want a visual of his capabilities, watch the second play of that Florida game. Nick Bolton is an undersized linebacker that was not asked to do much in that Missouri defense.) (2-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-rankings

PFF 2021 NFL Draft Guide: PFF's top LB prospect, plus a wild-card LB to watch (BIGGEST RISER: ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Zaven Collins played everything in high school. Hailing from Hominy, Oklahoma — a city with a population of fewer than 4,000 people — Collins played quarterback, linebacker and safety as a four-year starter on both offense and defense at Hominy High School. He totaled 4,084 rushing yards, 54 rushing touchdowns, 3,056 passing yards, 32 passing touchdowns and more than 200 tackles in his career at Hominy.  The then-6-foot-3, 220-pounder didn’t have a single Power 5 offer as a three-star linebacker recruit. Collins participated in 12 different camps around the country in search of a scholarship offer, but it wasn’t until his last camp at Tulsa in July 2016 that he got what he was searching for from the Hurricane.  With the linebacker position in the NFL getting smaller and smaller in recent years, Collins is a decidedly different animal. At 6-foot-4, 260 pounds, Collins has throwback thumper size combined with modern athleticism.  His performance this past year for Tulsa was nothing short of special. He consistently made plays in coverage, with four picks and a pass breakup in only eight games. His best attribute when projecting to the next level, though, is what he can do as a blitzer — running backs aren't blocking this dude. He's going to be high on any blitz-heavy team's draft board and will wreak havoc on opposing offenses.  NFL player comparison: A poor man's Brian Urlacher.  Biggest strength: Rare size.  Biggest weakness: Tackling.  Projection: First-round pick.  Bottom line: Collins truly has a rare physical skill set. Scheme will be important, and he could be special in the right one.) (2-3-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pff-top-linebacker

101 best players in college football from the 2020 season (7.  LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Collins did unprecedented things at the linebacker position this past fall and winter for the Tulsa Hurricane. His 93.7 grade in coverage is now well above the previous PFF record set by former UCLA Bruin and current Minnesota Viking Eric Kendricks all the way back in 2014 (92.1).  The 6-foot-4, 240-pound off-ball linebacker tallied four interceptions, three forced incompletions and nine passing stops when dropping into coverage. He was also one of the top blitz weapons in the entire country. All told, Collins picked up 16 pressures on 51 rushes and was the only player at his position to record a 90.0-plus grade in coverage and as a blitzer.) (1-18-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-101-best-players-2020

$.10 After NFL Week 17 (A slew of players declared for the draft at the end of the college season. Two of them caught my attention… Tulsa LB Zaven Collins is a very good fit for where the NFL is going at the off-ball LB spot. He can run, he can flow, he can tackle and he can read plays quickly. Collins won the Nagurski Award as the best defensive player in the country (disclaimer: I am a voter and picked Collins). He’s not the fastest or most fluid, but he’s got enough of both of those attributes to stay on the field in all situations. He’s a top-40 overall prospect and could wind up in the first round.) (1-4-21):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3341/$10-After-NFL-Week-17

2021 NFL Draft early declarations: List of notable prospects and where they rank heading into offseason (Tulane linebacker Zaven Collins - CBS Sports' No. 37 prospect overall: Collins has been one of the big risers this season. He is a well-rounded player that displays competent run fits and is able to drop into coverage. ) (12-29-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-early-declarations-list-of-notable-prospects-and-where-they-rank-heading-into-offseason/

College Football 2020: PFF's Conference Players of the Year (AAC: LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  In addition to being one of the more physically imposing off-ball linebackers in college football at 6-foot-4, 260-pounds, Collins is also the most productive. Whether he was blitzing or dropping into coverage, Collins was a big-time weapon for Tulsa’s pass defense. He notched 16 pressures on 51 pass-rush snaps en route to a 90.6 grade in that facet.  And when dropping into coverage this season, Collins performed at a historic level. The highest coverage grade we have seen at the position prior to the 2020 season came courtesy of former UCLA Bruin and current Minnesota Viking Eric Kendricks back in 2014 (92.1). Collins has shattered that mark with a 93.7 coverage grade, featuring four interceptions, this season.) (12-23-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-conference-players-of-the-year

College Football 2020: PFF's All-AAC Team (First-Team: Zaven Collins, Tulsa:  Collins is not just the top off-ball linebacker in the AAC of the 2020 season, but he also has been the best in the entire FBS.  He leads the country in PFF grade at his position, and his standout coverage ability is a big reason why. Collins shattered the PFF College record for best single-season coverage grade by an off-ball linebacker this season — originally set by Eric Kendricks in 2014.) (12-22-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-aac-team

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Conference Championships (Winners - Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa: As we reported in the Hot Press last week, sources from five different teams felt that Collins could be picked in the back half of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. NFL scouts were somewhat skeptical about Collins at the start of the year, but they are raving about Collins now. They feel he could be a 4-3 Sam linebacker or Mike linebacker and also would be a great fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense.  Collins (6-4, 260) has explosive speed, athleticism and the abilities to cover or to play in space. He also is a dangerous pass rusher who put steady heat on the quarterback when asked to rush. In 2020, Collins totaled 54 tackles, four sacks, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and two passes defended. He collected 97 tackles in 2019, which was after 85 stops as a freshman. Collins should go no lower than the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft.) (12-22-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_16.php

College Football 2020: PFF's All-American Team (First-Team: Zaven Collins, Tulsa - Collins is not just the top off-ball linebacker in the AAC this year; he has also been the best linebacker in the entire FBS. Collins leads the country in PFF grade at his position, and his standout coverage ability is a big reason why. As a matter of fact, Collins shattered the PFF College record for best single-season coverage grade by an off-ball linebacker this season, at 93.7, which was initially set by Eric Kendricks (92.1) back in 2014.) (12-21-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-american-team

NFL Hot Press: Zavien Collins, Potential First-Rounder (12-18-20):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Teams-See-Zaven-Collins-as-Potential-First-Rounder

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest risers of 2020 include BYU QB Zach Wilson, North Carolina RB Javonte Williams (Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa:  Collins was certainly on the draft radar after a 97-tackle, eight-tackle-for-loss sophomore campaign for the Golden Hurricane -- especially because he's 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds. But he wasn't being discussed in the scouting community as a possible first-round pick. He is now. Collins has been everywhere in 2020, immediately standing out in every contest as a towering but athletic linebacker equally as capable of thumping downhill as he is making a game-changing play in coverage. Collins has four picks on the season, two pass breakups, a pair of forced fumbles, and two return touchdowns. Collins has pressured the quarterback on a massive 35.7% of his times blitzing or rushing off the edge, and the classic coverage figures speak for themselves. He's truly a rare specimen at that size, speed, fluidity, aggressiveness, and awareness when sinking in zone or running with a tight end in man.) (12-17-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-biggest-risers-of-2020-include-byu-qb-zach-wilson-north-carolina-rb-javonte-williams/

2021 NFL Draft: PFF's Draft Riser Team (LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Collins was garnering attention towards the end of 2019 for being a freaky 6-foot-4, 260-pound off-ball linebacker. His next step into becoming a consistent splash playmaker this season has been something to behold. Collins already has four picks in seven games, including a game-winning pick-six in overtime against Tulane. He’s yielded all of 58 yards in his coverage all season. Collins' skill set is tailor-made for any team that blitzes their linebackers or plays a good deal of man coverage.) (12-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-all-draft-riser-team

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Zaven Collins in action as:  Tulsa takes on the Midshipmen (4:15 PM):  Staying on the theme of defensive prospects who are currently skyrocketing, let’s take a look at the battle between the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes and the Navy Midshipmen, where linebacker Zaven Collins is now compounding his explosive ascension in the 2021 NFL Draft. Not long ago, Collins used his quick closing speed and instincts to nullify a screen pass, and it’s clear that his impact for the Tulsa defense remains a crucial part of their success.  Tony recently had Collins go in the middle of the first round in his latest mock draft. As Collins continues to reaffirm his elite athleticism, imposing size, and processing ability, he’s slowly turning that into a reality. Beyond Collins, Tulsa’s defense has a few other players to pay attention to, mainly their cornerback duo of Allie Green IV and Akayleb Evans. Green IV is a long 6-foot-3 cover man who’s physical in press coverage, while Evans has impressive hip fluidity for his 6-foot-2 size. IC) (12-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

College Football Award Watch: Top candidates for every major CFB award through Week 13 (Folks, if you haven’t heard of Tulsa’s Zaven Collins before, write the name down. This guy is very good at football. Collins was a standout performer as a redshirt freshman and sophomore in 2018 and 2019, earning PFF grades of 71.7 and 77.9, but this year he has taken his play to the next level. He currently leads all off-ball linebackers in PFF grade at 91.7. That has been buoyed by his standout coverage ability; Collins has notched four interceptions en route to a 93.3 coverage grade.) (12-4-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-award-watch-top-candidates-for-every-major-cfb-award-through-week-13-2020

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 12 (8. LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Collins is the lone player on this list who made the PFF draft board. It’s safe to say that, at 96th overall, Collins deserves a massive bump in the next update. He’s right up there with Isaiah Simmons in terms of freakiness, but not quite for the same reasons. The 6-foot-5, 260 pounder looks like an edge rusher who’s out of position when you see him lined up off the ball, but then you see him move in space and understand why he’s there.  The game-ending pick-six is obviously his biggest highlight from the weekend, but the ease with which he sheds blocks is his biggest selling point. He racked up six stops against Tulane and two more pressures to bring his pass-rushing grade to 91.0 for the season.) (11-24-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-12

NFL draft winners and losers: Indiana's Michael Penix Jr. outplayed OSU's Justin Fields (winners - Tulsa LB Zaven Collins:  Another week, another appearance in the “Winners” section for Collins. On Thursday night, he performed his latest trick by running back a 96-yard pick six to put a bow on the Golden Hurricane’s wild double-overtime win.  Oh, and he was named AAC Defensive Player of the Week with 15 tackles and two QB hurries on only nine pass rushes. Even with the occasional lapse in coverage or missed tackle, Collins has been phenomenal this season.  Could Collins crack the first round in 2021? When you see 6-foot-4, 260-pound linebackers impact the pass game the way he does, it’s not a stretch to make that projection.) (11-23-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-indianas-michael-penix-jr-outplayed-os-us-justin-fields-184208272.html

NFL Draft Stock Report: WR Rondale Moore and LB Zaven Collins highlight Week 12 risers (Risers - Zaven Collins, LB, Tulsa:  How do you top making the game-sealing interception against SMU a week ago? Simple — intercept another pass and bring it back for the game-winning score in overtime. That’s been the scenario for Zaven Collins the past two weeks, and the junior is flying up draft boards — further boosting his NFL Draft stock in Week 12.  Collins is a large, athletic linebacker who plays tough, physical, and instinctive football. He’s a three-down defender who forces the action behind the line of scrimmage, makes plays in space, and effectively covers the pass. Collins amassed 15 tackles against Tulane and returned an interception 96 yards for the game-winning score. As I mentioned during last week’s live stream of The Draft Insiders podcast, Collins will enter the draft and is presently receiving first-round consideration around the league.) (11-23-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-12-risers-rondale-moore-zaven-collins/

College Football: Highest-graded Group of Five players at every position (LINEBACKER: ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA — 92.5:  Besides a 71.7 grade against East Carolina, Collins has graded higher than 80.0 in every other game this season, including an 88.8 grade against SMU and a 93.5 whopper against South Florida. He has been the do-it-all player in the middle for a tremendous Golden Hurricanes defense.  He already has 11 run stops and five tackles for loss against the run in only five games. In coverage, he boasts three interceptions and a dropped interception in coverage to go along with an incredible 13 total pressures, including four sacks, as a pass-rusher. Collins is a real stat-sheet stuffer.) (11-19-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-highest-graded-group-of-five-players-at-every-position-2020

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 11 (5. LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  This is one of the best linebacker classes in recent memory, and Collins' emergence as a dominant force for the Tulsa defense only makes it more formidable. For certain NFL schemes, it’s very likely that Collins could be their LB2 behind Micah Parsons at the moment. He is a massive 6-foot-4 and 260 pounds, but he covers ground like a galloping horse.  At that size, he has a 92.6 coverage grade on the season as well as a 90.7 pass-rushing grade. Against SMU this past weekend, he notched his third pick of the season to ice it for the Golden Hurricanes.) (11-17-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-11-college-football

Week 11 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Zaven Collins: The best linebacker no one is talking about (10:10 PM):  There’s a very entertaining AAC game presently taking place on ESPN2 as Tulsa has clawed back against SMU after being down 17 points at halftime. The comeback has been inspired by the Tulsa defense and has been led by Zaven Collins, a top-60 pick that few seem to talk about.  Collins is incredibly athletic and has a great combination of strength and speed. He’s fast in a straight line or laterally, and Collins is an impactful defender who comes up in the big spots — as he just did to force SMU into a punting situation. He’s tallied four tackles this evening to go along with the 27 tackles, eight TFLs, three sacks, and two INTs registered during the first four games of the season.  Only a junior, I’m told there’s about a 90% chance that Collins enters the 2021 NFL Draft.) (11-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-11-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

NFL draft matchups: There's a surprisingly good QB battle in the SEC this week (But the Tulsa name you must know now is LB Zaven Collins, one of the most interesting 2021 prospects in the AAC. The 6-foot-4, 260-pound Collins has a chance to be a top-50 prospect, having earned AAC Defensive Player of the Week twice in four games. Collins was unstoppable against Central Florida and South Florida, although he did get a little banged up late last game against East Carolina.) (11-13-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-theres-a-surprisingly-good-qb-battle-in-the-sec-this-week-160734101.html

NFL draft winners and losers: Ohio State QB Justin Fields somehow raised the bar even higher (Winners - Tulsa LB Zaven Collins:  We’ve been itching to highlight the redshirt junior, and Saturday’s performance against South Florida kicked down the door for that to happen.  Collins turned in his latest masterpiece this season, logging six tackles, a forced fumble and a 38-yard interception return against USF. He faked the rush, dropped and baited the USF quarterback into throwing the pick right into his arms — and then watch him move on the return for a score.  This big man can scoot. He has been a force of nature for the Golden Hurricane since last season, and Collins’ big performances earlier this season against Oklahoma State and UCF has Collins’ stock soaring. He has shown he can rush, cover and stop the run — a true three-down weapon.  An opponent of Tulsa’s this season highlighted him as the team’s biggest defensive difference maker.  At 6-4 and 260 pounds, Collins is a king-sized linebacker by modern NFL standards. If he tests as well as expected, no one will question his ability to play the position in the league. Collins strikes us as one of those great athletes who is naturally gifted at whatever he’s asked to try. It makes sense given that he’s a former high school QB who also is said to be a heck of a golfer.  What’s his draft ceiling? Hard to say, but keep in mind the name of Jamie Collins (no relation) when you watch him — trust us when we say that their last name is not the only thing they have in common.) (10-26-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-ohio-state-qb-justin-fields-somehow-raised-the-bar-even-higher-185331992.html

College football's biggest breakout draft prospects through Week 6 of the 2020 season (LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Collins is a different breed of linebacker at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds. His gigantic wingspan helps shut down passing lanes, stack linemen in the hole and shed running backs as a blitzer. He will undoubtedly be coveted by teams that love linebackers who can get home as blitzers the way Collins can. He has three sacks and six pressures on only 16 blitzes so far this season.  At that size, however, he doesn’t look out of place in coverage and has seen his coverage grade go from 71.0 as a redshirt freshman in 2018 to 80.2 in 2019 to 85.7 so far this season. He’s not Isaiah Simmons or Patrick Queen athletically, but there’s a role for him in today’s NFL.) (10-16-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-biggest-breakout-draft-prospects-week-6-2020-season

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 5 (10. LB ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  The man at the center of Tulsa’s shocking upset victory over UCF, Collins did a little bit of everything Saturday. He had a pick, a pass breakup, three pressures and six defensive stops — including a tackle for loss for a safety on the day.  Collins is a jumbo off-ball linebacker at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds who has been starting since his redshirt freshman season in 2018. His blend of size, length  and athleticism will be coveted in certain schemes.) (10-7-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-5

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 5 (Up - Zaven Collins, OLB, Tulsa:  Collins has been impressive in the early going of 2020, and that continued against Central Florida last Saturday night. After putting his pass-rushing skills on display in the season opener, the big and long edge defender showed a nice ability to drop into coverage and move in space. That could be seen in the first half in Tulsa's upset win over Central Florida when Collins was downfield and in position to make interception with close coverage near a receiver.  Later in the first half, Collins fired through the line to get safety for his defense. He lined up all over the field and added a tackle for a loss in the ground game, batted a pass, and put pressure on the quarterback. The 6-foot-4, 260-pounder is put together, combining a strong build with impressive first-step quickness. Collins' Central Florida tape was very impressive after his three-sack 2020 opener against Oklahoma. Collins is playing his way into early-round consideration for the 2021 NFL Draft.) (10-6-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_05.php

College Football Today, Week 5: Games, TV Schedule and Live Blog with Tony Pauline (Zaven Collins having an impressive day for Tulsa (10:40 PM):  Tulsa is currently in a close matchup with UCF on the night, and part of why they are so close is their defense. WILL linebacker Zaven Collins has been perhaps the most impressive player on the Golden Hurricanes defense tonight. With impressive athleticism, fluidity, and football IQ, Collins has the tools to be a high-quality NFL Draft riser.  I had a fourth-round grade on Collins in the summer, but he has the potential to improve on that. With 2.5 Tackles for Loss, an interception, a caused safety, and a quarterback hit today, Collins has been all over the field. In his first three quarters of the year, Collins has racked up 6.5 tackles for loss. Collins is a sleeper that fans should get to know, he has been all over the screen today. NF) (10-3-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-today-games-tv-schedule-live-blog-tony-pauline-week-5-2020/

College Football Week 3 Preview: Picks, predictions and advanced stats to know (Tulsa does return some great talent on both sides of the ball this year. Firstly, linebacker Zaven Collins has top-notch coverage ability and has nine combined pass breakups and interceptions since 2018.) (9-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-3-preview-picks-predictions-stats


College Football: PFF’s 2020 Preseason All-AAC Team (FIRST TEAM: ZAVEN COLLINS, TULSA:  Collins has top-notch coverage ability. Over the past two years, he recorded nine combined pass breakups and interceptions. In 2019, in particular, he made very few mistakes in coverage en route to an 80.2 coverage grade.) (8-22-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-2020-preseason-all-aac-team


Scouting Reports:





Articles:

2021 NFL Draft Day 2 Values: Defense (Jabril Cox, LB, LSU:  I gave serious consideration to making Cox one of my finalists, as I love him as a pick on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft. I have the same conviction about Cox as I did about Darius Leonard and Zach Cunningham years ago, and both of them have turned into excellent pros.  In the passing-driven NFL, a linebacker with Cox coverage skills is going to be in demand and have plenty of teams hoping to land him. Cox is an excellent zone-coverage linebacker with good instincts that lead him to glide around the field, and he does an excellent job of reading routes while spying the eyes of the quarterback to disrupt passing lanes. His tremendous career total of 23 passes broken up was no fluke, as he shows phenomenal ball skills to break up passes and is a threat to pick them off. Cox has soft hands for a linebacker and uses his size to win 50-50 passes.  Cox (6-3, 233) is a solid defender in the ground game as well. He is willing to take on blocks and is not afraid of sticking his nose in the scrum. He will need to improve at taking on and shedding blocks, and getting more physical, but he has the potential to do that. I think Cox is going to become a really good NFL starter.) (4-28-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021valuesdefense.php

Lions attend LSU LB Jabril Cox's pro day (4-27-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/04/27/lions-attend-lsu-lb-jabril-coxs-pro-day/

RANG'S GANG: THE BEST NON-FIRST-ROUND PLAYERS IN THE 2021 NFL DRAFT (Off-ball linebacker: Jabril Cox, LSU - The 2021 crop of off-ball linebackers is stellar, which should make this a tough choice. Cox gambled on himself as a grad transfer at the championship level, jumping from an undefeated North Dakota State squad to the reigning FBS champion LSU Tigers a year ago.  The 6-foot-3, 232-pound Cox isn’t just a cool story, though. He’s an elite athlete who would have earned considerably more interest from recruiters out of high school if not for a torn ACL at the end of his junior season. He put the psychology degree earned in Fargo to good work in Baton Rouge, winning over his teammates with his relentless pursuit of excellence in the weight and film rooms to earn himself a captain role shortly after joining the team.  Better yet, his IQ and athleticism stand out on the football field, where Cox has proven himself to be arguably this year’s elite coverage linebacker, disrupting an eye-popping 26 passes (with nine interceptions!) during his four years as a starter. Don’t think those numbers were padded at the FCS level: Cox set career highs in PBUs (eight) last year in the SEC, with three interceptions, including a pick-six in his first game in a Tigers uniform (against Mississippi State).) (4-22-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/rob-rang-2021-nfl-draft-best-non-first-round-players-kyle-trask-demetric-felton

My Guys: Mark Schofield's favorite prospects in the 2021 NFL draft (Jabril Cox, LB, LSU - Football is changing.  The passing game is king. “Three yards and a cloud of dust” is a thing of the pass. That means that defenses are having to adjust, and the days of a two-down, thumper between the tackles at off-ball linebacker might be numbered. While one could argue that those player will be needed again soon, and maybe sooner than we think, right now if you are a linebacker hoping to get drafted early, you better be able to cover receivers in the passing game.  That brings us to Jabril Cox from LSU.  He is more a cornerback in the middle of the field than a stack linebacker, with smooth change-of-direction skills and the ability to cut or flip his hips on a dime. His pick-six against Mississippi State is a prime example, as he cut back to the middle of the field after opening his hips to the outside to stick on an underneath crosser, and then cut under the throw for the easy pick and score. He handles man coverage responsibilities extremely well, whether from a linebacker’s alignment against running backs or playing in space against slot receivers. Even if he allows the reception, Cox is a sure tackler in space who often minimizes — or outright eliminates — yardage after the catch. He shows a good understanding of zone coverage rules, knowing when to pass off options and when to match to routes in space. He can match with receivers or tight ends in coverage, and runs the seam with TEs quite well.  When Tony Dungy and Monte Kiffin invented the Tampa 2, I think Cox was the kind of player they had in mind for that middle linebacker role. An athletic player who can excel in coverage and has the speed to match with tight ends, running backs and even slot receivers. That looks and sounds a lot like Cox to me. As two-high safety coverage are coming back into favor, a player with Cox’s abilities and skill-set could be extremely valuable.  And it makes him one of “my guys.”) (4-16-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-justin-fields-jaycee-horn-amon-ra-st-brown/

2021 NFL Draft LB Superlatives: Best blitzer, most versatile, best tackler and more (BEST COVERAGE INSTINCTS: JABRIL COX, LSU - Cox is a former quarterback turned linebacker, and it’s very clear he sees the field like the former. Between North Dakota State and LSU, Cox earned coverage grades of 87.4 in 2018, 85.2 in 2019 and 83.5 in 2020. That’s multiple different schemes and roles with the same result.  He racked up three picks and four pass breakups from multiple different coverage types this past season for the Tigers. He may not be the super-elite athlete that others on this list are, but he continually gets the job done.) (4-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-lb-superlatives-best-blitzer-most-versatile-best-tackler-and-more

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2021 NFL Draft class (Four of the top five linebackers on the PFF Draft Board rank among the best in the class in forced incompletion percentage. Parsons is 92nd percentile over the last two years, while Nick Bolton ranks in the 99th percentile, Zaven Collins in the 98th percentile and Jabril Cox in the 93rd percentile.) (4-14-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-critical-factors-most-important-numbers-for-2021-nfl-draft-class

2021 NFL Draft preview: 5 linebackers that could interest Detroit Lions (5. Jabril Cox, LSU - Stats line: A one-year player at LSU after transferring from North Dakota State. At LSU, 37 solo tackles in 10 games, 6.5 tackles for loss, one sack, nine passes defended, three interceptions and one sack.  How he could fit the Lions: Needs development but coverage skills could get early playing time. Versatility could be used at safety in some situations.) (4-13-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-linebackers-that-could-interest-lions-parsons-owusu-koramoah-collins

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for PFF’s top LB prospects (5. JABRIL COX, LSU
Biggest pro: Smoothness - Cox is just so smooth on the move. It showed up time and time again in coverage, which is where he was at his best in college. Whether he was dropping into zone, manning up against tight ends or covering the slot, Cox made play after play and put the clamps on the opposition at both North Dakota State and LSU.  Cox recorded an 85.2 coverage grade with the Bison in 2018 and 2019. He then transferred to LSU for the 2020 season and went on to become the third-highest-graded Power 5 off-ball linebacker in coverage. The coverage skills are certainly there for Cox to succeed at the NFL level.  Biggest con: Play strength - While he has thrived against the pass, Cox didn’t do much against the run in his lone season with the Tigers. And there’s good reason to believe that’ll remain the case in the NFL — his run-defense grade was a poor 55.0 in 2020.  Cox's lack of play strength is fairly evident on his tape, as he is stopped in his tracks with any type of contact. Still, we’ll take an off-ball linebacker with standout coverage ability and poor run defense over a stiff thumper who can't cover. Cox shouldn’t slip out of Round 2.) (4-7-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-and-con-for-pffs-top-lb-prospects

Lions 2021 draft: A linebacker for every round (Third round: Jabril Cox, LSU:  The word “smooth” comes to mind when watching Cox. A transfer to LSU from North Dakota State, his movement skills and polished coverage ability exudes smoothness at the second level. Cox dominated at the FCS level and quickly adapted to the bigger/faster/stronger SEC, and proved himself once again during Senior Bowl week.  Cox can step right into the NFL and handle man or zone coverage assignments. The athleticism and anticipation are ready to roll. His open-field tackling is fine, too. But Cox will never be a run-stuffer and it wouldn’t hurt him to add some more functional bulk to hold up better against blockers.) (4-8-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-2021-draft-a-linebacker-for-every-round/

Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Wake Forest pro days: Kyle Pitts, Ja'Marr Chase post eye-popping 40s (LSU (Among the notable NFL attendees of this pro day in Baton Rouge: head coach Dan Campbell (Lions); general managers Trent Baalke (Jaguars) and Brad Holmes (Lions).) - Jabril Cox (Ranking in Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: No. 50):  A hamstring injury prevented the Tigers' standout linebacker from working out, but Cox intends on a makeup date, according to NFL Network's Jane Slater. Despite the injury, Cox attended the pro day to support his teammates. He issued a statement to teams regarding the setback.  Cox's pass-coverage skills impressed scouts in his only season at LSU after transferring from FCS powerhouse North Dakota State, and the 6-foot-3, 232-pounder followed that up with a strong practice week at the Reese's Senior Bowl.) (3-31-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/florida-kentucky-lsu-notre-dame-pro-days-elite-pass-catchers-kyle-pitts-and-ja-m

3 Second-Round Options for Detroit Lions (LSU LB Jabril Cox:  The 6-foot-4, 231-pounder, who transferred to LSU from North Dakota State after graduating from NDSU in the spring of 2019, is known for being a tough, instinctive football player. A three-down defender and a traditional 4-3 outside linebacker, Cox brings to the table a high degree of upside.  And, with the right amount of seasoning, he could become a starter sooner rather than later at the next level.  In his lone season at LSU, Cox racked up 58 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, three interceptions, a pick-six and five passes defensed.  Additionally, he was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker, as the result of his strong play.  The Draft Network's Joe Marino projects Cox to be a starting NFL linebacker. As Marino writes, "Cox is an outstanding coverage linebacker that thrives in space. He is terrific in both man and zone coverage, making him an ideal matchup linebacker that can handle tight ends, running backs, and some slot receivers. He has terrific range, mobility, and his motor always runs hot."  Sure, he only played one year of FBS football, which could be a cause for concern for some NFL scouts and general managers.  However, his hard-working nature and great ability in coverage would make him a fine addition to Detroit's linebackers room.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-three-second-round-draft-options


2021 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days II (Up - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU:  Cox is another linebacker who is rising with NFL teams. While they don't like Cox's lack of physicality and inability to take on blocks, he is receiving rave reviews for what he does in pass coverage. His tremendous career total of 23 passes broken up is no fluke, as he possesses phenomenal ball skills to break up passes and is a threat to pick them off. Cox looks safe to be a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and become a future starter in the NFL.) (3-23-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_29.php

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl V (Up - Jabril Cox, LB, LSU:  Some scouts believe Cox will be a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL and looks likely to become a solid starter early in his pro career. The 6-foot-4, 231-pounder has excellent size and showed impressive pass-coverage ability as a senior, recording three interceptions and breaking up five passes while making 58 tackles. Multiple team sources think Cox could be a nice value as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.) (3-9-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_27.php

2021 NFL Draft: 10 prospects PFF likes more than other scouts and media (LB JABRIL COX, LSU (PFF Big Board Rank: 45):  Regardless of which defense Cox is plugged into at the next level, he’ll be a difference-maker in coverage. His coverage ability was put on full display at both the FCS level with North Dakota State and at the Power Five level with LSU. Cox posted coverage grades of 87.4 and 85.2 at NDSU in 2018 and 2019. He then transferred to LSU for the 2020 season, notching an 83.5 coverage grade with seven combined pass breakups and interceptions and zero touchdowns allowed.  Cox isn’t going to be much of a playmaker against the run and isn’t the most explosive or powerful off-ball linebacker in the class, but teams can count on him to be a top-notch coverage defender.) (2-24-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pffs-favorite-2021-nfl-draft-prospects

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (5. JABRIL COX, LSU:  As far as pure coverage skill goes, Cox is the best in the draft class. Others are more athletic or explosive, but Cox is so assignment-sound and smooth that he consistently gets the job done. Whether that’s in man coverage…  Or zone coverage…  Cox just continually made plays throughout his college career. In his last three seasons — two at North Dakota State before transferring to LSU this past season — Cox earned coverage grades of 87.4 (2018), 85.2 (2019) and 83.5 (2020) while collecting eight picks and 11 pass breakups over that span. Maybe he won’t produce super high-end splash plays, but Cox gets the job done.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

2021 All-Senior Bowl Team (LB Jabril Cox | LSU:  Prior to transferring to LSU, Cox established himself as one of the nation’s more established linebackers. While his name wasn’t mentioned as much this past season, Cox showed why he’s among the best. His natural coverage skills were on display against running backs and tight ends, but he also showed a high level of instinctual mental processing in the run game.) (2-5-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-all-senior-bowl-team/

Hot Take Tuesday - Senior Bowl Edition: Is Quinin Meinerz a Top-50 prospect in the NFL Draft? (Jabril Cox proved he’s a first round talent:  Cox came into the season with really high grades from scouts and he looked really good at LSU. He may not have gotten the media attention he deserved with the team's struggles but Cox was their best player. Not only that, he stuck with the team through the entirety of the season and received rave reviews from the coaching staff. Cox then went to Mobile and was one of the best players there. He is phenomenal in coverage and that stands out on his Senior Bowl tape.  Some guys are just naturals for their position and that is the case with Cox. It is a loaded linebacker group but it wouldn't be shocking to see Cox finish as the best player at his position from the 2021 draft when his career is over; he is that good. Once he tests off the charts, he should solidify himself as a top 50 player in the draft. Whoever takes him will get one of the best players in the class and the Senior Bowl just helped prove that he is a first-round talent.) (2-3-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/hot-take-tuesday-senior-bowl-edition-is-quinin-meinerz-a-top-50-prospect-in-the-nfl-draft

NFL Draft risers and fallers after the Senior Bowl (Jabril Cox - LB - LSU:  He was one of the best linebackers of the week. Even though he didn't win the American squads linebacker of the week, Jabril Cox still boosted his draft stock. He was superb in coverage all week, especially in the one-vs-ones and showed his versatility in the team drills and the game. Cox can play in the middle or outside linebacker and can effectively rush the passer. Even if he does give up a catch, he won’t let the ball carrier get too many yards after the catch. His coverage skills alone deserve him to be one of the top linebackers taken.) (2-1-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/nfl-draft-risers-and-fallers-after-the-senior-bowl

6 Players Lions Should Watch in 2021 Senior Bowl (3. Linebacker Jabril Cox, LSU:  Cox is more in the mold of today’s NFL linebackers.  Make no mistake, despite having some length, the former North Dakota State transfer would be a horrible fit in the old Lions defense.  Those Matt Patricia gap-stuffers are a thing of the past, fortunately.  The 6-foot-3, 233-pounder showed some great pass coverage ability on film, and his week at the Senior Bowl wasn’t much different.  The true test will come when he is in live game action stopping the run. Given his ability in coverage -- which is a major need for the Lions -- they likely could overlook some of his flaws against the run.) (1-29-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/six-prospects-lions-should-watch-senior-bowl

TWENTYMAN: 10 players who impressed at Senior Bowl practices (10. Jabril Cox, LB, LSU:  I thought Cox was pretty good in coverage drills and was a handful for the running backs and fullbacks in pass protection drills. Cox has a nice combination of size (6-2, 233) and speed, and he plays well in space. He recorded three interceptions and defended five passes for the Tigers this past season. That part of his game really stood out this week.) (1-29-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-players-who-impressed-at-senior-bowl-practices-jones-basham-meinerz

2021 Senior Bowl Practice Report: American Team (Tuesday - In terms of size-athleticism combinations, there aren’t many linebackers who boast more than Jabril Cox. Cox was an easy mover on Tuesday and looked to be the most natural of the American team linebackers. He generally took good angles in run defense and also showed off good movement skills in coverage. He did get beat once by Tre’ McKitty, but if he can start to make plays on top of that positioning capacity, he could be a riser.  Wednesday - Jabril Cox continues to be one of the better linebackers rostered at the Senior Bowl. The LSU defender showed promising skills in all phases. Against the run, he was fairly solid at disengaging blockers. In pass coverage, he had a few seamless reps sticking to tight ends and was physical near the line. He even got some pressure rushing the edge, for good measure.  Thursday - Jabril Cox’s coverage ability stood out the most on Thursday. He was a visibly natural mover in the open field, and he showcased great recovery speed and playmaking ability, using his closing speed and length to notch a pass deflection in one-on-ones. Cox did get moved around a bit in run defense, but his upside remains palpable.  Analysis - Cox was one of the best linebackers at the Senior Bowl during practices, and my American Team reports confirm. There were times when he was a little stiff changing directions, but overall, he displayed natural mobility and fluidity in space, and he also had impressive closing speed and range to go along with his size. Cox made a number of plays in coverage by virtue of his burst and length, and that combination should continue to bear fruit for him in the future. He’s most definitely on the rise.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-american-team/

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 1 American Linebackers and Running Backs (Jabril Cox - LB - LSU:  Overall, Jabril Cox had one of the better days for the American team linebackers. Cox was able to show what he could do in coverage against running backs and tight ends. He did have a few slips on the ground, which hurt him on some catches. One of his better coverage plays came when he was matched up with Elijah Mitchell. Mitchell ran down the field, using his speed but Cox kept right along his side and prevented Mitchell from making the catch. When Cox was matched up against Kylin Hill, one of the better pass catchers on the American team, Hill was able to make the catch but Cox was right on his tail and made the immediate tackle. Now on the flip side, Cox was excellent when in a pass-rushing situation. Cox used a nice side step with a swim move on both tight ends and running backs to make the play on the quarterback.) (1-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-1-american-linebackers-and-running-backs

Senior Bowl Players to Watch: Defense (Jabril Cox, LB, LSU:  Jabril Cox felt he had something to prove. Despite leading the North Dakota State Bison to an FCS National Championship in 2019, the linebacker felt that some might look at him as an afterthought when it came to the NFL draft. So he decided to transfer, enrolling at LSU and in the toughest conference in all of college football, to demonstrate that he belonged at the highest levels.  Cox proved that this season.  Despite the Tigers’ poor season, Cox was one of the lone bright spots. He notched 58 tackles, three interceptions (including an impressive Pick-Six – note the change-of-direction skills on this play and how Cox moves his hips) and was named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award.  With a good performance at the Senior Bowl, Cox will show that he truly does belong at the next level.) (1-25-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-players-to-watch-defense/

Top linebackers at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Jabril Cox, LSU:  After transferring to LSU from North Dakota State, Jabril Cox showed he could hang with the SEC’s physicality. As a result, things didn’t always go smoothly for one of the Senior Bowl linebackers’ best coverage defenders, but he fought tooth and nail to improve his craft.  Cox played a lot in the slot at NDSU. He often played (and is comfortable) on an island in coverage. Cox is the modern NFL linebacker in a passing league. He needs to become more consistent as a run defender before being effective at the next level. Seeing how he processes inside the box during team drills and how he holds up physically could go a long way toward improving his draft stock come April.)(1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-linebackers-at-the-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

PFN's Cummings Lions Pre-Senior Bowl 7-Round 2021 NFL Mock Draft (Jabril Cox, LB, LSU:  The Lions defense needs help at every level, which is ironic, considering Patricia was brought in to fix the defense. It’s now clear that he did more harm than good. The unit was one of the worst in the league in 2020 and risks staying in the cellar if the Lions can’t add more talent or add a coach to properly develop that talent.  This pick doesn’t solve the coaching issue, but Jabril Cox can help provide versatility and playmaking ability on the second level. At 6-foot-4, 231, he’s a long, rangy linebacker with borderline elite athleticism and hustle. He made the leap from the FCS to the SEC in 2020 and looked like he belonged. With utility as a pass defender, run defender, and pass rusher, Cox can make plays early in Detroit.) (1-6-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lions-7-round-2021-nfl-mock-draft-pre-senior-bowl/

$.10 After NFL Week 17 (LSU LB Jabril Cox also declared, leaving the Tigers after just one year. The transfer from North Dakota State was a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing LSU team. He’s someone I can see being better in the NFL than he was in college, and Cox was pretty impressive at both NDSU and LSU. He’s a cover backer with length and open-field tackling power. I wish he was a little more instinctive against the run, but Cox should be an NFL starter right away.) (1-4-21):  https://football.realgm.com/analysis/3341/$10-After-NFL-Week-17

Week 16 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Jabril Cox contributing to strong defensive performance in the turnover department (6:20 PM):  The LSU Tigers have now picked off Matt Corral five times, and although the game is starting to get a bit closer, LSU has had control for the entirety of the game, a feat which can be credited to their ability to generate turnovers. One such interception was nabbed by senior linebacker Jabril Cox, who read Corral perfectly and made the play with proactivity.  Cox is an athletic specimen at 6-foot-4, 231, and he’s been incredibly active this season, with 51 tackles, a sack, three picks, and five pass deflections in ten games. Cox sometimes gets overlooked with other risers like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Zaven Collins ascending boards. Still, Cox has a ton of potential at the next level, and his production in the SEC, after transferring from North Dakota State, only reinforces that fact. IC) (12-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-16-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 15 (5. LB JABRIL COX, LSU:  While Cox hasn’t racked up near the stops or tackle numbers that he did at North Dakota State, he’s still been exceptional in coverage for LSU. The play below highlights exactly what makes him so special.  Cox gets stuck guarding wide receiver Freddie Swain with no help as he goes vertical from the No. 3. Cox darn near runs stride for stride with him and breaks up the pass at the catch point. That type of versatility and athleticism is a prerequisite nowadays to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL.) (12-15-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-15

Week 15 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Jabril Cox is all over the field tonight (10:45 PM):  In any scenario where LSU limits Trask, they would need a big time game from their star linebacker Jabril Cox. He is far from a certainty after transferring up from North Dakota State over the Summer. Cox’s draft stock feels like it is right where it needs to be for a guy with a lot of upside who lacks the polish around the edges. He has the athleticism to fly sideline-to-sideline, but it is not like Cox is some otherworldly athlete.  Tonight against Florida, Cox has been used in coverage, in the slot, and as a blitzer on top of his normal linebacker duties. With three QB Hits, two pass breakups, and an additional tackle for loss, Cox is doing every thing he can to make his presence felt on the field. His stock is steadily making him a Top-100 player as he solidifies his versatility all over the field. You simply do not find guys that can do all of what Cox does for the Tigers, and that makes him a very valuable prospect. NF) (12-12-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-15-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Jabril Cox is up and down (11:00 PM):  Despite LSU’s lackluster performance on the day, it has been a day of good and bad for LSU linebacker Jabril Cox. Cox’s natural athleticism and coverage ability are huge boons for a guy who is proving he can play with anyone after an illustrious career at North Dakota State. Cox does not back down from a challenge and has held up well thus far today against the stresses of the Alabama offense.  LSU has been using Cox almost as a nickel cornerback at times today. He faced John Metchie on more than one occasion. He did surrender a touchdown, but there have been significant quality reps from Cox. Cox’s run defense has been suspect today however. He is getting reached at the second level and got ran right through by Najee Harris. This is a game that some teams will love and one that will cause others to run far away from Cox. I firmly believe Cox is still a Day 2 selection because his appeal in the modern sub-package NFL is so overt. NF) (12-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

College Football: Top transfers through Week 10 (LB JABRIL COX, LSU:  Cox transferred from FCS North Dakota State to not only the FBS but to the reigning national champion LSU Tigers. The Tigers underwent one of the largest roster overhauls this offseason with most of their offensive and defensive starters making their way to the NFL. One position that needed to be filled was linebacker, and head coach Ed Orgeron looked to FCS powerhouse NDSU for depth. The transition has not been the smoothest for Cox — between learning a new defensive scheme and the entire defense underperforming, it is easy to understand why.  With that being said, Cox has the physical ability and skillset to achieve exceptional play in the SEC. He boasts elite explosiveness and fluidity that help him fly to the football but can cause him to over-pursue runs and run past receivers in the passing game. He has allowed 15 receptions on 18 targets for 187 yards with 153 coming after the catch, largely from being out of position or missing the tackle. Even so, he had an impressive pick-six in the season opener against Mississippi State where the receiver ran across his face and he had to flip his hips, catch up to the receiver and then jump in front of him for the interception, highlighting the elite traits mentioned above.) (11-10-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-transfer-through-week-10-2020

NFL draft winners and losers: Ohio State QB Justin Fields somehow raised the bar even higher (Losers - LSU LB Jabril Cox and S JaCoby Stevens:  Cox’s first game as a Tiger after transferring in from North Dakota State couldn’t have gotten off to a better start, as he undercut a route against Mississippi State and ran back his first LSU interception for a score in the opener.  Since then, it has been tougher sledding for the 6-2, 221-pound linebacker. He missed a few tackles against Vanderbilt the next game and struggled in coverage in the upset loss to Missouri.  Saturday against South Carolina, Cox showed up a number of times in run defense but once again had a few plays in coverage that were subpar. Cox hasn’t been bad, mind you, but he came to LSU to be a first-round draft pick, or at least a top-50 selection. Has that been solidified? We’re not so sure.  The two highly regarded Tigers defenders haven’t stopped being talented players. Both profile as Day 2 prospects, able to help an NFL in multiple ways. But with each player being taken out of their comfort zones, it has limited their chances to thrive.) (10-26-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-ohio-state-qb-justin-fields-somehow-raised-the-bar-even-higher-185331992.html

College Football Games Today, Week 4: TV Schedule and Live Blog with Tony Pauline (LSU’s regression (6:30 PM ET):  After producing one of the most potent offenses in college football history, LSU has come out flat and slow to start the 2020 season. They lost about 90% of their starters from last season, but few people expected them to spend the evening trailing Mississippi State and potentially starting the season 0-1.  While the team overall has struggled, transfer linebacker Jabril Cox has looked strong, and NFL teams will covet his blend of physical tools and his ability in coverage. Safety JaCoby Stevens has also made an impact on this game and I really like his upside as a linebacker-safety hybrid in the NFL. – MV) (9-26-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-games-today-week-4-live-blog-tony-pauline/

NFL draft: Top-tier SEC talent raises the bar for this week's prospects to watch (The 6-foot-3, 231-pound Cox is the prototype for the modern linebacker in many ways. He possesses a longer, leaner frame, moves extremely well in coverage and can blitz with shocking effectiveness, registering a whopping 16 total pressures (five sacks, five QB hits and six hurries in 2019, per Pro Football Reference) on a mere 45 pass-rush chances last season for the Bison.  How he’ll be unleashed by the Tigers is speculation at this point. But it would not be surprising to see him add a new chapter to LSU’s recent success in developing NFL-made linebackers, following the recent tradition of Patrick Queen, Jacob Phillips, Devin White, Duke Riley, Kendell Beckwith, Deion Jones and Kwon Alexander.) (9-24-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-toptier-sec-talent-raise-the-bar-for-this-weeks-prospects-to-watch-160428581.html

2021 NFL Draft: SEC prospects to know (Jabril Cox might be the most interesting name to watch. He transferred from North Dakota State where he dominated. Will that athleticism transfer to the SEC? There's plenty of reasons to think it will, and if so, he'll find himself moving up draft boards in the coming weeks and months.) (9-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-sec-prospects-to-know-ahead-of-the-conferences-weekend-openers/

2021 NFL Draft: Georgia quarterback headlines list of transfers who could lift their stock this fall (LSU linebacker Jabril Cox:  LSU lost a lot of production from the linebacker unit as Patrick Queen, K'Lavon Chaisson and Jacob Phillips all left for the NFL. Cox was already on the radar of NFL scouts before he transferred from North Dakota State. By playing in Baton Rouge, he has the opportunity to show that he can compete against elite competition. The linebacker is known to overrun plays and must become a better tackler. However, he possesses the athleticism to raise his profile significantly with a solid season.  Penn State's Micah Parsons is the cream of the crop at the linebacker position, but Cox could enter the equation as a first-round pick. He was rated No. 82 overall in the CBS Sports prospect rankings.) (8-31-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-georgia-quarterback-headlines-list-of-transfers-who-could-lift-their-stock-this-fall/

2021 NFL Draft: Who are the LSU Tigers’ top prospects? (Jabril Cox, Linebacker, Senior (6’4″, 231 pounds):  Before transferring to LSU, Jabril Cox was an All-American and national champion at North Dakota State. Cox was an absolute beast for the Bison, accumulating 258 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 14.0 sacks during his three-year career at North Dakota State.  Now, Cox finds himself playing in the most competitive conference in college football. He is long and athletic, certainly passing the “eye test” for the position. The combination of explosiveness and athleticism that Cox brings to the table is impressive.  Will Cox be as dominant in the SEC as he was in the Missouri Valley Conference? The answer to that question remains to be seen, but if Cox is half the player he was at North Dakota State, he will solidify himself as a Day 2 prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft.) (8-28-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lsu-top-prospects-2021-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft: 25 draft prospects who need football this fall (25. LB JABRIL COX, LSU:  Yes, Cox has already put out good tape. Doing that against FCS competition doesn't carry near the weight as it does against SEC competition, however. The long, rangy linebacker earned overall grades of 80.3 and 84.1 in his two seasons as a starter at North Dakota State before transferring this offseason.) (8-26-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-25-draft-prospects-who-need-football-this-fall

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason linebacker rankings (7. JABRIL COX, LSU:  Cox has the sort of length that some NFL teams love at the linebacker position. Watching the 6-foot-4, 231-pound Cox, it's difficult not to be reminded of another former FCS linebacker in Darius Leonard. They can both shut down passing windows with ease as well as get off blocks far better than their weight suggests. That length has led to 12 combined picks and pass breakups over the past two seasons.  That's coming against FCS competition, though. This fall, Cox is going to have to come with a little more physicality than he showed at North Dakota State. He's a versatile athlete who played overhang for the Bison, but when asked to stick his nose in it, he was often taken backward. He got ran through a few times, and that's against running backs who likely won't hold a candle to what he'll see in the SEC.  2020 Outlook:  Transferring from North Dakota State to LSU is a massive step up in competition level, so you can pretty much throw out his previous tape if he plays this fall. Filling the shoes of last year's first-rounder, Patrick Queen, will also provide an excellent comparator for his performance.) (8-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-linebacker-rankings

2020 SEC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Jabril Cox, a graduate transfer who played productive football for three years at North Dakota State, is universally considered a top-45 pick in the scouting community at this point. He’s slightly undersized, but he’s explosive and great in pursuit.) (7-25-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-sec-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/2/

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (10. Jabril Cox, LSU:  Senior Bowl director and former NFL Scout Jim Nagy called Jabril Cox a “fast and athletic matchup ‘backer with day two tools and upside.” I might take it a step further and say that Cox has day one tools. He has an elite frame at 6’4, 230 pounds, and true sideline to sideline speed.  However, in order for Cox to reach that potential, he must improve his play in the trenches. Cox is a natural athlete making him a strong coverage linebacker, but he still has work to do in his play against the run. He is rarely used in the box, and a thin frame makes him easily washed in traffic. If Cox can add a bit more weight, and improve his ability making plays in between the tackle, he’ll be a very strong linebacker prospect.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/

Five underrated 2021 NFL Draft prospects to put on your radar (Jabril Cox, Linebacker, LSU (6’3″, 233 pounds):  Linebacker Jabril Cox was a two-time FCS All-American at North Dakota State before transferring to LSU earlier this year. During his three seasons at North Dakota State, Cox posted 258 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, six interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns.  He was a former high school quarterback, which lends to his high football intelligence. His ability to make plays in space is sensational. His tool belt containing his ability to cover, speed, and closing ability make him an intriguing 2021 Draft prospect. When I watch clips of Cox, I am reminded a bit of 49ers’ Pro Bowl linebacker Fred Warner, which is high praise.  Cox will be moving from being a superstar at the FCS level to playing in college football’s best conference, the SEC. If Cox can produce and exhibit the ability he did at North Dakota State in his senior season with the LSU Tigers, he could ascend into a solid Day Two prospect.) (5-22-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/underrated-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-to-put-on-your-radar/

Analyzing high-impact 2020 NCAA transfers for the 2021 NFL Draft (LB Jabril Cox: North Dakota State to LSU:  The rich get richer, or so the saying goes. LSU nabbed the best FCS-FBS transfer in recent memory in linebacker Jabril Cox. His athleticism and leadership stand out in a big way when watching North Dakota State, as Cox flew around the field making plays and wreaking havoc wherever he went.  LSU lost linebackers Patrick Queen and Jacob Phillips to the 2020 NFL Draft, leaving the path to starting pretty open for Cox. The former FCS All-American will get a chance to compete early and shine against top competition. Expect Cox to put himself amongst the top linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft under Bo Pelini.) (5-21-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-ncaa-transfers-impact-on-2021-nfl-draft/


Scouting Reports:





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Biggest Fallers in the 2021 NFL Draft: Alabama's Dylan Moses, Miami's Gregory Rousseau and more (2. LB DYLAN MOSES, ALABAMA (End of Season ADP: 40.0.  Current ADP: 104.2):  Moses coasted into draft season off his reputation as a former five-star recruit, a freshman All-American and a multi-year starter for the Tide. But when most got around to his 2021 tape, they discovered that the results weren’t good.  Moses returned from an ACL tear in 2019 to earn a 51.9 run-defense grade and 62.6 coverage grade. And that’s not going to cut it, even with plus athletic tools.  Even the early-career hype around Moses was based on what he could be and not necessarily what he was. Moses earned a 49.0 coverage grade back in 2018 and has shown little in the way of playmaking instincts in that regard. He finished just ninth among SEC linebackers in stops in 2020 after ranking 14th in stops in 2018. That’s not going to cut it for a top linebacker prospect.) (4-28-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-fallers-dylan-moses-gregory-rousseau-shaun-wade-walker-little-paris-ford

2021 NFL Draft Potential Busts: Defense (Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama:  Moses could go as high as the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and it would not be shocking if he turns out as a disappointment. Moses struggled in 2020 coming off an ACL tear and did not look like an instinctive linebacker for the NFL. Adding in durability concerns, I could see Moses having some issues panning out as a pro.) (4-28-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021bustsdefense.php

5 Late-Round Linebackers Lions Could Target in 2021 NFL Draft (Dylan Moses, Alabama:  Consensus draft range: Late day two-early day three.  Moses had all the attention and potential in the world, coming out of IMG Academy. He landed at Alabama, and made an impact right away, earning a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team before injuring his foot.   He was similarly good as a sophomore, and was trending towards being an early pick in the 2020 draft. But, he suffered an injury that ended his junior season in the preseason. He wasn’t as great as a senior, which dropped his stock.  There is still plenty of potential with Moses, and some team may elect to take a chance on him early in the draft.  He’s likely a player that will have to find a home that is able to maximize his potential. And, with Detroit’s physical-minded coaching staff, the Lions may be the perfect spot.) (3-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-late-round-nfl-draft-linebackers

2021 NFL Draft All-Upside Team: Trey Lance starts at QB, Levi Onwuzurike and Joseph Ossai star on defense (LB DYLAN MOSES, ALABAMA:  Moses’ explosiveness has been hyped since before he ever even stepped on Alabama’s campus. You couldn’t find a 2020 mock draft without his name in the first round before the 2019 season, but after an ACL tear followed up by a disappointing senior year where he earned a 56.4 overall grade, Moses is more “project” than “finished product” at this point. You see the physical tools in spurts, but his feel for the position leaves a lot to be desired.) (3-17-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-all-upside-team

2021 NFL Draft All-Upside Team: Trey Lance starts at QB, Levi Onwuzurike and Joseph Ossai star on defense (Lance, Felton, Fehoko, Stephenson, Toney, Jordan, Smith, Little, Mayfield, Meinerz, Green, Onwuzurike, Williams, Kaindoah, Ossai, Moses, McGrone, Williams, Joseph, Wildgoose, Sherwood, Cisco) (3-17-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-all-upside-team

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (10. DYLAN MOSES, ALABAMA:  The proverbial light switch never quite flipped on for Moses. He was one of the most highly touted linebackers in the 2020 draft class heading into his junior season because of what he was capable of physically. How many off-ball linebackers are able to produce reps like this?  Sadly, Moses tore his ACL prior to that season and returned to school in 2020. As a senior, we saw more of the same. Those sort of reps are great, but you saw almost no plays on the ball in coverage or on quick reads in the run game.  Despite playing the most snaps of any linebacker in the country, Moses finished 45th nationally with 35 stops. For context, Missouri's Nick Bolton had 44 on 250 fewer defensive snaps. While Moses' explosiveness didn’t necessarily go anywhere, you have to see it translate to a football field better than a 56.4 overall grade.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

Detroit Lions' scouting guide to the 2021 National Championship (Moses looked like a surefire first-round pick before tearing his ACL last season and opting to return to school. This year he looks like he is still shaking off the injury, but if he passes medicals and teams believe he can return to form, he could be nice value in the second round.) (1-11-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/11/detroit-lions-scouting-guide-to-the-2021-national-championship/

Ranking the top draft prospects playing in the College Football National Championship (12. Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama — Projection: Day 2. He has some weaknesses, whether it's diagnosing defenses or shedding blocks. But his outstanding speed, tackling and work in coverage should help him find a starting job in the NFL.) (1-11-20):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/gallery/ranking-the-top-draft-prospects-playing-in-the-college-football-national-championship

Alabama vs. Ohio State loaded with NFL draft prospects; Detroit Lions should watch these 6 (Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama:  The Lions need to completely overhaul their linebacking corps this offseason, and a player like Moses should fit no matter what scheme their new coach decides to run. Moses is a violent hitter who has the athletic traits to succeed both both in pass coverage and as a rusher in the NFL. He drew a Myles Jack comparison from NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah this summer, and while he's not quite as polished as Jack, he could have a similar career. Not many off-ball linebackers go in Round 1, so if the Lions don't go Penn State's Micah Parsons with their first pick, they may be able to land a player like Moses on Day 2.) (1-11-21):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2021/01/11/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-prospects-alabama-ohio-state-national-title-game/6615482002/

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Early Bowl Games (Down - Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama:  Moses had an uneven performance in the SEC Championship Game that mirrored his 2020 season. He had a solid start, played better in the mid-season games, and finished the year in unimpressive fashion. Moses has a good skill set, but his instincts have been off this year, which is hurting him, according to team sources. After this season, Moses looks more like a second-day pick who could slide rather than be a potential first-rounder.) (12-29-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_17.php


Nick Saban: Dylan Moses played 'extremely well' against Georgia (10-19-20):  https://www.al.com/alabamafootball/2020/10/nick-saban-dylan-moses-played-extremely-well-against-georgia.html

Week 7 College Football Recap: News, schedule, live blog and more (Tough day for Dylan Moses (10:40 PM):  Dylan Moses came back this season after tearing his ACL prior to the 2019 season and has been solid for the most part. However, tonight has been his worst performance of the year, even if that does not show up in the box score. Moses still has eight tackles on the day, but he has simply had a bevy of issues.  For one, Moses is not seeing the field well at all. This is a guy who is biting on misdirection and play-action all game. In addition, he just looks a little lifeless out there. Moses has been beaten in man coverage at times. The mental issues with Moses are his downfall. Teams exploit him by using play-action and RPOS as he vacates the space in the middle of the field.  Moses has struggled to shed blocks today. When defenders reach him at the second level, it seems as if he does not have a plan to beat them. Moses’ hands go dormant. While the talent for Moses is undeniable, his recent struggles to begin the year have to concern some scouts. This will be a piece of college football news and analysis to monitor moving forward as we head into the 2021 NFL Draft. NF) (10-18-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-7-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

Dylan Moses stands out in return from injury against Missouri (9-30-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/how-alabama-lb-dylan-moses-played-against-missouri/

Alabama vs Texas A&M Prospect Preview: Skill positions shine (Dylan Moses:  This guy! There is no prospect in this class that I am more excited to watch play. Dylan Moses is a physical freak of nature. This young man sits around 240 pounds and could easily drop back and play strong safety, given his unique athletic ability. Moses is a twitched up, explosive mover who possesses great instincts for the position and only has an injury red flag on his resume. He’s as blue-chip as blue-chip talent comes. And there’s a good chance he’s the most talented of all Alabama linebackers before him.) (9-29-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/alabama-football-prospect-preview-vs-texas-am/

NFL draft winners and losers: The Mississippi State prospect whom Mike Leach's arrival can help most (Sweet, fancy Moses:  Alabama is always teeming with NFL talent, and one Crimson Tide prospect who reminded us Saturday of just how special he can be is their talented inside linebacker, Dylan Moses.  After missing the entire 2019 season with a torn ACL, Moses started off 2020 with a vengeance. He was everywhere in Bama’s 38-19 win over Missouri, making four tackles (two for losses) and looking spry in coverage. You’d have never known this is a player whose injury concerns are high atop scouts’ list, with last year’s knee injury plus a foot injury that ended his 2017 season prematurely.  Moses announced his arrival on a gorgeous fourth-and-1 stop for a loss on Missouri’s Larry Rountree, and the Bama middle linebacker later snuffed out QB Shaun Robinson behind the line after Mizzou entered the red zone in the second quarter.  Moses also had a 13-yard sack negated by penalty. Forget about that and check out how fast Moses closes on the Tigers’ QB.  For all the talk about Missouri’s Nick Bolton coming into the game — and he turned in a solid performance, all things considered — Moses just looks like the better NFL prospect on the whole. Other than Penn State’s Micah Parsons, there isn’t a 2021 LB prospect we’d rather have.  If his health holds up, Moses figures to be LB2 in this class with the potential to go somewhere in the top 20 picks. Following in the Bama LB tradition of Rashaan Evans, Rolando McClain, Dont’a Hightower and Reuben Foster, Moses looks like the school’s next great at the position.) (9-28-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-the-mississippi-state-prospect-whom-mike-leachs-arrival-can-help-most-181118102.html

College Football Games Today, Week 4: TV Schedule and Live Blog with Tony Pauline (Welcome back Dylan Moses! (7:45 PM ET):  Dylan Moses was one of my highest-rated prospects in the summer of 2019 before a knee  injury in camp shelved him for the entire year.  Moses just showed he’s back and has not lost a step.  On a 4th and 2, the linebacker displayed his patented quickness, instincts, and explosion, dropping running back Larry Rountree III for a loss to give Alabama the ball.) (9-26-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-games-today-week-4-live-blog-tony-pauline/

NFL Draft Rumors and News: Who is the top draft-eligible defender in the nation? (I know it’s early. But if you had to guess, who do you think will be the first defender selected in 2021?  That’s a great question, especially with so many offensive prospects at the top of the board. My highest-rated defensive player in the nation is LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., but he’s not draft-eligible in 2021.  I think Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons has the edge right now, but his decision to opt out and prepare for the draft will open the door for Alabama’s Dylan Moses. I also think Ronnie Perkins of Oklahoma is going to make a huge march up draft boards.) (9-23-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-top-defensive-player-2021/

2021 NFL Draft: SEC prospects to know (And linebacker Dylan Moses would've been a first-round pick last spring had he not suffered a torn ACL in August 2019. He returns and he could be a top-15 pick with a solid season.) (9-23-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-sec-prospects-to-know-ahead-of-the-conferences-weekend-openers/

NFL Draft Rumors & News: Pauline reveals NFL thoughts on opt-outs and more (How do you compare Micah Parsons and Dylan Moses? Which do you think is the better prospect? And have you heard how NFL teams may rank these two?  From the point of view of instincts, discipline and fewer breakdowns on the field, Moses is the guy. If you’re looking for sheer athleticism and upside, then it’s Parsons.  Before grading or ranking the two, it’s important to see how Moses returns from his injury. Parsons has a higher upside, but also a bigger bust factor as his instincts have come under question and justifiably so in my opinion.) (9-10-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-nfl-thoughts-opt-outs/

2021 NFL Draft: Who are the top Alabama Crimson Tide prospects? (Dylan Moses, Linebacker, Senior (6’3″, 240 pounds):  Dylan Moses didn’t play a down in 2019, as he suffered a torn ACL prior to the season. He is back for 2020 and if he plays to the level he did prior to the injury, he should be able to cement himself as a top-15 pick in the 2021 Draft.  Moses is a three-down linebacker, who is stout against the run and athletic enough to excel in pass coverage. His range is staggering, as is his explosiveness and ability to locate the football. When you watch tape on Moses, his ability to be an impactful blizter is evident. He checks all of the boxes to be an impact player at the next level.  Equally impressive to his talents on the field is the way Moses carries himself. He is a leader of men, playing the game with a never-ending motor and passion that is contagious.  Simply put, Dylan Moses is the type of defensive stalwart that you can build a defense around. Teams should be lining up to select him early in 2021.) (9-10-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/alabama-top-prospects-2021-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason linebacker rankings (3. DYLAN MOSES, ALABAMA: Dylan Moses was physically built in a lab to play the linebacker position — almost quite literally. Before he was even 10 years old, Moses was doing three-a-day workouts with his father — who was a former Northwestern State linebacker — focusing on strength, speed, flexibility and conditioning to turn him into the physical freak who earned scholarship offers before he was in eighth grade.  Now, Moses is right up there with Micah Parsons for the most explosive linebacker in college football. Performance-wise, however, he's been a good ways behind Parsons on the football field. He earned only a 67.7 grade in his lone year as a starter in 2018 before a torn ACL robbed us of a possible breakout campaign in 2019. He didn't have a single pick or pass breakup on 38 targets that season.  Moses excels at tracking down ball carriers, though. He's missed a grand total of five tackles on 107 attempts over his entire college career. That will play well in zone schemes that ask their linebackers to limit yards after the catch in coverage.  2020 Outlook:  Health is obviously the biggest box that Moses needs to tick in 2020. After that, it's his playmaking ability. He had fewer splash plays in his lone year as a starter than Chazz Surratt — a former quarterback — did. That's not everything at the position, but it's something you'd like to see in a high draft pick.) (8-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-linebacker-rankings

2021 NFL Draft prospects most impacted by NCAA's uncertain future (Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama:  In his first two years on campus, linebacker Dylan Moses carved out a big role at hte heart of Alabama’s defense. As a freshman in 2017 he played in 11 games, and was named to the SEC All-Freshman team after notching 30 tackles and grabbing an interception. A foot injury kept him out of the college football playoffs, but he built on his freshman year to have a huge sophomore season.  In 2018, Moses was a finalist for the Butkus Award, recording a team-high 86 tackles, including ten for a loss. He earned second team All-SEC honors and continually showed on film the athleticism and versatility that you need from a modern linebacker. Moses has the ability to work downhill against the run but also the athleticism to carry tight ends and running backs on vertical routes up seams, necessary traits to stay on the field in third down situations.  However, Moses lost his entire 2019 campaign to an injury suffered in pre-season camp. He torn an ACL, necessitating surgery and ending his year before it began. But he is ready to go for the year ahead, and with another strong season like 2018, he would be in position to be one of the first linebackers taken in the draft. Moses might be one of the players who would lose the most if the season is cut short, or pushed off until the spring.) (8-11-20):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2020/08/11/the-2021-draft-prospects-most-impacted-the-most-by-the-ncaas-uncertain-future/

2020 SEC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Dylan Moses did not take a snap last season after hurting his knee in camp. But had he played and played to the level he’s capable of, Moses would’ve been a top-12 pick. He’s a complete linebacker with a three-down game who is strong enough to stack against the run and athletic enough to drop into coverage and make plays against the pass.  If healthy and back to prior playing form, Moses could be a very early selection in 2021.) (7-25-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-sec-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/

Scouting Dylan Moses: Alabama LB reminiscent of Myles Jack (7-24-20):  https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-dylan-moses-alabama-lb-reminiscent-of-myles-jack 

Early 2021 NFL Draft positional rankings (3. Dylan Moses, Alabama:  Moses missed all of his junior campaign with a torn ACL. In terms of athletic tools, Moses is as freaky as any linebacker in the country. As a sophomore in 2018, though, they didn’t quite translate to a ton of plays on the football field. He earned a 49.0 coverage grade and didn’t get his hand on a single pass all season. His balance in the open field is extremely impressive, however, and he missed only four tackles on 84 attempts that season.) (6-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-early-2021-nfl-draft-positional-rankings

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (2.  Dylan Moses, Alabama
The most NFL ready player on this list, Dylan Moses is a blend of truly special athletic ability and an exceptional football IQ. His understanding of route combinations, run fits, leveraging, and angles is unparalleled for the class.  However, a major knee injury lost him for the season last year, and he must play a full season this year to quiet any doubts. Moses projects best as a WILL backer due to his elite coverage ability, but he could function as a MIKE in the NFL as well. I’d like to see some improvement from Moses in the trenches, as he occasionally gets washed in traffic, but most of all I’d just like to see him return to full form.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/

Why Clemson will not have the most first-round picks in 2021 (Dylan Moses was a first-round prospect in 2020, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury prior to the season, which ultimately led to him returning to Tuscaloosa. Outside of Penn State’s Micah Parsons, Moses is the best linebacker in the 2021 Draft.) (6-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/reasons-why-clemson-wont-have-most-first-round-picks-2021/

2021 NFL Draft: Who is the top linebacker prospect? (5-22-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-comparing-the-top-two-linebacker-prospects/

Top 25 prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft who chose to return to college football (8. LB DYLAN MOSES, ALABAMA:  Moses tore his ACL before his 2019 season even started, making his draft decision an easy one. He is an uber-athlete who the NFL would have likely still coveted highly if he had declared, though he was far from a perfect prospect on tape. He earned only a 48.7 coverage grade in 2018, as he was more of a cleaner-upper in coverage than a playmaker. He didn’t have a single pass breakup or interception, and that’s something we need to see more of in 2020.) (5-8-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-25-prospects-2021-nfl-draft-who-chose-to-return

NFL DRAFT2021 NFL Draft: Linebacker Dylan Moses back as a potential Top-10 pick (4-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/dylan-moses-alabama-linebacker-potential-top-10-pick/

2021 NFL Draft: Top-10 prospects coming out of the SEC (2: Dylan Moses, LB, Alabama:  Big, fast, smart, and hungry. Dylan Moses has all the makings of a top-ten selection, but a knee injury suffered before the season kept him off the field for the entirety of 2019. If Moses can bounce back and play at a level similar to that of 2018, he will be a first-round pick. If he can stay healthy and prove the injury won’t derail his career, Moses would be my pick to win SEC Defensive Player of the Year.) (3-13-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-top-10-prospects-coming-out-of-the-sec/


Scouting Reports:


Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame – NFL Draft Player Profile:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/jeremiah-owusu-koramoah-nfl-draft-player-profile-notre-dame-linebacker/




Rankings:


Articles:

Meet the Prospect: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (4-16-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah

Justin Fields skepticism is baffling; top five unicorns in the 2021 NFL Draft (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB/S:  Every defensive coordinator in the NFL is searching for a defender with Swiss Army Knife capabilities on the second level. JOK's combination of blitzing, tackling and coverage skills could allow him to become the next young defender to play like Jamal Adams or Derwin James in the box. As an aggressive defender with a strong nose for the ball and a natural knack for slipping past blockers, particularly on blitz attempts, the Notre Dame standout has the potential to become a human highlight reel as a designated playmaker within a creative scheme.) (4-16-21):   https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-fields-skepticism-is-baffling-top-five-unicorns-in-the-2021-nfl-draft

2021 NFL Draft LB Superlatives: Best blitzer, most versatile, best tackler and more (MOST VERSATILE IN COVERAGE: JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME - This is why JOK is likely to be a top-20 selection come April 29. At only 221 pounds, he’s not the prototype for the position by any means. But when you watch him routinely make special plays in coverage, you throw any possible block-shedding issues to the wayside. JOK spent 328 snaps in the slot and 215 snaps in the box last season for the Irish. Even at his size, he still earned the second-highest coverage grade in the slot of any player in college football.  His tape is littered with lightning-quick reads from pretty much any alignment. His ability to line up anywhere over the middle of the field and still be an impact player in coverage will be coveted highly.) (4-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-lb-superlatives-best-blitzer-most-versatile-best-tackler-and-more

The most interesting do-it-all defenders in the 2021 draft class (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame:  Owusu-Koramoah is the most prominent multi-position defender in this class, and he could be this year’s Isaiah Simmons — which means that he brings special athletic attributes to the table, and also that his NFL coaches will have to know what to do with him. It took the Cardinals a few minutes to figure that out with Simmons after selecting him eighth overall in the 2020 draft. Owusu-Koramoah projects as an early-to-mid first-rounder, so the pressure to make the most of his athletic gifts will be similar.  At 6-foot-1 and 221 pounds, Owusu-Koramoah could be called a linebacker, though many who have studied his tape think of him more as a safety. He’s also dangerous in the slot — last season, he gave up just 14 catches on 25 slot targets for 152 yards, 101 yards after the catch, one touchdown, one interception, and an opponent passer rating of 70.8. Overall, Owusu-Koramoah had 331 snaps in the slot in 2020, 212 in the box, 88 along the defensive line, and 14 at outside corner — usage patterns that were pretty closely mirrored in 2019. So, it’s clear that he’s a versatile guy; the question becomes whether his NFL team will succumb to the “piano in the room” dilemma and struggle to know where to put him.) (4-15-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/2021-nfl-draft-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah-trevon-moehrig/

2021 NFL Draft preview: 5 linebackers that could interest Detroit Lions (2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame - Stats line: Four-year player, spent 2017 on scout team. Played 27 games, 25 of them in the last two seasons. Last two years: 24.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries.  How he could fit the Lions: Probably needs to bulk up from listed college weight of 215, but could add versatility and athleticism to the unit.) (4-13-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-linebackers-that-could-interest-lions-parsons-owusu-koramoah-collins

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for PFF’s top LB prospects (2. JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME
Biggest pro: Short-area burst - Owusu-Koramoah is a fantastic all-around athlete. It showed on the field in every facet of the game, and his testing numbers at Notre Dame's pro day backed it up.  JOK first saw the field in 2019 when he was thrown into a starting job. He got off to a rough start, but it didn’t take long for him to get up to speed and show that he has some real-deal NFL potential. From Week 10 of the 2019 season to the end of 2020 (18 games), he posted an 80.0-plus grade against the run, as a pass-rusher and in coverage. Over that timeframe, no other Power 5 linebacker or safety accomplished that feat.  Biggest con: Role concerns - What position is he best suited to play? That’s the question many draft analysts have been asking when it comes to Owusu-Koramoah as a draft prospect. He served as the “rover” in Notre Dame's defense, almost exclusively covering the slot. Over half of his snaps played in his college career came in the slot — we rarely saw him line up between the tackles.  At 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, Owusu-Koramoah would be one of the smallest off-ball linebackers in the draft class. But while this may be a concern to some, we here at PFF don't see it as a significant issue. His short-area quicks make us believe that he can hold up in between the tackles.  Maybe more importantly, Owusu-Koramoah is the type of versatile player the NFL is trending toward. He has the potential to hold up in the box as well as hold his own against small and shifty slot receivers. Since Week 10 of the 2019 season, the Notre Dame rover ranks second to only Washington's Elijah Molden among Power 5 defenders in slot-coverage grade.) (4-7-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-and-con-for-pffs-top-lb-prospects

Florida, Kentucky, LSU, Notre Dame, Wake Forest pro days: Kyle Pitts, Ja'Marr Chase post eye-popping 40s (ND - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Ranking in Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: No. 18):  Owusu-Koramoah measured 6-foot-1 1/2 and 221 pounds and broad jumped 10-4, per the school, with a vertical leap of 36.5 inches. He did not run a 40-yard dash, but recorded a 4.15 short shuttle and 6.81 three-cone drill.  Owusu-Koramoah is one of the top linebacker prospects in the draft, one who brings hybrid safety skills in pass coverage, but ND coach Brian Kelly believes NFL teams should have a specific plan for him.  "You have to make a clear decision as to where he plays. If there's not a conviction about where he plays, these kinds of guys sometimes get lost," Kelly told NFL Network's Mike Giardi, who was on assignment in South Bend. "Those that are kind of not sure where they want him to play are going to miss on him. Those that are definitive on where they want him to play are going to get a great player.") (3-31-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/florida-kentucky-lsu-notre-dame-pro-days-elite-pass-catchers-kyle-pitts-and-ja-m

2021 NFL draft: Is Pick 7 too early for the Detroit Lions to look defense? (3-1-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/03/2021-nfl-draft-is-pick-7-too-early-for-the-detroit-lions-to-look-defense.html

2021 NFL Draft: Prospects who would have been big winners in Indy if combine was held (2021 winner: Notre Dame S/LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah:  Owusu-Koramoah is 6-1 and 215 pounds. Not of Simmonsian stature. Yet, like with Simmons, we aren't sure if Owusu-Koramoah is a safety or a linebacker. And after decades of the "tweener" label carrying a negative connotation, it's now a positive on a draft profile.  On the field, "JOKer" is as more fluid and springy than any linebacker I've ever scouted. No joke. The closest linebacker to him in terms of twitch, explosion, and unadulterated speed is probably Reuben Foster. Even if JOKer measured in a little shorter and was right in the 210-215 range on the scale in Indy, his workout would've cemented him in the top 20, if not higher. He's that rare of an athlete and plays with outstanding instincts as a run stuffer. Most importantly, he makes ridiculous plays in coverage look routine.) (2-26-21):   https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-who-would-have-been-big-winners-in-indy-if-combine-was-held/

Better Fit: LB Micah Parsons or LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah? (2-24-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-better-fit-micah-parsons-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (2. JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME:  JOK is a decidedly different type of linebacker than Parsons. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if NFL teams evaluated the 215-pounder as a safety in their defenses because the position he played at Notre Dame was more akin to slot corner in the NFL than anything else. He played the overhang spot for the Irish, which meant he often had to run with slot receivers down the field. Even still, he earned coverage grades of 77.2 (2019) and 82.3 (2020) the past two seasons.  That level of coverage prowess puts him this high on the list. He boasts lightning short-area quicks and explodes into contact with an uncoachable ferocity.  Similar to Isaiah Simmons last year, JOK won’t be a plug-and-play Mike linebacker between the tackles. What he is, though, is a defense’s answer to a modern offense. His flexibility could be invaluable to a creative defensive coordinator.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

2021 NFL Draft interior defensive line rankings (2. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame (27):  Micah Parsons is an off-ball linebacker that also has the flexibility to rush from the edge. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is closer to a safety than a traditional off-ball linebacker. Zaven Collins is a read-and-react linebacker that can do a better job of tackling. Jamin Davis is an ascending talent. In his first year as a starter, he showed a lot of development. His coverage of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts earned him a lot of money. If you want a visual of his capabilities, watch the second play of that Florida game. Nick Bolton is an undersized linebacker that was not asked to do much in that Missouri defense.) (2-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-rankings

Should Lions Target Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah with No. 7 Pick? (2-21-21):   https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-nfl-draft-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah

TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects to watch during pre-draft process (10. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame:  A versatile hybrid defender the Irish used at both linebacker and safety, Owusu-Koramoah had 142 tackles, 24.5 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles over the past two seasons. He could step in and play a number of different linebacker roles in Detroit. He's a bit undersized (6-1, 215), but he can cover and play in space, which is becoming a prerequisite for linebackers in today's NFL.) (2-6-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-prospects-to-watch-during-pre-draft-process-parsons-wilson-smith

101 best players in college football from the 2020 season (38.  LB JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME:  Owusu-Koramoah was a game-changer serving as the rover in the Fighting Irish defense. He shined in every single facet of play, but especially so in coverage. In that role, Owusu-Koramoah predominantly manned the slot, from which he earned the third-highest coverage grade in the FBS. He allowed only five first downs across 200 slot coverage snaps in 2020 with an interception, four forced incompletions and four passing stops.) (1-18-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-101-best-players-2020

Top 10 2021 NFL Draft prospects in the College Football Playoff (6. LB JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME:  The lone Irish representative in the top 10, Owusu-Koramoah is everything you could want from a modern linebacker. He’s undersized by pure weight standards at 215 pounds, but you’d be hard-pressed to find that being an issue on the football field.  He is extremely sudden and explosive closing on ball-carriers, forcing three fumbles this season on 51 tackles. He plays the “ROVER” position in Notre Dame’s defense, which is a hybrid of slot corner and outside linebacker. Even in such a role where he is often asked to cover wide receivers one-on-one, JOK has earned an 81.4 coverage grade on the season.) (12-30-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-top-10-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-college-football-playoff

College Football: Creating the best roster out of the four 2020 College Football Playoff teams (It was a close decision between the Tigers and the Fighting Irish for best linebacker group, but ultimately we gave the edge to Notre Dame for one reason: Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. However, the true senior does not play a typical off-ball linebacker role as Notre Dame deploys JOK all over the field.  He has forced three fumbles, intercepted one pass and had not allowed a touchdown on 255 coverage snaps before the conference championship against Clemson. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Virginia native owns the 15th-best coverage grade among linebackers, which is far more impressive when you realize he is facing legitimate receivers from the slot rather than tight ends and running backs out of the backfield. He has exceptional speed and change-of-direction ability — Owusu-Koramoah will be one of the most desired linebackers in the 2021 NFL Draft.) (12-28-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-creating-the-best-roster-out-of-the-four-2020-college-football-playoff-teams

College Football 2020: PFF’s All-ACC Team (First-Team:Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame:  Owusu-Koramoah isn’t your prototypical linebacker due to the role he plays in the Irish defense that tasks him with living in the slot. His job is a bit more difficult than some other off-ball linebackers in college football, but Owusu-Koramoah has put up an 81.4 coverage grade thanks to his athleticism and instinctive play. When manning the slot, no linebacker has a higher coverage grade than JOK.) (12-22-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-2020-pffs-all-acc-team

Week 16 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah continues to impress for Notre Dame (7:05 PM):  The scoreboard isn’t kind to Notre Dame right now; they currently trail the Clemson Tigers 34-10, and Dabo Swinney’s squad will come out of this one with a comfortable ACC Championship victory and a guaranteed spot in the NCAA playoffs. But despite Notre Dame’s underwhelming performance on the scoreboard, they’ve enjoyed standout games from select players.  On offense, Liam Eichenberg has been a standout. On defense, that player has been linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. While the Fighting Irish defense has struggled overall, Owusu-Koramoah has been as impactful as he usually is. With his instincts and straight-line explosiveness, Owusu-Koramoah is a dangerous player in the box and in coverage, and he’ll make an NFL team happy next season with his versatility. IC) (12-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-16-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s ability to affect a game’s momentum standing out (4:50 PM):  By now, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has established himself as one of the top linebacker talents and one of the most versatile players in the 2021 NFL Draft. Each game only serves as an added reference on his glowing resume. Early in the second half, Syracuse was looking to start the catch-up process after allowing 21 unanswered points, but before they could get going, Owusu-Koramoah forced a fumble, using his pursuit speed to levy hard contact, even on a challenging angle.  Owusu-Koramoah isn’t as big as last year’s headlining linebacker-safety hybrid. Still, he’s a relentless, authoritative defender on the second level who uses his athleticism and instincts to be one of the most impactful defenders in the nation every week. His near-perfect attendance near the ball allows him to generate game-changing plays, as we see time and time again. IC) (12-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

BYU QB Zach Wilson leads underclassmen rumored to be entering the 2021 NFL Draft (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame
Pauline is also reporting that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is going to enter the 2021 NFL Draft. Another fast-rising prospect, Owusu-Koramoah is a potential first-round draft pick.  Owusu-Koramoah is a three-down player. His instincts are excellent, and he has the athleticism to hang in coverage at the next level. However, his size and lack of play strength are a concern. He’s only 220 pounds, and he already lacks strength at the college level. Some teams could be worried that he ends up getting bullied off the ball in the NFL, the same way Darron Lee was. Still, it’s not easy to find an athletic LB with an elite football IQ.) (12-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/zach-wilson-leads-underclassman-rumored-to-enter-2021-nfl-draft/

College Football Award Watch: Top candidates for every major CFB award through Week 13 (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah isn’t like the rest of the off-ball linebackers on this list because of the role he plays in Notre Dame’s defense. He has logged quite a few coverage snaps covering the slot this season — the fourth-most among LBs, to be exact, with 144 — yet he has performed exceptionally well. JOK has actually made as many plays on the ball as first downs allowed in the slot (three).) (12-4-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-award-watch-top-candidates-for-every-major-cfb-award-through-week-13-2020

NFL Draft Stock Report Week 13: Oklahoma State WR Tylan Wallace headlines risers (Riser - Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB, Notre Dame:  The fourth-year junior has been developing a complete game the past two seasons, and he turned in another terrific performance in Week 13 to further raise his NFL Draft stock. Against North Carolina’s potent running game, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah posted nine tackles for the third time this season.  He’s a terrific combination of athleticism and instincts, and Owusu-Koramoah makes plays in space against both the run and the pass. As mentioned during last week’s edition of The Draft Insiders podcast, I’m told the junior linebacker will enter the draft.) (11-29-20):   https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-report-week-13-risers-tylan-wallace/

Week 11 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Another week, another stellar showing by Notre Dame’s Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (5:30 PM):  Way back in August, our own A.J. Schulte foretold of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah’s 2020 breakout, stating that the Notre Dame defender was the NFL’s next star hybrid player. No need to call Old Takes Exposed on this man because so far in 2020, his take is one-hundred percent correct, and then some.  Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has been one of Notre Dame’s best players, providing elite play week in and week out. Notre Dame doesn’t have an overwhelming talent base on offense, but their talent elsewhere makes up for it, and Owusu-Koramoah is just one example. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound defender can defend the run, play in zone, and match receivers in man coverage with his athleticism, as he just showed against BC receiver Zay Flowers. Owusu-Koramoah’s versatility could ultimately push him into the first round if he keeps producing the way he has been. IC) (11-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-11-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

NFL draft matchups: There's a surprisingly good QB battle in the SEC this week (We could see the Irish use Owusu-Koramoah on Long, or perhaps sophomore Kyle Hamilton (who will be a big-time 2022 prospect). Owusu-Koramoah matched up with Duke TE Noah Gray — one of the better senior tight ends in the country — a few times earlier this season and had success.  Owusu-Koramoah also can blitz, cover the slot, fill lanes against the run and drop well into zones. He had several big-time plays in the Clemson, including a fumble return for a touchdown, but he also missed a few tackles and was flagged three times (one declined). There is some legitimate Round 1 buzz on Owusu-Koramoah, whom we mocked at No. 19 overall last time around, but he still has some elements of his game he must clean up.) (11-13-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-theres-a-surprisingly-good-qb-battle-in-the-sec-this-week-160734101.html

PFF: Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah A First Round Pick (11-5-20):  https://www.si.com/college/notredame/football/notre-dame-football-pff-mock-draft-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 8 (2. LB JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME:  JOK has continued to bring the weekly splash plays for the Notre Dame defense in 2020 but also eliminated a lot of the negatives from his 2019 tape. On Saturday, he wasn’t downgraded once on 38 snaps and had one of the most impressive interceptions you’ll see all year from a college linebacker.  That playmaking ability and coverage versatility are almost assuredly going to get JOK drafted in the first round next April.) (10-27-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-8

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Week 8 (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, OLB, Notre Dame:  ESPN's Todd McShay called Owusu-Koramoah a top-20 talent in the mold of Patrick Willis and Roquan Smith. This analyst believes Owusu-Koramoah is a solid player, but not as good of a prospect as Smith or Willis, a potential Hall of Famer.  WalterFootball.com reached out to team sources over this, and a few of them said they had Owusu-Koramoah graded as a second-day player for the NFL Draft. One team said they thought he wasn't as good as Willis or Smith, but they felt Owusu-Koramoah had a shot at going in the opening night of the 2021 NFL Draft.  Owusu-Koramoah played well last Saturday against Pittsburgh, managing to snag the first interception of his career. The senior is a fast linebacker with cover skills who some team sources have compared to former Jaguar Telvin Smith because they believe Owusu-Koramoah could weigh in the 215-220-pound range. That's underweight for the modern NFL, so some teams won't be high on him.) (10-27-20):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_08.php

Week 7 College Football Recap: News, schedule, live blog and more (Defense driving ACC showdown between Notre Dame and Louisville (5:20 PM):  We thought maybe we’d see some fireworks with Louisville fielding two of college football’s most explosive weapons heading into their Week 7 game against the Fighting Irish. Still, almost four quarters through the action, the Cardinals haven’t been able to get anything going.  Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah has again flashed the versatility and athleticism that should make him a coveted prospect at the next level. His instincts allow him to make plays in coverage and position himself to impose behind the line. IC) (10-18-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-7-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

College Football Week 2: Best and worst performances of the weekend (Notre Dame’s hybrid phenom Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah flashed game-changing ability in the Fighting Irish’s victory over the Duke Blue Devils. Owusu-Koramoah racked up nine tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack. While he is a bit light, he is a marvelous athlete who produces unparalleled versatility and game-changing potential.) (9-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-2-best-worst-performances-from-weekend/

NFL draft winners and losers: Iowa State QB Brock Purdy comes up short in upset loss (Winners - Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah:  As I tweeted on Saturday, get to know his name — even if you need to cut and paste it until you get that spelling down pat. Until then, feel free to hop on board with his new nickname: “The JOKer.” We love it.  Owusu-Koramoah is a fascinating prospect who fills multiple roles for the Irish on defense and, we believe, can do the same in the NFL eventually, too. On Saturday against Duke, Owusu-Koramoah made the first tackle of the season on the opening kickoff, blasting through a blocker to make a great stop and set the tone for the game.  But it was on defense where he really shined.  With Notre Dame largely struggling early on offense, Owusu-Koramoah gave his team a spark with a brilliant strip of Jalon Calhoun on Duke’s first drive of the second half. That helped set up a Notre Dame touchdown and a 17-6 lead they wouldn’t look back from.  Owusu-Koramoah also added a fourth-quarter sack and finished with team-high nine tackles (two for losses). He also made a nice stop at the goal line, although Duke scored two plays later. Owusu-Koramoah was really good in coverage, too, holding Duke TE Noah Gray — one of the best senior tight ends in the nation — to a 22-yard catch when they were matched up.  Owusu-Koramoah reportedly added a bit of bulk in the offseason, up slightly from the 215 pounds at which he played last season. But from what we saw this weekend, he hasn’t lost any of the speed or twitchiness that caught our eyes several times in his 2019 tape.  Owusu-Koramoah played everywhere in this one — off the ball, in slot coverage, rushing the passer — and made his impact felt. This is the type of hybrid defenders NFL teams drool over.) (9-14-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-iowa-state-qb-brock-purdy-comes-up-short-in-upset-loss-164441751.html

2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy and Ian Book debut (Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah looks good in coverage and is not afraid to give up his body to make a diving play. He is a bit undersized but projects as a potential Day 2 choice in the draft.) (9-11-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-quarterbacks-trevor-lawrence-brock-purdy-and-ian-book-debut/

2021 NFL Draft: 25 draft prospects who need football this fall (14. LB JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME:  Owusu-Koramoah's first year as a starter was a tale of two seasons. In Weeks 1-9, he too often looked like a fish out of water as the overhang player in Notre Dame's defense, and he earned a 62.3 overall grade. The final six games of the year, though, he didn't have a single below-average game grade and earned an overall grade of 85.2 over that span. He'll be a first-rounder if he can continue the latter for a full season.) (8-26-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-25-draft-prospects-who-need-football-this-fall

College Football: PFF's 2020 Preseason All-ACC Team (FIRST TEAM: JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH, NOTRE DAME:  Owusu-Koramoah broke out in a big way when he was finally given the opportunity to start as the Irish Rover in 2019. His athleticism and instincts make him a valuable player to the defense in every facet of play, and he got better and better as the season progressed. From Week 10 on, Micah Parsons and Isaiah Simmons were the only Power 5 linebackers who earned a higher PFF grade.) (8-22-20):   https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-2020-preseason-all-acc-team

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason linebacker rankings (6. JEREMIAH OWUSU-KORAMOAH:  JOK, as he's affectionately known by Irish faithful, is one of the most electric linebackers in the country — and not always in a good way. His tape is a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping plays as well as blown assignments. Plays like the one below where No. 6 (right linebacker) looks like he's lost were unfortunately not an uncommon occurrence on his tape.  He plays the “rover“ position in Notre Dame's defense, which is essentially the overhang linebacker. It's a position that often trends more towards safety-body types, but at an explosive 220 pounds, JOK is modern-linebacker size.  In the Notre Dame defense, JOK is often asked to cover the slot, which should tell you something about what he's capable of athletically. He checked in at 37th on Bruce Feldman's Freaks list this offseason with a 39-inch vertical and a 10-foot-3 broad jump at that size. With that explosiveness, you get reps like the one you see below, when he comes across the formation and looks like more like a cornerback than a linebacker.  There are very few linebackers at the college level who can make those kinds of plays — JOK has the uncoachable aspects of the position down pat.  2020 Outlook:  Obviously, eliminating the disastrous negative plays is priority No. 1 for JOK this season. From there, proving he can engage and disengage from blocks more consistently would be another plus. His role will never translate fully to the NFL, so showing all the skills needed to play a more traditional linebacker role will be key.) (8-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-linebacker-rankings

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is the NFL’s next star hybrid defender (8-6-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/notre-dame-lb-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah-next-great-hybrid-defender/

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 Prospects on Feldman’s Freak List (Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (JOK), Safety, Notre Dame: #37:  The next “tweener” blurring the line between safety and linebacker is Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. JOK was arguably the best player on an Irish team that produced six draft picks in the most recent NFL Draft. He did his best work around the line of scrimmage, where his “Freakiest” trait shined.  Feldman’s claim is backed by JOK’s jumping measurements. Feldman says “His explosiveness is reflected by his 39-inch vertical, a 10-3 broad jump and an equally impressive 20.4 mph on his GPS.” His athletic ability is apparent on film as well, showing up both when coming downfield, and in his impressive coverage abilities.) (7-24-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/matt-valdovinos-feldmans-freak-list-top-10/

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (6. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah:  The next great hybrid player, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah blurs the line between linebacker and safety. Notre Dame was as comfortably lining him up in the slot as they were rushing him off the edge. A Swiss-army-knife, his blend of length at 6’1″ and speed make his floor tremendous.  However, weighing in at only 216 pounds, I do have some concerns about whether or not he can be an impact between the tackles in the NFL. How Notre Dame uses Owusu-Koramoah this year will likely dictate whether or not the NFL views him more as a safety or a linebacker.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/

ESPN: Notre Dame LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah A Top Draft Prospect (5-28-20):  https://www.si.com/college/notredame/.amp/football/jeremiah-owusu-koramoah-nfl-draft-target


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Rankings:


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Answering NFL Draft questions: Who will rise or fall? (Player who will be taken lower than projected - Edwards - Penn State LB Micah Parsons:  "Parsons is a top 10-caliber talent but there are some concerns emerging from his interviews with teams. He is not going to fall out of the first round but do not be surprised if he is taken a little later than expected.") (4-27-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/answering-2021-nfl-drafts-biggest-questions-who-will-rise-and-who-will-fall-in-the-first-round/

Micah Parsons reflects on draft speculation, his greatest strengths, NFL comparisons and more (4-27-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/micah-parsons-reflects-on-draft-speculation-his-greatest-strengths-nfl-comparisons-and-more/

The Nine: Micah Parsons could boost Detroit’s dreadful defense, but is the price right at Pick 7? (4-26-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/04/the-nine-micah-parsons-could-boost-detroits-dreadful-defense-but-is-the-price-right-at-pick-7.html

WHICH DEFENSIVE PLAYER WILL CHANGE A FRANCHISE'S FORTUNES AFTER THE 2021 NFL DRAFT? ("You wanna talk about scheme versus utility, Micah Parsons can absolutely fly," Laurinaitis said. "Pro Football Focus had him as the best graded blitzing inside linebacker that they’ve ever studied. I mean, that’s high praise. … He can do it all, and I think he’s a rare special talent that’s ascending."  Parsons – who sat out last season due to concerns regarding COVID-19 – was the first true freshman in Penn State history to lead the Nittany Lions in tackles back in 2018. In 2019, he finished the regular season with five sacks, 109 total tackles, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, before forgoing his junior year.  At Penn State’s pro day, Parson impressed those in attendance – such as Broncos GM George Paton, Giants Head Coach Joe Judge and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin – by running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds.  Parsons isn't the only Nittany Lion that made waves before the draft, as his former Penn State teammate Jayson Oweh, another likely first-round pick, also generated major buzz on pro day with a 4.36 second 40.  The 6-foot-5, 257-pound edge – a defensive end or outside linebacker, depending on the system, who acts as a pass rusher from either end of the offensive line – had 38 total tackles in 2020, and racked up 21 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles in 2019.) (4-25-21):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/draft-defensive-players-micah-parsons-jaycee-horn-patrick-surtain-kwity-paye

The Perfect NFL Draft Fit for Lions at Every Position (Linebacker - Micah Parsons, Penn State:  If Campbell wants "kneecap biters," he’d be getting one in Parsons. The strength and speed that Parsons possesses would bolster a defense that badly needs help. It’s likely that this draft will see the Lions focusing on defense, and Parsons may end up being the team’s first pick. Having Parsons would help in both the run-stopping and pass-rushing departments. There are better options at this position when it comes to pass-rushing, but Parsons is an incredibly physical player. The Lions haven’t had a great linebacker in a long time, and Parsons could be the one to turn the tide.) (4-23-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-perfect-fit-nfl-draft


NFL Draft: Eight bold observations about 2021 class (We should be a little worried about Micah Parsons in coverage - Parsons only has five career pass breakups and didn't record an interception in his two seasons at Penn State. Hmmm. He played man coverage 64 times in 2019. That's not a lot of experience. At all. Parsons is big, fast, takes on blocks like an NFL veteran, and has first-round edge-rushing characteristics on the field.  But if the team that picks him asks him to drop into coverage 400-500 times as a rookie and expects game-changing results, those results could very well be beneficial to the opponent's passing attack, not Parsons' defense. Does he have the athletic traits to be a high-end coverage linebacker? Ab-so-lutely. But so did Jordyn Brooks, Kenneth Murray, and Patrick Queen, first-round linebackers from 2020, and they all were major liabilities when sinking in coverage in their debut NFL seasons.) (4-20-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-bold-observations-eight-takeaways-from-studying-this-draft-class-that-arent-so-conventional/

Next Gen Stats: Seven can't-miss prospects in 2021 draft (3.  Micah Parsons (Production Score: 97.  Athleticism Score: 83.  OVERALL DRAFT SCORE: 97.  PRO BOWL PROBABILITY: 18%):  Linebacker U -- as Penn State is often labeled -- has another top prospect coming through the pipeline. Parsons, a former five-star high school recruit, led the Nittany Lions in total tackles as a true freshman (with 83) and again as a sophomore (109). Despite opting out of the 2020 season, Parsons earned a 97 production score due to his elite two-year output. At his pro day, Parsons ran a reported 4.36-second 40-yard dash, which would have ranked fastest of any linebacker at the combine since at least 2003. On the surface, Parson's 83 athleticism score would appear low for the 246-pound linebacker. However, raw speed is not among the most important athletic traits for linebackers -- the NGS model finds linebackers just have to be fast enough (think 4.65 seconds in the 40), and that agility and burst numbers are also predictive. Parsons tested closer to the middle of the pack in key drills like the short shuttle (4.40 seconds) and vertical jump (34-inches). No matter -- overall, our model still predicts Parsons has elite pro potential. His 97 overall draft score is tied for third-highest among linebackers invited to the combine since the 2013 NFL Draft, behind only Devin Bush (99) and Devin White (99).) (4-19-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-kyle-pitts-ja-marr-chase-headline-next-gen-stats-can-t-miss-prosp

Lions 'connected to Micah Parsons,' who could be ideal pick for Detroit (4-19-21):  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-connected-to-micah-parsons-who-could-be-ideal-pick

6 draft prospects for the Lions who opted out of playing in 2020 (Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State - Parsons was a force for the Penn State defense in 2019, one of the most entertaining prospects to watch as he posted a string of impressive outings in a good Big Ten conference. The speedy Parsons racked up over 100 tackles, recorded five sacks and forced four fumbles in his last season for the Nittany Lions.  The consensus All-American plays off-ball LB like a pass rusher, which is what he did in high school. There might not be a better downhill LB in this draft than Parsons, who hits hard and swiftly gets to the point of attack. His coverage can be iffy–he guesses too much–and he will get caught playing the run with blinders on at times, but Parsons has a very high talent ceiling.  If the Lions are comfortable with the off-field/maturity questions surrounding Parsons that date back to high school, as well as the year off, he would instantly upgrade the middle-of-field defense. Parsons is scheme-versatile to adapt to any type of front new Lions DC Aaron Glenn would want to deploy.) (4-17-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/6-nfl-draft-prospects-opted-out-of-playing-in-2020-lions-draft/

Justin Fields skepticism is baffling; top five unicorns in the 2021 NFL Draft (Micah Parsons LB:  The NFL scouting community has been buzzing about Parsons since his freshman season. The 6-3, 246-pound linebacker with 4.39 speed displays a freaky combination of athleticism, instincts and playmaking ability that enables him to wreak havoc on opponents as a sideline-to-sideline tackling machine. With Parsons also flashing A+ skills as a pass-rushing specialist from the second level, it is easy to see why the blue-chip linebacker earns high marks from scouts looking for a difference-maker at the position.) (4-16-21):   https://www.nfl.com/news/justin-fields-skepticism-is-baffling-top-five-unicorns-in-the-2021-nfl-draft

2021 NFL Draft LB Superlatives: Best blitzer, most versatile, best tackler and more (BEST AT TAKING ON BLOCKS: MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE - Last year we debated what Isaiah Simmons would look like between the tackles, but there’s no such worry with Parsons. He sheds blocks so well on tape that oftentimes he treats them like afterthoughts. He can stack and shed, dip and rip and make offensive linemen miss altogether. It’s why he earned the second-highest run-defense grade we’ve ever given to a linebacker (94.8) as a sophomore back in 2019.  BEST BLITZER: MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE - These first two superlatives go hand in hand, so this shouldn’t be too surprising. If the 246-pound linebacker were classified solely as an edge defender, he’d likely be EDGE1 in the draft class. He’s racked up a ridiculous 36 pressures on 135 pass-rushing snaps in his career for a 91.4 pass-rushing grade. Unsurprisingly, that’s the highest career pass-rush grade in the draft class, with only three other linebackers even above 80.0.  BEST TACKLER: MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE - Yet another appearance — and it is very well deserved.  The fact that he made 177 tackles between his freshman and sophomore seasons yet missed only 11 is nothing short of absurd. That’s a 5.9% missed tackle rate for a player in his first two seasons of college football. Parsons has massive 11-inch hands (the largest ever recorded for an off-ball linebacker) that won’t let go once they latch on. He also packs a punch at over 240 pounds with the ability to run a 4.39 40-yard dash.) (4-16-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-lb-superlatives-best-blitzer-most-versatile-best-tackler-and-more

Micah Parsons Challenges Detroit Lions Fullback (4-15-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/parsons-challenges-cabinda

Lions 2021 draft preview: Detroit could fill long-term need at linebacker in Round 2 (Parsons might be the best defensive player in the draft, but it's a problematic conversation on two fronts. First, if the Lions stick with the No. 7 pick, the selection wouldn't represent good value. There are almost certainly going to be better options on the offensive side of the ball at that spot. But if the team moves back several spots in a trade-down scenario, those value concerns dissipate.  What doesn't are red flags that have been raised regarding Parsons' character. Generally speaking, Lions GM Brad Holmes has said media portrayals of character issues don't always tell the full story, but as recently as last year, Parsons was named in a lawsuit by a former Penn State player for a hazing incident.  Ultimately, no charges were filed in relation to the incident, and Parsons wasn't named in the subsequent civil suit. Still, he's going to need to adequately answer questions about his maturity prior to any team investing a first-round pick on him.  Plus, given the talent at the top of the class, it might make sense for the Lions to hold off until the second round, where there figures to be options.) (4-13-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-2021-draft-preview-detroit-171700666.html

PFF Critical Factors: The most important numbers for the 2021 NFL Draft class (Penn State’s Micah Parsons is one of the best run defenders we’ve seen in the PFF College era, and his 92.4 run-defense grade is fourth-best among Power 5 linebackers since 2014. The question for Parsons will be in coverage, where his grade ranks in the middle of the pack compared to recent NFL prospects.) (4-14-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-pff-critical-factors-most-important-numbers-for-2021-nfl-draft-class

2021 NFL Draft preview: 5 linebackers that could interest Detroit Lions (1. Micah Parsons, Penn State - Stats line: Two-year player, 26 games, opted out in 2020. Career: 100 solo tackles, 92 assists. Big 2019 season: 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, five passes defended, four forced fumbles.  How he could fit the Lions: One of the top defenders in this draft, regardless of position. Plays the middle and gets to the ball from sideline to sideline.) (4-13-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-linebackers-that-could-interest-lions-parsons-owusu-koramoah-collins

NFL Hot Press: Sme Teams Prefer Jamin Davis to Micah Parsons (4-7-21):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Some-Grade-Jamin-Davis-Over-Micah-Parsons

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest pro and con for PFF’s top LB prospects (1. MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE
Biggest pro: Attacking downhill - Parsons is a monster when attacking downhill, and it all comes down to his size and explosiveness. The 6-foot-3, 236-pound linebacker takes on blocks with ease and earned a 94.8 run-defense grade as a true sophomore in 2019, the second-best grade by a Power 5 linebacker in the PFF College era.  This skill showed up when he rushed the passer, too. In 2019, Parsons posted an 86.8 pass-rush grade with 26 pressures (13 of which resulted in a QB sack or hit) on 94 rushes. To no surprise, he clocked a sub-4.4 40-yard dash at Penn State’s pro day.  Biggest con: Coverage experience - If there’s a knock on Parsons, it’s his coverage experience. We rarely saw him play man-to-man in college, and he didn't affect the game as much in coverage as he did in run defense or the pass rush. The Penn State linebacker only made four total plays on the ball in his college career and is the owner of a good, but not great, 72.5 coverage grade.  Still, this isn’t a major concern when projecting him to the NFL. Parsons has all the tools to become a playmaker in coverage at the next level. He is the best off-ball linebacker prospect since Luke Kuechly.) (4-7-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-biggest-pro-and-con-for-pffs-top-lb-prospects

Monson: The biggest X-factors in the 2021 NFL Draft (LB MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE:  Lastly, we’ll look at a potential X-factor player on the defensive side of the ball. Micah Parsons is seen as the best linebacker prospect in a number of years, but there are still some concerns about his ability and versatility in coverage, while his size and athleticism give him effectively the body of an edge rusher.  Parsons was used a lot as a blitzer in college, generating 36 total pressures on 135 pass-rush snaps, while his best PFF coverage grade in a season was just 68.5. Parsons has a profile reminiscent of Dont'a Hightower, another off-ball linebacker with an unconventional skill set that the Patriots have deployed on the blitz or even as a true edge rusher at times while minimizing how much he is exposed in coverage.  Hightower has been one of the most important players on that defense for years, and he was a major loss after opting out of the 2020 season. Parsons could be a player following in his footsteps in terms of an NFL role.) (4-6-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-biggest-x-factors-2021-nfl-draft

2021 NFL Draft: Who's the best defensive player in this year's class? (DeAngelo Hall: Micah Parsons is the best defensive player. When you watch the way Devin White plays -- and what he means to the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers -- you quickly understand that an impactful three-down linebacker is something you should never overlook. Parsons has the size (6-foot-3, 246 pounds), speed (unofficial 4.39 40-yard dash at his pro day) and playmaking ability of former Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly. This is the best pure, in-the-box linebacker prospect we've seen in years. Honestly, he could be the best pass rusher in a class without a dominant QB hunter -- the Penn State product at least has the physical traits to dominate that aspect of the game.  Charley Casserly: Micah Parsons possesses a versatile skill set that would give him top-10 value in any draft. A very instinctive player, he can play all three linebacker spots in a 4-3 defense and inside linebacker in a 3-4. He finds the ball and gets there quickly, while also having the ability to slip blocks inside and the speed to make plays to the outside. He could have some trouble shedding blockers when engaged with an offensive lineman, and will operate best when he plays behind the defensive line. Parsons shows the speed to come off the edge as a pass rusher and effective blitzer. In coverage, he's a very good reactor in zone defense and looks as if he'll be able to mirror running backs and tight ends. The future is bright!  Joe Thomas: Micah Parsons doesn't think there's a player like him in this year's draft class. He's right! The versatile linebacker put it all on display during Penn State's pro day (and in weekly game film) and proved he's the type of defender who can create game-changing plays -- a huge positive for NFL defenses. There are other talented defensive guys out there, but none as good as Parsons.) (4-3-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-draft-who-s-the-best-defensive-player-in-this-year-s-class

Would Lions Draft a Player with Character Issues? (3-29-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/would-lions-draft-player-with-character-concerns

Penn State LB Micah Parsons runs eye-opening 40-yard dash, speaks to Detroit Lions at pro day (3-25-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/03/penn-state-lb-micah-parsons-runs-eye-opening-40-yard-dash-speaks-to-detroit-lions-at-pro-day.html

NFL draft: Penn State's Micah Parsons, Jayson Oweh put on pro-day showcases (3-25-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-penn-states-micah-parsons-jayson-oweh-put-on-pro-day-showcases-185709947.html

Jayson Oweh and Micah Parsons crushed Penn State's Pro Day (3-25-21):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/03/micah-parsons-jayson-oweh-penn-state-pro-day-nfl-draft

Meet the Prospect: Micah Parsons (3-24-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/meet-the-prospect-micah-parsons

2021 NFL draft: Brian Baldinger has strong opinions on this year's prospects (Penn State LB Micah Parsons:  “All these guys who opted out, I know they all had their reasons for doing it, and I don’t question that or doubt any of it. But I am of the belief you have to play football to get better at football. That’s my biggest thing.  Philip Rivers played 50 (college) games, and it made a huge difference for him, you know? I’m not sure he (becomes) Philip Rivers if he doesn’t have that experience.  “Parsons, he played the one year (as a starter) and there are times when I watch him and I wonder what he’s doing. He’s not instinctive at all to me. I see the flashes. But like, he’s not Devin White, you know?  “(White) gets there to the ball. He plays all three downs. You can’t take him off the field. Ever. I don’t see any of these (2020 draft linebackers) playing like that.  “With (all of) the opt outs, I’d just want to know what they did last season. What were they doing for those three, four months? Were they in class? In the weight room? Were they living back home? If you’re not playing football and not in that competitive environment, are you getting better at football? I don’t know the answer to that.”) (3-22-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/2021-nfl-draft-brian-baldinger-breaks-down-prospects-who-have-caught-his-eye-130949084.html

2021 NFL Draft: Biggest weaknesses for top 10 prospects (Penn State LB Micah Parsons
(Biggest weakness: Lack of coverage production):  At linebacker today, you have to be a stud in coverage to thrive. Period. Parsons might be best suited to play a hybrid off-ball linebacker/edge rusher role because he's big, flexible, strong, and has pass-rushing moves around the corner.  Doing that would keep him out of coverage, which, at this point, wouldn't be the worst idea. His coverage ability should be considered "incomplete." He simply didn't sink in zone coverage or run with tight ends down the seam often. And when he did either of those two things -- minimal ball production.) (3-15-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-biggest-weaknesses-for-trevor-lawrence-zach-wilson-and-the-consensus-top-10-prospects/

Ranking Lions' Draft Choices at No. 7 (2.  Penn State LB Micah Parsons:  He's the defensive prospect that is most feasible for the Lions at No. 7.  Detroit's linebackers unit was anemic a year ago. So, the organization is definitely going to be taking a linebacker -- if not two of them -- in this year's draft.  Enter Parsons, who can both effectively get after the quarterback and stop the run. Plus, he's more than capable in pass coverage.  His skill set would allow him to immediately provide a boost to the Lions' linebackers group.  He's a personal favorite of mine, and Jeremiah is a fan of his game, as well.  "I think with Parsons, (he has) the ability to do everything," Jeremiah said. "Off the ball, you can also rush him a little bit. As impressive as his range and instincts are against the run, to me it's what he does in coverage. You see him cover tight ends up there at Penn State. You see him cover backs. I would have loved to have seen him this year. But, I get it. He put so much good stuff on tape in '19 that he made the decision that he did."  Parsons' high level of versatility stands out to Jeremiah.  "He would fit in with that versatility that everybody is looking for. But, more than anything else, I think with linebackers right now, I'm sure we'll get into it with more of these guys, but I'm looking at guys that can really run and cover. And he can do it," Jeremiah explained.  Detroit could do no wrong with taking Parsons.  If the organization stays at No. 7, the Penn State product is the defensive player that it should take and that it more than likely will.  But, there is one player ahead of him on this list.) (3-11-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/ranking-lions-draft-choices


2021 NFL draft: Is Pick 7 too early for the Detroit Lions to look defense? (3-1-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/03/2021-nfl-draft-is-pick-7-too-early-for-the-detroit-lions-to-look-defense.html

Lions offseason questions: Draft prospect to watch (Tori Petry: Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons - There's no question this Lions defense is in need of playmakers, and Parsons could be just that. He opted out of the 2020 season and the evaluation process for draft prospects looks a lot different this year with no NFL Combine, so it's going to be tricky for football front offices to get a bead on who Parsons could be in the league.  In his last year on the field in 2019 though, he racked up over 100 tackles, 5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles. I think a lot of teams will be paying special attention to the 6'3" 245 pound former defensive lineman this offseason.) (2-26-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/lions-offseason-questions-draft-prospect-to-watch-sewell-lance-parsons

Better Fit: LB Micah Parsons or LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah? (2-24-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-better-fit-micah-parsons-jeremiah-owusu-koramoah

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Post-Senior Bowl III (Down - Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State:  As reported in the Hot Press, sources from multiple teams say Parsons is having his draft stock hurt significantly over character concerns. Parsons was named prominently in a hazing lawsuit by a former Penn State teammate, but aside from that, some sources call the Parsons' character makeup bad. In speaking to a couple of teams that need a linebacker, they said character concerns could be a real factor in their decision to pass on Parsons in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Parsons has to do well in his Zoom interviews with teams leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft, and the loss of combine meetings and team visits is hurting him.) (2-23-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_25.php

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (1. MICAH PARSON, PENN STATE:  It’s been a while since we’ve seen Parsons strap on the pads, so it may be easy to forget just how different he was. Last summer, I wrote about how he was the best linebacker prospect PFF has ever graded — and that hasn’t changed since. Parsons is still wholly capable of being a wrecking ball coming downhill that can destroy any blocker in his path.  The only real knock on his game is his limited coverage responsibility in Penn State’s scheme. He played all of 65 snaps in man coverage back in 2019. That’s not an end-all, be-all, though; he can still easily hunt down ball carriers with his movement skills in space.  At the end of the day, Parsons is simply too freaky to pass up. He earned the second-highest run-defense grade of any true sophomore linebacker in the PFF College era. He reportedly runs in the 4.3s at 240-plus pounds. If he were solely an edge rusher, he’d likely be EDGE1 with the way he attacks blocks. Parsons is the real deal.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

NFL Hot Press: Micah Parsons Character Concerns (2-23-21):  https://walterfootball.com/nflhotpress/article/Character-Concerns-Hurting-Parsons

2021 NFL Draft interior defensive line rankings (1. Micah Parsons, Penn State (5):  Micah Parsons is an off-ball linebacker that also has the flexibility to rush from the edge. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah is closer to a safety than a traditional off-ball linebacker. Zaven Collins is a read-and-react linebacker that can do a better job of tackling. Jamin Davis is an ascending talent. In his first year as a starter, he showed a lot of development. His coverage of Florida tight end Kyle Pitts earned him a lot of money. If you want a visual of his capabilities, watch the second play of that Florida game. Nick Bolton is an undersized linebacker that was not asked to do much in that Missouri defense.) (2-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-interior-defensive-line-rankings


2021 NFL draft film room: Penn State LB Micah Parsons (2-17-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/02/17/2021-nfl-draft-micah-parsons-penn-state-film-room-video/

Draft: Ranking the prospects who opted out (3. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State - The skinny: Parsons is an athletic freak with range and unusually deft abilities as a hand-in-the-dirt pass rusher for an off-ball linebacker. The only minor question arises with his lack of major production in coverage, but the skills are there for him to be a three-down player in the NFL and an effective one at that.) (2-16-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-penei-sewell-jamarr-chase-headline-prospects-who-opted-out-of-2020-season/

Pat Caputo: Micah Parsons would make sense for Lions, but only if (2-11-21):  https://www.radio.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/micah-parsons-would-make-sense-for-lions-but-only-if

EYE on B1G: 2021 NFL Draft Preview (5. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State:  Although he opted out of the 2020 season, Parsons is as dominant of a linebacker as there is in the draft. He can do a little bit of everything on the defensive side of the ball.) (2-9-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/eye-on-b1g-2021-nfl-draft-preview

TWENTYMAN: 10 prospects to watch during pre-draft process (1. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State:  This is who my colleague Mike O'Hara selected for Detroit at No. 7 in his first mock draft of the season. Parsons is the best pure linebacker in the draft, which is a position of need for the Lions. He's got a terrific blend of size (6-3, 246), speed and instincts. With Parsons, the Lions would address one of their biggest overall needs, which is adding talent to an underperforming defense. In 13 games in 2019, Parsons had 109 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, five sacks, five passes defended and four forced fumbles.) (2-6-21):  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-prospects-to-watch-during-pre-draft-process-parsons-wilson-smith

PFF 2021 NFL Draft Guide: PFF's top LB prospect, plus a wild-card LB to watch (TOP PROSPECT: MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE:  Micah Parsons was a wrestler through eighth grade but pivoted to football and basketball in high school. As a senior at Harrisburg, he totaled 55 tackles, 1,239 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards and 29 offensive touchdowns playing defensive end and running back. A consensus five-star recruit, Parsons received more than 20 scholarship offers from major programs around the country and took official visits to Penn State, Georgia, Nebraska, Ohio State and Oklahoma.  The Buckeyes had to stop their recruitment of Parsons due to a self-reported violation involving Kirk Herbstreit. Parsons had initially committed to Penn State early in his recruitment before decommitting in April 2017 and then recommitting in December 2017.  There aren't many linebackers in college football history who can rest on their true sophomore tape and still be a likely top-10 draft pick. That's how special Parsons was in 2019. He's got the type of size and skill set that could make him the first edge rusher drafted if he wanted to switch to that position. Parsons destroys blocks and ball carriers. He earned the second-highest run-defense grade we've ever given in 2019 (94.8) while also finishing with the third-highest tackling grade in the country (90.0).  While we haven't seen a ton of him in one-on-one coverage, I'm not too worried given the athleticism he shows in space.  NFL player comparison: N/A.  Biggest strength: Attacking downhill.  Biggest weakness: Coverage experience.  Projection: Top-10 pick.  Bottom line: Parsons is the best linebacker prospect we've scouted in seven years of grading college. He can play in any scheme.) (2-3-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pff-top-linebacker

Micah Parsons Should Become Lions' Priority in 2021 NFL Draft (1-27-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/nfl/lions/news/lions-should-target-micah-parsons

Detroit Lions Early 2021 NFL Draft Big Board (1.  LB Micah Parsons, Penn State - Parsons was one of the most dominant players in all of college football in 2019. Due to his draft stock not being able to go much higher, it was probably wise he chose to sit out the 2020 season.  Parsons has it all: Speed, size, doesn’t miss tackles and can even rush the passer. If you want to get nitpicky, he could make more plays in coverage.  Linebacker just so happens to be a huge position of need for the Lions, as well.  Unfortunately, the value of off-ball linebackers in the top 10 isn’t as high as the cornerstone positions. Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons was hyped up quite a bit last season, after an earth-shattering combine to only land No. 8 overall with the Arizona Cardinals. Parsons more than likely won’t test as well as Simmons. But, Parsons' value should be similar, if not better.) (1-8-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-early-nfl-draft-big-board

2021 NFL Draft early declarations: List of notable prospects and where they rank heading into offseason (Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons - CBS Sports' No. 3 prospect overall: Parsons has not played for Penn State this season. He was overvalued early but we have reached the point in the offseason where he is now being undervalued in some circles. Parsons is a very good player.) (12-29-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-early-declarations-list-of-notable-prospects-and-where-they-rank-heading-into-offseason/

11 Prospects to know for the Lions in the 2021 NFL Draft (Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State:  Parsons is another standout who opted out, resting on his existing resume as one of the most exciting off-ball LBs to come into the NFL since Luke Kuechly. Watching Parsons patrol the flats against quick passes and screens, as well as destroying runners as soon as they get past the line and the initial block, is very reminiscent of watching Patrick Willis at his 49ers prime. He never stays blocked.  You’d better believe the Lions could use a player like that, no matter who the coach is or what defensive scheme they’re running. Of all the players listed here, Parsons is the most likely to be off the board by the time the Lions pick. He’s that good.) (11-14-20):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/11-prospects-to-know-for-the-lions-in-the-2021-nfl-draft/

Why did Micah Parsons opt out? Top NFL Draft prospect won't return to Penn State (10-31-20):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/micah-parsons-penn-state-nfl-draft-covid/j485826ju1q6zotx59j2zmzb

Top Big Ten prospects for the 2021 NFL Draft (Micah Parsons | LB | Penn State:  The rare inside linebacker prospect worthy of top-five consideration, Parsons is a three-down weapon who can make plays all over the field.) (10-20-20):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/gallery/big-ten-football-top-prospects-2021-nfl-draft/

NFL Draft Rumors and News: Who is the top draft-eligible defender in the nation? (I know it’s early. But if you had to guess, who do you think will be the first defender selected in 2021?  That’s a great question, especially with so many offensive prospects at the top of the board. My highest-rated defensive player in the nation is LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., but he’s not draft-eligible in 2021.  I think Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons has the edge right now, but his decision to opt out and prepare for the draft will open the door for Alabama’s Dylan Moses. I also think Ronnie Perkins of Oklahoma is going to make a huge march up draft boards.) (9-23-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-top-defensive-player-2021/

NFL Draft Rumors & News: Pauline reveals NFL thoughts on opt-outs and more (How do you compare Micah Parsons and Dylan Moses? Which do you think is the better prospect? And have you heard how NFL teams may rank these two?  From the point of view of instincts, discipline and fewer breakdowns on the field, Moses is the guy. If you’re looking for sheer athleticism and upside, then it’s Parsons.  Before grading or ranking the two, it’s important to see how Moses returns from his injury. Parsons has a higher upside, but also a bigger bust factor as his instincts have come under question and justifiably so in my opinion.) (9-10-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-rumors-news-pauline-nfl-thoughts-opt-outs/

College Football: PFF's 2020 Preseason All-Big Ten Team (FIRST TEAM: MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE:  It feels egregious to have a player like Parsons come in eighth in a rankings list, but in all honesty, you can have the top eight players in any order — they’re all rare talents.  Parsons was the most valuable off-ball linebacker of the 2019 season and is so good that our own Mike Renner has called him the best prospect at the position since Luke Kuechly. He does everything at the position at an elite level, though his work in run defense was particularly impressive during his sophomore campaign, as he earned a 94.8 grade in that facet.) (8-21-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-2020-preseason-all-big-ten-team

College Football: The 2020 PFF College All-American team (FIRST TEAM: MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE:  Parsons was the most valuable off-ball linebacker of the 2019 season, and our own Mike Renner has even called him the best prospect at the position since Luke Kuechly. He does everything at the position at an elite level. Parsons’ run-defense, in particular, was incredible in his sophomore campaign, as he had a 94.8 grade in that facet.) (8-19-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-all-american-team

2021 NFL Draft: Big Ten prospects to know after conference cancels fall college football season (LB Micah Parsons:  The Parsons hype train is far down the tracks. There are few players that move as well as him at his size. He is a sure-fire first round pick and one of the best linebacker prospects to come along in awhile. The Nittany Lions have not cut him lose as a puss rusher but he looks more than capable. He is comfortable in coverage and shows a burst reserved for a star. Parsons could use this time off to continue adding muscle.) (8-19-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-big-ten-prospects-to-know-after-conference-cancels-fall-college-football-season/

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason linebacker rankings (1. MICAH PARSONS, PENN STATE: If you haven't already done so, go and read why I believe Parsons is the best linebacker prospect in nearly a decade. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds with 4.4 speed, Parsons is physically capable of anything you could ask him to do at the position. If you wanted him to be an edge rusher full-time, he'd be a first-round pick at that position, as well. That's the type of multi-faceted talent we're talking about.  The difference between Parsons' run-defense grade in 2019 (94.8) and the next best linebacker in the country (Logan Wilson, 91.6) was the same as the difference between second and ninth. In his entire Penn State career, Parsons missed only 11 tackles on 188 attempts. He's special.  2020 Outlook: Parsons never needed a junior season to be drafted highly. If he had been able to declare after his sophomore season, there's little doubt Parsons would have gone ahead of Isaiah Simmons. We're just sad we won't get to see what level he could have taken his game to this fall.) (8-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-linebacker-rankings

2021 NFL Draft: What to know about Micah Parsons after Penn State linebacker opts out of 2020 season (8-7-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-what-to-know-about-micah-parsons-after-penn-state-linebacker-opts-out-of-2020-season/

Sources: Penn State LB Micah Parsons expected to opt out, declare for 2021 NFL draft (8-5-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/source-penn-state-lb-micah-parsons-expected-to-opt-out-declare-for-2021-nfl-draft-020419910.html

Projected Top 10 pick Micah Parsons reportedly latest to make NFL leap (8-4-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/penn-states-micah-parsons-reportedly-latest-to-make-nfl-leap

Top Penn State 2021 Draft prospects present possibly historic class (Micah Parsons, Linebacker, Junior (6-foot-3, 244 pounds):  For my money, outside of Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence and Oregon’s Penei Sewell, Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons is the best 2021 Draft prospect. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. doesn’t disagree, as he has Parsons as one of the five best prospects on his initial 2021 NFL Draft board.  Parsons is coming off of a monstrous 2019 season, where he accumulated 109 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, five passes defended, four forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery.  Parsons can do it all, possessing amazing sideline-to-sideline speed, the ability to lay the lumber, and a knack for making plays. However, it will be his ability to rush the quarterback that will cement his status as a lock to be a top-10 selection in the 2021 Draft.  As Pro Football Network’s Matt Valdovinos exclaims, “Parsons is an elite athlete with a strong frame and is the most disruptive defensive player in the nation. Expect him to be a top selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, as he’s one of the most productive players in the nation and one of the top 15 players listed on the Feldman’s Freak List.”  As is evident in the clip below, Parsons’ speed and athleticism allows him to make plays behind the line of scrimmage on a consistent basis.  Micah Parsons is more than likely the best linebacker prospect to enter the NFL ranks in over a decade. He is a game-changer, possessing elite tools, and he could blossom into one of the league’s most feared defenders.) (7-31-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-penn-state-2021-draft-prospects/

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 Prospects on Feldman’s Freak List (Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State: #13:  My highest rated defender in the 2021 NFL Draft, Micah Parsons is my third overall player on my pre-season big board. Parsons blurs the line between the linebacker and edge rusher, as he was so commonly asked to rush the passer  “As freaky as Oweh is, the 6-3, 245-pound Parsons rivals his crazy numbers.  Parsons’ 40-time was a bit slower but still flying at 4.43.” Parsons is an elite athlete with a strong frame and is the most disruptive defensive player in the nation. Expect him to be a top selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, as he’s one of the most productive players in the nation and one of the top 15 players listed on the Feldman’s Freak List.) (7-24-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/matt-valdovinos-feldmans-freak-list-top-10/

Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Penn State (Parsons) (7-7-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-penn-state

2020 Big Ten Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Once known as “Linebacker U,” Penn State has one of the nation’s top linebackers and a likely first-round pick in 2020.  There is a lot of love about Micah Parsons, as he’s a tall, athletic linebacker who makes plays all over the field and impacts games. Parsons is fast in a straight line as well as laterally, makes plays both behind the line of scrimmage and in pursuit, and covers a great amount of area on the field in coverage.) (6-26-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-big-ten-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/3/

Why Penn State has the best Big Ten class in the 2021 NFL Draft (Penn State’s defensive stalwarts:  The Nittany Lions lost their top pass rusher from a year ago, Yetur Gross-Matos, to the Carolina Panthers in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, the cupboard is far from bare, as the defense returns the best linebacker in all of college football, Micah Parsons.  The junior linebacker/edge rusher is one of the most physically dominant players in the country and will be appealing to teams of all defensive schemes and makeups. Parsons is an inside linebacker by trade, but he is also an ascending talent as an edge rusher and has the power, length, and speed to make plays all over the field.) (6-25-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/why-2021-penn-state-draft-class-best-in-big-10/

Early 2021 NFL Draft positional rankings (1. Micah Parsons, Penn State:  Parsons is as complete a linebacker prospect as we’ve seen in our six years of grading at PFF. Tackling, taking on blocks, speed, coverage ability — you name it, Parsons can do it. We haven’t quite yet seen playmaking ability in coverage (just four career pass breakups to date) to the degree we saw it from others in the past, but he was only a true sophomore in 2019 yet was already the highest-graded linebacker in college football.) (6-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-early-2021-nfl-draft-positional-rankings

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (1. Micah Parsons, Penn State:  Here is my highest-rated defensive player in the 2021 NFL Draft as it stands now. Micah Parsons was initially recruited to Penn State to be an edge rusher, but the Lions quickly moved him to linebacker where he’s been on of the best players in the country. Dominant size at 6’3 245 pounds, Parsons’ blend of size and athletic ability make him the best blitzing and pass-rushing off-ball linebacker I’ve ever evaluated.  Due to his recent shift to linebacker, Parsons is still adjusting to the nuances of the position. Once he’s sanded out a few of the rough edges, he will be contending for Defensive Player of the Year every season.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/

Scouting Micah Parsons: LB can be one of nation's top five players (6-5-20):   https://www.nfl.com/news/scouting-micah-parsons-lb-can-be-one-of-nation-s-top-five-players

Why Clemson will not have the most first-round picks in 2021 (Dylan Moses was a first-round prospect in 2020, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury prior to the season, which ultimately led to him returning to Tuscaloosa. Outside of Penn State’s Micah Parsons, Moses is the best linebacker in the 2021 Draft.) (6-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/reasons-why-clemson-wont-have-most-first-round-picks-2021/

2021 NFL Draft: Who is the top linebacker prospect? (Parsons, Moses) (5-22-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-comparing-the-top-two-linebacker-prospects/

Five hot takes comparing the 2020 and 2021 NFL Draft class (3. Penn State’s Micah Parsons is a better linebacker prospect than Isaiah Simmons:  The best way to describe the Arizona Cardinals’ first-round pick Isaiah Simmons is by calling him what he is: a unicorn. We have not seen a player bring the variety of skills and versatility that Simmons posses in quite some time — maybe never. He was the clear-cut best linebacker in the 2020 NFL Draft.  It would be fair to say that Simmons is quite the hybrid, as he can line up at the line of scrimmage as a linebacker and wreak havoc, or he can play safety and cover the most athletic tight ends in the NFL. Simmons is going to be fun to watch and should develop into a game-changer on the defensive side of the ball.  There are some in the draft community who think Simmons could be a “boom-or-bust” prospect, with concerns stemming because he is “light”, only weighing in the range of 230 pounds. Despite being extremely athletic, concerns of him holding up over the course of a full NFL season due to his lightness do exist.  The best draft-eligible linebacker in 2021 is Penn State’s, Micah Parsons. In fact, I think he just might the best linebacker to enter the NFL ranks since Luke Kuechly in 2012. Last season, Parsons was the highest-rated run defender in college football, and as a sophomore, he was recognized as the “Big Ten Linebacker of the Year”. He tallied 109 tackles, 5.0 sacks, five passes defended, and four forced fumbles. This is absolutely insane production from the talented linebacker.  Parsons possesses tremendous size, standing 6’3″ tall and weighing in the ballpark of 245 pounds. He has an impressive combination of speed and range, paired with his ability to locate the football. When you watch film on Parsons, one thing that consistently shines is his ability to shed blockers, find the football, and finish. Also, Parsons plays with tremendous power, has the ability to cover, and is a play-maker.  The clip below will provide evidence that Parsons is a game-changer and will highlight his speed and ability to finish.  Here is another clip that shows Parsons’ tremendous instincts and his ability to scrape laterally to find the football. While Isaiah Simmons is a superior athlete and provides more versatility, Parsons is a better overall prospect. He is built like the prototypical linebacker, completely chiseled and powerful. He is a three-down player, who has the potential to blossom into one of the best linebackers in the NFL. Provided that he plays at the same level as he did in 2019, there is no doubt in my mind that Parsons will be a top-10 selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.) (5-22-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/comparing-2021-and-2020-nfl-draft-class/2/

2021 NFL Draft: Comparing current EDGE rushers to previous classes (Parsons) (5-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-edge-rushers-comparing-current-group-to-previous-classes/2/

2021 NFL Draft: Ranking Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons (3-18-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-ranking-penn-state-linebacker-micah-parsons/


Scouting Reports:


Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE, Oregon State – NFL Draft Player Profile:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/hamilcar-rashed-jr-nfl-draft-player-profile-oregon-state-edge/


2021 NFL Draft Prospect: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., OLB, Oregon State University:  https://www.nfldraftdiamonds.com/2020/05/hamilcar-rashed/

Articles:

The Perfect NFL Draft Fit for Lions at Every Position (EDGE rusher - Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State:  The Draft Network says Rashed’s ideal role is as a “sub-package rusher who could develop into an NFL starter for some teams with time and pro coaching.”  He had an underwhelming senior season. Despite this, Rashed could still be a value pick in the later rounds. With veteran defensive end Trey Flowers seemingly on his way out of Motown in the next couple of years, this could grow into an even more valuable pick as time goes on. Rashed would get the time to develop while Flowers is still around, and then get a chance to shine when the position opens up.) (4-23-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-perfect-fit-nfl-draft

Leinweber’s Top 13-24 Edge Defenders in 2021 Draft (19. Hamilcar Rashed, Oregon State:  A three-year starter at outside linebacker for the Beavers, Rashed has been productive racking up 16.5 sacks including 14 that came in 2019. Possessing good length, Rashed flashes the ability to convert speed to power. A high-effort run defender, he chases down plays from the back side and makes hustle plays. Rashed is comfortable dropping into space and can play short zone coverage a significant amount of the time. While he has many pass-rush moves, few are effective with his best being a double-hand swipe and push-pull. He uses his athleticism to counter inside well. Rashed is unable to win around the outside shoulder of tackles as his lower body is too stiff to corner, making his pass rush one-dimensional. He has to play at extension more consistently, using his length and controlling the edge in the run game. Rashed projects as a backup 3-4 outside linebacker who can contribute in coverage. He has the physical tools to succeed as a pass rusher, but his moves have to become more refined. Rashed should contribute on special teams due to his athleticism and effort.  Value: 6th/7th Round) (3-22-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/leinweber-top-13-24-edge-defenders-2021-nfl-draft

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 2 National LBs and RBs (Hamilcar Rashed Jr. - OLB - Oregon State:  One of the main concerns with Rashed coming in was if he was going to have quality measurables. He surprised many when he measured with an 8278 wingspan. The next question would be; can he improve at using his length? Rashed has displayed a powerful pop at the initial point of contact. He’s initiating his jab and has done a tremendous job at working the offensive tackle up the arch and spinning back inside. There were a few reps where he had a couple of false steps that made him late getting to contact, which caused him to be locked up a few times. Overall, it was a quality day of practice for Rashed.) (1-27-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-2-national-lbs-and-rbs

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 2 National LBs and RBs (Hamilcar Rashed Jr. - OLB - Oregon State:  One of the main concerns with Rashed coming in was if he was going to have quality measurables. He surprised many when he measured with an 8278 wingspan. The next question would be; can he improve at using his length? Rashed has displayed a powerful pop at the initial point of contact. He’s initiating his jab and has done a tremendous job at working the offensive tackle up the arch and spinning back inside. There were a few reps where he had a couple of false steps that made him late getting to contact, which caused him to be locked up a few times. Overall, it was a quality day of practice for Rashed.) (1-27-21):   https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-2-national-lbs-and-rbs

2021 Senior Bowl Practice Report: National Team | PFN (Tuesday - Hamilcar Rashed Jr. played a lot of snaps on the edge, but didn’t stand out a ton. There’s time for Rashed to change that, however, and he did win at the weigh-ins. Rashed weighed in at 254 pounds, which is a very good size for his frame. He has the length and the first-step quickness. Now he just needs to convert it into results.  Wednesday - Hamilcar Rashed Jr. brought his trademark trait on Wednesday: His burst off the line. Unfortunately, however, he didn’t add much on top of that. He didn’t have the strength to consistently disengage against blockers, and his flexibility was thrown into question after he struggled to lower his surface area. Despite his promising weigh-in, Rashed hasn’t been a consistent threat at the Senior Bowl.  Thursday - It wasn’t a huge standout day for Hamilcar Rashed based on my National Team Senior Bowl practice report. On one rep, he tried to time the snap and failed, leading to an uninspiring launch off the line. He did flash good recovery athleticism, however, and he also showed swift hands on one rep. Rashed rebounded a bit from a lesser Wednesday showing, but he still didn’t distinguish himself in a well-stocked group of edge rushers.  Analysis - On one hand, Rashed’s week at the Senior Bowl was effective in getting his name back out there. After an uninspiring final season, he reminded onlookers of his immense physical potential. His weigh-in shed light on impressive proportional length, and he showed off good first-step quickness in drills. Having said that, Rashed was inconsistent when it came to converting beyond his physical traits. He flashed a few times with his hands and his balance. Aside from that, however, his strong moments were more cosmetic than diagnostic.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/

WHO WON THE 2021 SENIOR BOWL WEIGH-INS? (Why does Rashed Jr.’s weigh-in matter? Because at 254 pounds, he’s about 10-15 pounds heavier than anticipated (and nine pounds heavier than his listed weight on the Oregon State roster). Teams can get funny about weight and anchor and size on the edge of their defense and Rashed Jr. will have an easier time selling teams on his ability to play contain with the extra mass on his frame. Add in Rashed Jr.’s dynamic first step and you’ve got yourself a really nice foundation for a rush linebacker.) (1-26-21):  https://thedraftnetwork.com/articles/senior-bowl-2021-weigh-in-winners

Senior Bowl Players to Watch: Defense (Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE, Oregon State:  Oregon State pass rusher Hamilcar Rashed Jr. exploded onto the national stage in 2019, thanks to a monster season that saw him notch 14 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss. That production had him atop many watch lists entering the 2020 campaign.  But he could not repeat those numbers in the Beavers’ abbreviated season. Admist schedule changes and more, Rashed tallied just 15 tackles – two for a loss – and was held without a sack. His struggles opened the door to some questions about his play, and it slowly came out over the course of the season that he was dealing with multiple injuries. Mobile offers him a chance to show that he is more the player we saw in 2019, and not the player we saw this past season.) (1-25-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-players-to-watch-defense/

Top linebackers at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State:  The young man is, or was, a pass rusher at Oregon State. He put up bonkers numbers in his junior campaign. He sacked the quarterback 14 times in 2019. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. also amassed 22.5 tackles for loss, giving him an outstanding production profile for the analytics heads. That’s far more than any other Senior Bowl linebackers.  Despite that production, his sleek athleticism and bend can only take him so far as a primary pass rusher. He’s too slim to hold up down-to-down on the edge. So, unless he can add a few 10-pound dumbbells to his frame, he’s transitioning to WILL. If he can show survival skills here at the Senior Bowl, there’s a good chance he can regain some of the draft stock he lost in the past 12 months.)(1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-linebackers-at-the-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

Week 16 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Another Oregon State NFL Draft hopeful looking to impress is Hamilcar Rashed Jr. The linebacker led the nation in tackles for loss in 2019. Although he hasn’t been as productive in this shortened season, the kid can wreak havoc in the backfield. OH) (12-19-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-16-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

NFL Draft Stock Report Week 13: Oklahoma State WR Tylan Wallace headlines risers (Slider - Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Edge, Oregon State:  Hamilcar Rashed considered entering last April’s draft, but he chose to return to the Beavers for another season. To date, it hasn’t worked out. After he put up insane numbers last season, the senior has 14 tackles and no sacks in four games this year. Initially graded as a potential late third or early fourth-round prospect, Rashed has watched his NFL Draft stock crater by at least two rounds.) (11-29-20):   https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-report-week-13-risers-tylan-wallace/

Week 11 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Hamilcar Rashed Jr. makes an instant impact (11:20 PM):  There are some in the draft community that are very high on Oregon State’s Hamilcar Rashed Jr. He plays with natural bend and explosion off the line of scrimmage, and he’s put together a prolific career at Oregon State, registering 34.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks in his career. His physical traits and production are both excellent, and it’s very plausible we see Rashed drafted within the first 50 selections in this coming draft. He started this game quickly by blocking a punt on the first drive. MV) (11-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-11-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

Week 10 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Washington State LT Abraham Lucas vs. Oregon St. EDGE Hamilcar Rashed Jr. highlights late-night Pac-12 action:  Slightly more discreet, Washington State-Oregon State is a 10:30 PM start on the Week 10 college football schedule but offers one of the nation’s best pass rushers. Hamilcar Rashed Jr. totaled 22.5 TFLs and 14 sacks last season, and he also broke up three passes. He gave serious consideration to entering the 2020 NFL Draft, but he decided to return for another season on the college field.  Despite having production and play that warrants a top-45 grade, most scouts view Rashed as a Day 3 pick. Washington State left tackle Abraham Lucas is likely to be the toughest test of the regular season for Rashed, and it’s a great opportunity for the pass rusher to prove to scouts that he’s Day 2 material.) (11-8-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-10-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

The best college football player on every Power 5 team (Oregon State: Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Edge:  Rashed is one of the few really good Pac 12 edge rushers, as he created 35 pressures last season to go along with a whopping 15 sacks. He can absolutely play, and with the lack of pass-rush talent in the conference, he is easily among the top-5 edge rushers along the West Coast.) (11-6-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/the-best-college-football-player-on-every-power-5-team

2021 NFL Draft: The top draft prospect on every team in the Pac-12 (OREGON STATE — ED HAMILCAR RASHED JR.:  Rashed is one of the most intriguing prospects we’ll get to see on the field in the Pac-12 this season. He had a breakout 15-sack campaign as a redshirt junior in 2019, but that wasn’t close to indicative of his consistency as a pass-rusher, as he notched only 35 total pressures. That’s an impossibly high sack conversion rate to sustain. Then there’s the whole issue of his size. He’s gone from being listed at 223 pounds in 2018 to 236 in 2019 to now 245 pounds this year. At 6-foot-4, that’s very much on the borderline to stick on the edge, and we need to know if he’s still got the quicks that made him such a threat in 2019.) (11-5-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-top-2021-nfl-draft-prospect-on-every-team-in-the-pac-12

NFL draft: Best Pac-12 prospects who are playing this fall (6. Oregon State EDGE Hamilcar Rashed Jr.:  Rashed broke out last season as one of the most improved players in the nation in 2019. He had 14 sacks, 22.5 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Down the stretch in conference play, he had some monster pressure games — even if some of them came against lesser pass-blocking teams.  It’s going to be hard to make that kind of per-game production this season, but Rashed has a chance to rise quickly if he does. He has long arms, great burst off the line and plays with whistle-to-whistle intensity.  Can he be an effective NFL rusher at 6-3 and 248 pounds? Can he add polish to his pass-rush technique? Those are the biggest questions.) (11-5-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-best-pac-12-prospects-who-are-playing-this-fall-223258030.html

2021 NFL Draft: Prospects with the most to gain from the upcoming college football season (Oregon State edge rusher Hamilcar Rashed Jr. is another fun prospect to watch. He is really athletic and would be well-known by college football fans in the east if his games were more easily viewed.) (9-9-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-with-the-most-to-gain-from-the-upcoming-college-football-season/

Five prospects who are ranked too low (Hamilcar Rashed Jr., EDGE, Oregon State:  At first glance, the edge rusher class was a bit unknown. Miami's Gregory Rousseau is a long, lean prospect that was captivating draft analysts across the country but he is still very raw. His teammate, Quincy Roche, looks more ready to contribute at the NFL level. Beyond those two, the conversation welcomes Duke's Chris Rumph II, Pittsburgh's Patrick Jones II and Rashed.  The latter quietly tallied 14 sacks last season on Corvallis. He has a thin, long frame, which is almost a staple among these early round pass rushers. Rashed is quick twitch and shows a fluid ability to change directions. Some edge rushers are one-dimensional in the sense that they can only play with their hand in the dirt. Rashed looks more than capable of dropping into coverage and playing sideline-to-sideline if asked. The Arizona native is fast off the ball and works his way back to the quarterback if he gets too deep into his pass rush. Although he needs to add more weight to his frame, Rashed does an adequate job of setting the edge. It is a shame that fans will not get a chance to see him play this fall.) (9-7-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-five-prospects-who-deserve-to-be-ranked-higher-than-most-have-them-plus-top-32-rankings/

College Football: PFF's 2020 Preseason All-PAC 12 Team (FIRST TEAM: HAMILCAR RASHED JR., OREGON STATE - Rashed’s sack total from 2019 might be skewing the perception of him a little bit too far in his favor, as his 77.5 pass-rush grade was 33rd among Power Five edge rushers. He’s not elite, but he’s still in the conversation for the PAC 12’s top edge rusher.) (8-21-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-pffs-2020-preseason-all-pac-12-team

2021 Draft: Pac-12 prospects to know (Oregon State: Hamilcar Rashed had an out-of-nowhere season in 2019 with 14 sacks after only recording two in 2018. The 6-4, 235-pound edge rusher wins with an impressive first step and surprisingly poppy hands for an outside rusher without a lot of weight on his frame. He's a smooth athlete and respectably bendy too but does have problems dipping underneath blockers on his go-to speed rush, which could lead to him being pushed past the quarterback in the NFL. His hand work is decent, but Rashed needs to add a power element to his game.) (8-18-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-pac-12-prospects-to-know-after-conference-cancels-fall-college-football-season/

2020 Pac-12 Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (There was some thought that Hamilcar Rashed Jr. would enter last April’s draft, but he bypassed the event. Then there was talk that he should have entered the supplemental draft in July, but that was canceled. So here we are.  Rashed’s gaudy stats last season included 22.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks, and on film they were well-earned. Rashed is a good football player with nice length, movement skills and athleticism. He’s fluid, easily moves about the field and makes a lot of plays in space.  He does more than pin his ears back and rush up the field, as Rashed shows a lot of discipline in his game and the ability to make plays in coverage. He’s got to add a bit more bulk and strength to his game, but in the end, Rashed is a terrific 3-4 OLB for the next level.) (8-17-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-pac-12-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/2/

NFL draft: Big Ten, Pac-12 prospects hurt most by losing a fall college season (Oregon State EDGE-LB Hamilcar Rashed:  The 6-3, 248-pound Rashed figured to be one of the more polarizing prospects in next year’s class. His disruptive production — 22.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2019 — is outstanding. His pro projection is less clear.  Rashed announced his return to school before last draft cycle and was being projected as a third- or fourth-round player entering this season. Can he stack and shed at the next level? Bulk up and still be productive? Refine his pass-rush arsenal? Develop further as a two-point-stance defender?  All those questions linger now. He’s a fascinating prospect but one with an incomplete evaluation.) (8-13-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-big-ten-pac-12-prospects-hurt-most-by-losing-a-fall-college-season-195907835.html

Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Oregon State (Rashed) (7-29-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-oregon-state

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 edge rusher rankings (10. Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State :  Someone who has a lot of hype heading into the 2020 season is Hamilcar Rashed Jr. As an explosive athlete with impressive bend, Rashed profiles as a high upside pass rusher and a 3-4 outside linebacker. He possesses elite flashes of burst and aggressive hand usage. However, his flashes are too and few and far between for me to view him as more than a boom or bust project. If Rashed can add a level of consistency to his game, and add some needed playing weight, he could be a very high draft pick thanks to his impressive physical repertoire.) (6-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-top-10-edge-rusher-rankings/

2021 NFL Draft: Comparing current EDGE rushers to previous classes (Rashed) (5-11-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-edge-rushers-comparing-current-group-to-previous-classes/2/

2021 NFL Draft: Oregon State’s Rashed Jr. a first-round rusher? (3-12-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-oregon-states-rashed-jr-a-first-round-rusher/

 LB Monty Rice:

Scouting Reports:




Articles:

2021 NFL Draft Stock - Pro Days (Up - Monty Rice, LB, Georgia:  Rice was a tough run defender for Georgia the past three seasons while improving in pass coverage. The senior totaled 49 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles and a pass broken up in 2020. His largest totals came as a junior, with 89 tackles and three passes batted. The 6-foot-1, 235-pounder could become a nice value pick because he has three-down starting potential for the NFL. Some teams have him graded in the third round and think he could be sleeper steal.) (3-16-21):  https://walterfootball.com/draft2021stock_28.php

Scouting Lenz: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia (2-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/scouting-lenz-monty-rice-lb-georgia

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (9. MONTY RICE, GEORGIA:  Rice may not have the size profile that many teams are looking for at the position, but he does have one thing every NFL franchise wants at the position: speed. Rice can get from Point A to Point B in a hurry. So much so that he contested a deep over route against Alabama's Jaylen Waddle while running the deep middle in Cover 2. It showed up in a number of different ways on tape. Whether as a blitzer…  Or as a run defender…  He’s not particularly adept at taking on blocks, however, and will be best served going to a scheme that tries to keep him clean with its defensive line.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

Top linebackers at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Monty Rice, Georgia:  Of the Senior Bowl linebackers group, Rice is the biggest boom or bust of the top names. The former 4-star prospect has all the athletic traits one could ever want for the position. Rice possesses outstanding athleticism and an ability to cover backs in man and underneath routes in zone. He’s explosive in short areas, and his more compact frame allows him to change directions effortlessly.  However, he struggles with the finer details of the position. He is very much a see ball, hit ball player. He can get turned around by motion and misdirection too often. And his length is a problem when he gets chest-to-chest with blockers. However, if the shakiest of the top Senior Bowl linebackers can show improvements there at Mobile, then there is a chance he sneaks in as a top-100 pick come April.)(1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-linebackers-at-the-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

2021 NFL Draft early declarations: List of notable prospects and where they rank heading into offseason (Georgia linebacker Monty Rice - CBS Sports' No. 127 prospect overall: Rice has grown on me as a player. He is relatively thin but has flown around the field for the Bulldogs. There are several options for teams looking for a more modern-day NFL linebacker.) (12-29-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-early-declarations-list-of-notable-prospects-and-where-they-rank-heading-into-offseason/

Monty Rice strips Guarantano and takes it to the house for a Georgia TD (11-20-20):  https://ugawire.usatoday.com/2020/10/10/monty-rice-strips-guarantano-and-takes-it-to-the-house-for-a-georgia-td-georgia-football/

NFL draft winners and losers: Two SEC quarterbacks help their causes in big wins (Georgia LB Monty Rice:  We’ve been holding back on writing about Rice so far this season, but for no good reason. And yet I don’t think I am alone here on overlooking him. Are we all kind of sleeping on one of the better off-the-ball linebackers in the 2021 class?  That strip-sack-score was the big play in the Bulldogs’ win over Tennessee, but Rice was all over the field for the rest of the game, just as he was the week before against Auburn.  Granted, Auburn did catch him a few times in coverage and seemed to want to attack Rice through the air. But his athleticism makes up for his coverage technique at this point, but I am confident that he fixes it.  Rice is a really fine blitzer, fills gaps well against the run and brings an edge to his play. He can man an inside spot in a 3-4, but we’d love him as a weak side linebacker in a fast-flow defense. Rice plays like the Falcons’ Deion Jones, albeit without that elite LB speed.  He got some third-round grades over the summer, but Rice feels like a prospect who should crack the top 64 picks.) (10-12-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-two-sec-quarterbacks-help-their-causes-in-big-wins-122417527.html

Six from Saturday (3.  Georgia linebacker Monty Rice is a blast to watch. I asked around some, and it doesn’t sound like scouts view him the way they did Alec Ogletree or Roquan Smith coming out. But Rice, currently seen as a solid day-two pick, is fast and instinctive, and he’s got a lot of ball left with which to improve his stock.) (10-12-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/10/12/mmqb-week-5-covid-19-jenga-schedule-dak-prescott-injury

College Football Top Performers Week 5: A new QB4 candidate emerges (Another Georgia defender that stood out was linebacker Monty Rice. Rice was making plays all over the field and is in the process of solidifying his status as a second-round prospect.) (10-6-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-top-performers-week-5-a-new-qb4-candidate-emerges/

NFL Draft Stock Report: Monty Rice & Darius Stills headline Week 5 risers (Monty Rice, LB, Georgia:  Monty Rice entered the season assigned a second-day grade by scouts and ranked as a top-five linebacker. We got a glimpse why Saturday, as he led a Georgia defense that shut down the Auburn offense, holding the Tigers to just six points and 39 yards rushing.  Rice was all over the field making plays and showed great range and speed in pursuit. He finished with a team-leading seven tackles, but the stats told a fraction of the story. Besides the physical skills, Rice plays with great intensity and football intellect. He offers scheme versatility as well as starting potential at the next level.) (10-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-draft-stock-week-5-risers-sliders-monty-rice-darius-stills/

NFL draft: Trey Lance's one-off game, top-tier DBs highlight this week's prospect matchups (Georgia has talent on all three levels. LB Monty Rice is a three-down, run-and-chase defender.) (10-1-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-trey-lances-oneoff-game-toptier-d-bs-highlight-this-weeks-prospect-matchups-191404121.html

2021 NFL Draft: Who are the Georgia Bulldogs’ top prospects? (Monty Rice, Linebacker, Senior (6’1″, 235 pounds):  In a fairly weak 2021 linebacker group, one name to keep an eye on is Georgia’s Monty Rice. Rice has great size, excellent range, and the capacity to make plays sideline-to-sideline.  Rice is a thumper, as he can really lay the lumber and is stout against the run. He enters the 2020 season — if there is a season — included on the preseason watch list for the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation’s top linebacker. If he can live up to that billing, he might be able to squeak himself into Day 2 consideration at the 2021 NFL Draft.) (8-14-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/georgia-bulldogs-top-prospects-2021-nfl-draft/

2020 SEC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Monty Rice is a lesser version of Roquan Smith, the former Bulldog selected with the eighth pick of the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s explosive, covers a tremendous amount of area and plays tough, instinctive football. Rice is a tremendous run-and-chase linebacker with a three-down game.) (7-25-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-sec-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/2/

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (9. Monty Rice, Georgia
With quality size and athletic ability, Monty Rice was a tackling machine for Georgia last season. He has the requisite strength to make plays at the line of scrimmage, and the speed to make plays around the sidelines. More of a read and react player, Rice still has work to do on the mental side of the game. He must improve his play pre-snap, but he profiles as a very productive NFL linebacker.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/


Scouting Reports:




Articles:

Senior Bowl Weigh-Ins: ACC Surprises (CHARLES SNOWDEN | Virginia | LB | Height: 6062 | Weight: 232 | Wingspan: 8228 | Arm: 3400 | Hand: 0948 - Prior to his injury, Snowden had an impressive season for Virginia this past year. He had already made a name for himself around the league but one thing you can't teach is size and Snowden showed he has plenty. Specifically, tremendous height and excellent length for the position. The question for Snowden is where does he fit? With that size, he best translates to an edge rusher but his playstyle doesn’t pigeon-hole him there. Either way, teams will love the opportunity to work with him.) (1-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-weigh-ins-acc-surprises

2021 Senior Bowl Practice Report: American Team (Tuesday - Snowden had a boot on his right foot and stood on the sidelines for practice. It’s unfortunate that we weren’t able to see his rare physical traits in action. Still, Snowden was in good spirits, and supported his teammates as they carried out drills. In an interview with PFN, Snowden, a former captain, emphasized the importance of being engaged with one’s teammates. Even so, Snowden is excited to get back onto the field, and said he has three more weeks in the walking boot. After that, he can take the next step toward his recovery.  Wednesday - Snowden remained in a boot on Wednesday. He will do so for the rest of the week, as mentioned in the previous summary.  Thursday - Snowden remained in a boot on Thursday. He was cheering on teammates, staying engaged in practice activities.  Analysis - Snowden did not practice in Mobile, but remained supportive of his teammates as he wore his walking boot. In three weeks, Snowden will be able to take the next step in his recovery. It’s unclear if he’ll be able to test at the Virginia Pro Day, whenever it may be scheduled. But Snowden is progressing well, and in the meantime, he’s doing his part.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-american-team/

2021 Senior Bowl Day 1: Five stars from practice; Dolphins' Brian Flores weighs in on DeVonta Smith (Virginia LB Charles Snowden missed practice with an injury and watched from the sideline in a walking boot.) (1-26-21):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-senior-bowl-day-1-five-stars-from-practice-dolphins-brian-flores-weighs-in-

UVA' Charles Snowden out for the season with broken ankle (11-22-20):  https://www.cbs19news.com/story/42947059/uva-charles-snowden-out-for-the-season-with-broken-ankle

NFL draft winners and losers: Zach Wilson, Trey Lance swapping spots in QB pecking order? (Winners - Virginia LB-EDGE Charles Snowden:  The fascinating Snowden was a player we highlighted a few times last year, as he caught our eye as a developmental defender with unique skills. On Saturday, in the Cavaliers’ upset of North Carolina, all those skills were on display.  The 6-foot-6, 230-pound Snowden spoiled Virginia’s supper with 10 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble on the last one. He added another QB hit along the way and also was on the punt-coverage unit that converted a late fake to help seal the game.  Two of the sacks came on back-to-back plays with UNC driving, up 10-6 early. The sacks knocked QB Sam Howell back 13 yards combined, and the Tar Heels had to settle for a 51-yard field goal. Snowden’s first-quarter performance was as good of football as he’s played since last season.  Here are all four sacks.  On the last one, Snowden dropped into coverage and green-dog blitzed when Howell flushed out of the pocket. Snowden is still learning how to play in short zones, and he allowed a few catches in coverage in this game, but his instincts appear to be sharpening at the right time.  His unusual build — tall but with room to grow — will lead to some interesting debates on how to employ him at the NFL level. Body-wise, he fits somewhere on the Leonard Floyd spectrum. For the Cavaliers, Snowden is mostly used as a pass rusher, but his athleticism can be lent to coverage and run stopping. (The 230-pound listing is what scouts had him at last year, but it appears Snowden has gained some weight this season.)  We’re still intrigued. Snowden received some third- and fourth-round projections coming into the season, and that’s about the right range for such an interesting athlete.) (11-2-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-winners-and-losers-zach-wilson-trey-lance-swapping-spots-in-qb-pecking-order-191522524.html

Week 9 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Charles Snowden wrecks the North Carolina offensive line (11:35 PM):  In past weeks, I have commented on the impressive play of Charles Snowden for the Virginia Cavaliers, but this week against North Carolina, he was the ultimate catalyst in the 44-41 upset they pulled off over the Tar Heels. With four sacks and a forced fumble, Snowden was a game wrecker. No one on North Carolina could block Snowden as he used his length and a long arm to win on a few of his reps.  A pass rusher and off-ball linebacker at the same time, Snowden’s 6-foot-7 frame is an anomaly at either position. However, he is surprisingly fluid and has a solid sideline-to-sideline range. Working as a 4-3 SAM could be his best role in the NFL, as Snowden is still more than adept in coverage, too. Still, a team could stick him strictly at edge rusher with his length and first-step explosiveness and he could become a force. The value and upside Snowden brings to a defense is invaluable, and he looks like a high-upside Day 3 prospect who can sneak into Day 2 if he keeps putting up strong games like this. NF) (10-31-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-9-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

Week 8 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Charles Snowden troubling Miami (10:45 PM):  Miami has put up a lot of yards, but at this point only has 13 points and Virginia is firmly in the game against the ranked Hurricanes in Coral Gables. A huge part of the effort defensively, especially in the red zone, is standout linebacker Charles Snowden. With special athleticism at 6’7″, Snowden’s coverage ability and pass rush hybrid ability will be unique in this class. Teams will be want to see how the all-around game of Snowden comes together, however.  Today, Snowden has dismantled the Hurricanes offensive line and has been all over the field. He still has rather good sideline-to-sideline range despite his size. With a sack and 3.5 tackles for loss today, Snowden has been a disruptive force. In the pass rush, it is his potent long arm and length that are issues for teams. At the second level, he uses his length well to stay clean and scrape over to make tackles. Right now Snowden is a day three pick, but he has real starter upside. NF) (10-24-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-8-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-pauline/

College Football Week 4 Preview: Picks, predictions, matchups to watch and more (Virginia’s Noah Taylor (6-foot-5, 225 pounds) and Charles Snowden (6-foot-7, 235 pounds) serve in hybrid roles and are the team's two most valuable returners on the defensive side of the ball. It’s rare to see hybrid linebackers like Taylor have great success in both pass rushing and coverage — he was one of seven in the Power Five to have 70.0-plus grades in both facets in 2019. Like Taylor, Snowden fits like a glove in this hybrid role. He can expose offensive tackles with his twitchiness on the line and long arms. His 13.5% pressure rate in 2019 ranked 10th in the ACC, and he has used his length to bat an FBS-high 11 balls since 2018.) (9-24-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-week-4-preview-picks-predictions-matchups-to-watch-and-more

2021 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and the other ACC prospects you need to know (Charles Snowden's fascinating because on film he looks like he could stand in the middle of a soccer net and touch each goal post. He's that long at 6-7 and 240 pounds. There's a fair amount of bend to his game as a pure edge rusher -- rare for someone that tall -- although Snowden's primary area of expertise in 2019 was setting the edge then dispatching blocks to use his enormous tackling radius to corral ball carriers on outside runs. He has an inside crossover move but has to play with more point-of-attack strength this season.) (9-10-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-trevor-lawrence-travis-etienne-and-the-other-acc-prospects-you-need-to-know/

2021 NFL Draft: 25 draft prospects who need football this fall (8. LB CHAZZ SURRATT, NORTH CAROLINA:  Surratt is one year removed from playing quarterback for the Tarheels. In his only season at linebacker, he alternated splash plays with some ugly reads and missed tackles. The athleticism and, maybe more importantly, the mentality for the position are both there for him to be a special player. We just need to see last season's missed-tackle figure (27) chopped by a good margin.) (8-26-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-25-draft-prospects-who-need-football-this-fall

2020 ACC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Linebacker Charles Snowden could be a second-day pick in next April’s draft, even though I presently grade him as a fourth-round prospect. Snowden is a tall, athletic linebacker who plays with great discipline and instinct. He shows ability in space and is a solid run defender. Personally, I wish UVA would use Snowden more on the blitz. If they did, and he showed consistent ability, Snowden could move into the draft’s initial 95 selections.) (7-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-acc-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/3/

Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden a modern-age defensive catalyst (6-24-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/virginia-linebacker-charles-snowden-modern-age-defensive-catalyst/

Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at Virginia (Snowden) (6-22-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-virginia

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (8. Charles Snowden, Virginia:  This ranking is a bit of a projection, as Charles Snowden is an incomplete prospect. Snowden is a bit of tweener, playing as both an edge rusher and an off-ball linebacker at Virginia. However, I think he best projects as an off-ball linebacker in the NFL. He possesses elite length at 6’7″, and is impressively fluid for his size. Snowden has the versatility to play as both a strong or weakside backer in the NFL and has upside as a blitzer, run defender, and coverage linebacker.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/


Scouting Reports:


Chazz Surratt, LB, UNC – NFL Draft Player Profile (10-23-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/chazz-surratt-nfl-draft-player-profile-2021/



Rankings:


Articles:


Lions 2021 draft: A linebacker for every round (Fourth round: Chazz Surratt, North Carolina:  Surratt converted to LB at North Carolina after initially being recruited as a quarterback. The move worked; Surratt was a first-team All-ACC linebacker in both seasons after he transitioned.  The experience at QB is obvious, both positive and negative. He sees the offense and correctly diagnoses the play extremely well. Surratt doesn’t get lost in coverage and reads route combinations better than most DBs. He also has the open-field speed and litheness to make it work in coverage. But he’s not physical or strong enough at the point of attack in between the tackles, and getting off blocks remains a work in progress. The arrow is pointing up for Surratt but there’s a ceiling on how high a relatively average all-around athlete can climb.) (4-8-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-2021-draft-a-linebacker-for-every-round/

Miami, North Carolina pro days: Hurricanes' Jaelan Phillips dazzles (Chazz Surratt
North Carolina:  Surratt made the bold decision to switch from quarterback to linebacker two years ago, and he's a step closer to realizing his dream of playing in the NFL after a good showing on Monday. He ran an impressive 4.6 40 at 229 pounds and put the bar up 25 times on the bench press. He also recorded a 31.5-inch vertical jump, a 4.18-second short shuttle and 7.03-second three-cone drill.) (3-29-21:  https://www.nfl.com/news/miami-north-carolina-pro-days-hurricanes-jaelan-phillips-dazzles

2021 NFL Draft linebacker rankings (8. CHAZZ SURRATT, NORTH CAROLINA:  Surratt started his career for the Tarheels as a quarterback before switching to linebacker in 2019. You’d never guess it by watching the way he relishes the physical aspect of his new position. Surratt is the single most reckless blitzer in the draft class, racking up 62 total pressures on 200 pass-rushing snaps over the past two seasons as an off-ball linebacker. If you aren’t going to use Surratt as a blitzer, you’re likely wasting your time.  While his tape is littered with splash plays, Surratt is still very rough around the edges. False steps and misreads are far more frequent than big stops like the one below.  He has a lot of the tools you’d like from an every-down backer, but he may not be ready to start on Day 1.) (2-23-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-linebacker-rankings

PFF 2021 NFL Draft Guide: PFF's top LB prospect, plus a wild-card LB to watch (WILD CARD: CHAZZ SURRATT, NORTH CAROLINA:  Chazz Surratt earned Gatorade North Carolina Player of the Year honors following his senior season at East Lincoln High School. He threw for 3,536 yards and 51 touchdowns and rushed for 1,345 yards and 15 touchdowns that season (2016).  He broke the state record for career total yards (16,593) and touchdowns (229). He was a three-time player of the year in the SD-7 Conference for football and a three-time NC Preps All-State selection in basketball. Not to mention, he earned a 4.5 GPA in his senior season.  Surratt was a three-star dual-threat quarterback recruit with offers from Clemson, UNC and Duke, among others. He eventually stayed in-state and committed to the Tar Heels. He played quarterback for his first two seasons before pivoting to linebacker. His brother, Sage Surratt, was a wide receiver for Wake Forest.  After switching from quarterback — of all positions — to linebacker just a couple of years ago, Surratt made his presence felt quickly in the Tar Heels' defense. He racked up a ridiculous 56 stops in his first season as a starter but had a disastrous missed-tackle problem. That was something that had to get cleaned up in 2020, and he did, with only one miss in his final five games (47 attempts). He's still not the most adept at his run reads and fits between the tackles, but he's a playmaker with modern-linebacker athleticism.  NFL player comparison: Telvin Smith Sr..  Biggest strength: Mentality.  Biggest weakness: Taking on blocks in the run game.  Projection: Second-round pick.  Bottom line: Surratt is a developmental project, but he has a legitimate reason for being behind the curve.) (2-3-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pff-top-linebacker

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 2 National LBs and RBs (Chazz Surratt - LB - UNC:  The quality day of practice Surratt had on day one was slowly forgotten after the slow start to day two. There were a few reps where he was caught flat-footed and on his heels in pass coverage. Despite the bad day in coverage, Surratt showed that he can be a reliable pass rusher and run stopper. He did an excellent job filling rush lanes and making what would be tackles if there were contact in these drills. He also showed that he can rush the passer and that he has a great swim move at the line of scrimmage. While it wasn’t Surratt’s best day, it wasn’t all that bad.) (1-27-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-2-national-lbs-and-rbs

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 2 National LBs and RBs (Chazz Surratt - LB - UNC:  The quality day of practice Surratt had on day one was slowly forgotten after the slow start to day two. There were a few reps where he was caught flat-footed and on his heels in pass coverage. Despite the bad day in coverage, Surratt showed that he can be a reliable pass rusher and run stopper. He did an excellent job filling rush lanes and making what would be tackles if there were contact in these drills. He also showed that he can rush the passer and that he has a great swim move at the line of scrimmage. While it wasn’t Surratt’s best day, it wasn’t all that bad.) (1-27-21):   https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-2-national-lbs-and-rbs

2021 Senior Bowl Practice Report: National Team | PFN (Tuesday - As was expected, Chazz Surratt was solid overall on his first day. He’s definitely a bit undersized, but he makes up for it with his athleticism and speed coming into the box. That athleticism was on display in drills and in open field, and it’s something Surratt can build on in the coming days.  Wednesday - Nothing was very different for Chazz Surratt today. Like yesterday, he showed off his exceptional athleticism in coverage, using brisk explosiveness and closing speed to shrink gaps between himself and the receiver. He can trigger a bit quicker in those situations, but more often than not, he has the freedom to gain playmaking positioning. He also shows good urgency filling gaps against the run.  Thursday - Chazz Surratt did not suit up on Thursday.  Analysis - As expected, Surratt was in the upper tier of linebackers in his time on the field at Mobile. I actually thought Baron Browning and Jabril Cox left stronger impressions than Surratt, but they both played on Thursday, while Surratt sat that day out. Surratt still validated his athletic traits and displayed good urgency and willingness to shoot his gaps in drills. That was all he needed to do.) (1-26-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-senior-bowl-practice-report-national-team/

Senior Bowl Practice Review: Day 1 National Linebackers and Running Backs (Chazz Surratt - LB - UNC:  One prospect that has been getting quite a bit of hype over the summer is Surratt, who is getting talked about as an early-round prospect around the league. With a strong showing at Senior Bowl practices, he has a chance to set himself apart from some of these other guys. Surratt wasn’t targeted much during the 7-on-7 drills. He did a great job at getting proper depth in his zone drops and reacting to underneath passes. He was smooth and explosive transitioning from his backpedal to closing downhill. Surratt showed that he has the athleticism to cover running backs out of the backfield and the speed to stick with them. He didn’t flash anything that we weren’t aware of already but he did confirm the type of athlete that we knew he was.) (1-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/senior-bowl-practice-review-day-1-national-linebackers-and-running-backs

Complete guide to the 2021 Senior Bowl (Star: Chazz Surratt | North Carolina — An athletic playmaker with a complete skill set, Surratt can do it all at the second level. A converted quarterback, Surratt made an immediate impact at his new position, earning first-team all-conference honors in back-to-back seasons.) (1-26-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-2021-preview-top-prospects-positions-rosters/

Senior Bowl Players to Watch: Defense (Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina:  I wrote prior to the season that Chazz Surratt was perhaps one of my favorite storylines entering the 2020 college campaign. Surratt was recruited as a quarterback and as a redshirt freshman in 2017 he made seven starts for the Tar Heels, throwing for 1,342 yards and eight touchdowns. But he appeared in just one game at quarterback in 2018, and after that season he switched to linebacker. In 2019, his first season as a ‘backer? He was named a First-Team All-ACC selection and was a runner-up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. His 115 tackles led the team and were second in the conference.  With an abbreviated schedule Surratt could not top those 2019 numbers, but he came close. Where he had 6.5 sacks in the 2019 season, Surratt posted six in just 11 games. He also tallied 91 tackles, falling shy of the number posted a year ago. His athleticism and movement skills might make him the model linebacker for today’s NFL.) (1-25-21):  https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/lists/senior-bowl-players-to-watch-defense/

Top linebackers at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (Chazz Surratt, North Carolina:  The young man was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year in his first year playing the position. That isn’t a local district award, either. No, Chazz Surratt did that in 2019, in the ACC!  When he arrived at Chapel Hill, he was a quarterback recruit before flipping to the defensive side of the ball. 2019 showed he had all the athletic ability in the world to play the position at a high level. Well, in 2020, he continued along that path with the mental side of the game. Surratt now has a better understanding of his assignment, and his trigger has improved. Of the linebackers’ group at the Senior Bowl, Surratt might be the most intriguing of the bunch.)(1-25-21):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/top-linebackers-at-the-2021-reeses-senior-bowl/

10 players to watch in 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl (7. Chazz Surratt, LB, North Carolina: Surratt — whose brother, Wake Forest wide receiver Sage, is also in this year’s game — was a high school quarterback, so he’s certainly got great athleticism. At 6-foot-2, 227-pounds, he could be an intriguing prospect as both a blitzer and as a coverage linebacker.) (1-25-21):  https://www.al.com/sports/2021/01/10-players-to-watch-in-2021-reeses-senior-bowl.html

Week 15 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Chazz Surratt makes a big fourth-down stop against the Hurricanes (4:30 PM):  Former quarterback and current linebacker Chazz Surratt has some of the highest upside in the 2021 NFL Draft, as Neal Driscoll can attest. A consistent issue for him has been tackling, but he’s been excellent in that department today, in North Carolina’s game against the Miami Hurricanes.  Just a few minutes ago, the Hurricanes attempted to convert a short fourth down. They ran the ball down the middle, but before the ball carrier could get past the line of scrimmage, Surratt used his short-range burst to fill the gap and sized up the runner, stopping him in his tracks. If Surratt can impose his will and his 6-foot-3, 225-pound size more consistently, he could eventually be an impactful starter at the NFL level. IC) (12-12-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-15-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

How UNC's ex-QB Chazz Surratt turned into prized LB prospect (11-18-20):  https://www.nfl.com/news/back-2-campus/how-unc-s-chazz-surratt-went-from-starting-qb-to-prized-lb-prospect

Week 11 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Chazz Surratt again flashes upside in North Carolina victory against Wake Forest (4:10 PM):  Speed kills. That’s a fact, and it’s just as accurate on defense as it is on offense. The North Carolina-Wake Forest game was a showcase full of playmaking ability. Still, it was ultimately decided when Tar Heels linebacker swooped in to sack Demon Deacons quarterback Sam Hartman on fourth down.  Surratt can stand to add more to his frame, and he’s not yet a complete weapon in all phases, but as Neal Driscoll has mentioned in his draft profile of Surratt, the former quarterback truly excels as a blitzer. His searing speed allows him to shoot through lanes in the protection, and he’s very intuitive when pursuing the passer. Surratt now has five sacks on the year, a number that only emphasizes his extraordinary potential. IC) (11-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-11-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

NFL draft matchups: Fascinating QB tilt in Death Valley, plus a nearly 700-pound SEC trench battle (Virginia Tech RB Khalil Herbert vs. UNC LB Chazz Surratt:  Standing in Herbert’s way is a UNC defense that has held its two opponents to 108 rush yards on 54 carries, with a long run of 15. (Worth noting: The first two opponents, Syracuse and Boston College, rank at the bottom of the ACC in rushing.) But that unit will need to be sharp to cut down the cutback lanes for Herbert.  We’ve discussed Surratt previously, as the highly athletic converted QB has transitioned nicely to his role on defense. A fast-reacting defender, Surratt brings quick-strike ability against the run, even if he’s prone to missing a tackle or two (though he’s been better in that department this season).) (10-8-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-fascinating-qb-tilt-in-death-valley-plus-a-nearly-700-pound-sec-trench-battle-133208187.html

Top 10 performances from 2021 NFL Draft prospects in Week 5 (2. LB CHAZZ SURRATT, NORTH CAROLINA:  After a few weeks off with some postponed games, Surratt was back to his normal, havoc-wreaking self. On 19 pass rushes, he had an absurd nine pressures, including one sack.  He plays a relentless brand of football that saw him make plays all over the field in this one. He finished with six stops as well as a pass breakup. More importantly, after a horrible missed tackle problem in 2019, Surratt missed only one of nine attempts in this one.) (10-7-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-college-football-top-10-performances-2021-nfl-draft-prospects-week-5

College Football Week 2: Best and worst performances of the weekend (Chazz Surratt, Linebacker, UNC (6’3″, 225 pounds):  While names such as Penn State’s Micah Parsons and Alabama’s Dylan Moses rightfully steal the headlines when it comes to 2021 linebackers, don’t you dare sleep on North Carolina’s Chazz Surratt.  The extraordinarily athletic Surratt was a beast Saturday, notching nine tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and two sacks. His sideline-to-sideline speed was fully on display, as was his quickness to read and react.  Surratt was initially recruited to the Tar Heels to play quarterback but transitioned to linebacker after his sophomore season. Tony Pauline has high praise for Surratt, exclaiming, “Chazz Surratt, whose brother plays receiver for Wake Forest, is an outstanding off-ball and space linebacker with a three-down game, as he’s terrific in pursuit and shows ability in coverage. Surratt plays tough, instinctive football and nicely projects as a 4-3 weakside linebacker.”) (9-15-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/college-football-week-2-best-worst-performances-from-weekend/

2021 NFL Draft prospects to watch: Quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence, Brock Purdy and Ian Book debut (Linebacker Chazz Surratt is a high-volume tackler and an all-around producer. He stacked the stat sheet last season and currently projects as a Day 2 selection.) (9-11-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-prospects-to-watch-quarterbacks-trevor-lawrence-brock-purdy-and-ian-book-debut/

NFL draft: Best Week 2 prospect matchups to watch in college football (North Carolina LB Chazz Surratt vs. Syracuse:  One Surratt brother already has opted out for the 2020 college season, but the other will be raring to go in what could be an All-America type of season. The Tar Heels’ Surratt has successfully made the transition from quarterback to linebacker over the past year-plus, and his 2019 season displayed some fascinating upside.  The runner-up ACC Defensive Player of the Year is a highly athletic and energetic playmaker who has an opportunity to be a major disruptor in the opener against a Syracuse team that had its top two running backs opt out this season and has last year’s starting tight end now starting at left guard.  Syracuse head coach Dino Babers said Surratt’s transition has been impressive.  “I see a quarterback playing defense that’s hard to fool and plays with fantastic effort,” Babers said glowingly of Surratt. “The guy just doesn’t miss a lot of tackles. It’s really impressive to see a quarterback come over there and have that type of impact from a tackling standpoint that early in his career on defense.  “And then, from the mental part of it, you can just see him, whether he’s getting a tackle for loss or making an interception, he just thinks like a quarterback on the defensive side of the ball.”  We’ll disagree with Coach on one thing: Missed tackles were, in our minds, a big area of concern from last season with Surratt. But we’re chalking it up to the newness of the position and believe he’s poised for a big final season. Right now, he’s in the third- or fourth-round range.) (9-10-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-best-week-2-prospect-matchups-to-watch-in-college-football-170819234.html

2021 NFL Draft: Preseason linebacker rankings (4. CHAZZ SURRATT, NORTH CAROLINA:  Surratt's grade last season (62.9 overall) isn't going to support his ranking here. As with any grade, though, the context has to be utilized. There are three very important reasons he still makes this top five:  1. It was Surratt's very first year playing linebacker after switching from quarterback.  2. A vast majority of his negatives came from missing 27 tackles on 130 attempts.  3. Surratt plays with uncoachable violence that translated most notably as a blitzer, where he had 30 pressures on 101 pass-rushing snaps.  He's yet another player with the ideal physical tools at the position. Now, if those missed tackle problems persist into Year 2 at linebacker, then we have a serious problem. However, I'll trust a guy who can make plays in coverage like the one below to figure it out.  2020 Outlook:  The goal for Surratt in 2020 is to … well … look more like a linebacker. Missed reads and missed tackles dominated his tape from 2019. Those aren't death knells by any means, but you'd like to see them cleaned up if you're interested in drafting him highly.) (8-18-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-preseason-linebacker-rankings

Countdown to College Football Kickoff: Top NFL prospects at North Carolina (Surratt) (6-18-20):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/news/countdown-to-college-football-kickoff-top-nfl-prospects-at-north-carolina

2021 NFL Draft: Trevor Lawrence, Travis Etienne, and the other ACC prospects you need to know (Chazz Surratt played with reckless abandon in his first year as a linebacker, commendable from a player who was a -- wait for it -- quarterback just a year previous. Was his tackling reliable? No. Did he thrive in coverage? No. But Surratt's urgency and range get me excited for what could be in store for this 6-2, 225-pound lightning bolt of a player.) (9-10-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-trevor-lawrence-travis-etienne-and-the-other-acc-prospects-you-need-to-know/

2020 ACC Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Chazz Surratt, whose brother plays receiver for Wake Forest, is an outstanding off-ball and space linebacker with a three-down game, as he’s terrific in pursuit and shows ability in coverage. Surratt plays tough, instinctive football and nicely projects as a 4-3 weakside linebacker.) (7-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-acc-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/3/

Early 2021 NFL Draft positional rankings (4. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina:  Surratt played quarterback for the Tarheels as recently as 2018. In his lone season at linebacker in 2019, though, Surratt turned heads. He racked up 56 stops and 31 pressures on 101 pass-rushing snaps. If he can clean up his tackling that saw him miss 27 of 120 attempts, Surratt could be a first-rounder.) (6-11-20):  https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-early-2021-nfl-draft-positional-rankings

NFL Draft 2021: The top 10 linebacker rankings (4. Chazz Surratt, UNC
Chazz Surratt is one of the most polarizing stories in the 2021 Draft class. Surratt went from National Player of the Year in high school to UNC’s starting quarterback, to a positional change to linebacker all in the span of a few years. Now, he’s one of the best linebackers in the nation.  Surratt possesses elite athletic ability and his football IQ is already at a high level from playing quarterback. However, Surratt still lacks to refinement of playing the position and it can show at times. It takes time to learn how to play a position, years of practice and game reps help make things second nature. It will take time, but Surratt will master the position one day and be a truly fearsome prospect.) (6-9-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-linebackers-rankings-nfl-draft/

2021 NFL Draft: Meet Tar Heels linebacker Chazz Surratt (5-7-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/tar-heels-linebacker-chazz-surrat/


Scouting Reports:


Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington – NFL Draft Player Profile:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/joe-tryon-nfl-draft-player-profile-washington-edge/




Ranking:


Articles:

2021 NFL Draft: Identifying potential value and reaches using The Athletic's Consensus Big Board (EDGE JOE TRYON, WASHINGTON
(Difference: -23 spots on PFF’s board):  Tryon is the second Washington defensive lineman to find his way onto this list. He joined Onwuzurike in opting out of the 2020 season. The main difference is that Tryon had yet to produce at a high level in the college ranks in any role, earning a 65.6 PFF grade in 2018 and a 67.7 grade in 2019. The physical traits and attacking mentality are there for him to become a high-end pass rusher, but he still has a ways to go technically given what we last saw from him.  Tryon does boast ideal size and length for the position, and his explosiveness was apparent at his Pro Day. People around him have also talked about how he rebuilt his body during the year off in 2020. Onwuzurike said of Tryon in an interview with PFF’s 2 for 1 Drafts podcast, “I don’t know if you’ve seen him now … dude is big as hell. He’s just been working his ass off.”  That kind of work ethic paired with Tryon’s physical gifts gives reason to believe his technique will come along. But there are edge defenders in this class with high-end traits and better on-field production than Tryon.) (4-28-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-value-reaches-the-athletic-consensus-big-board

Five NFL prospects who could be surprise first-round picks (Joe Tryon, DE, Washington:  Like his former Huskies teammate and fellow NFL draft prospect Levi Onwuzurike, Tryon opted out of the 2020 season. Had he played, the 6-5, 259-pound hybrid pass rusher likely would have earned wider recognition as one of college football's most imposing defenders. Missing that extra year of development and opportunity to expand his pass-rush plan could hinder his draft outlook, but he still has a shot at the first round thanks to his aggressive bull rush.) (4-28-21):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/draft/2021/04/28/nfl-draft-five-prospects-surprise-first-round-picks/7387201002/

10 potential 2nd round picks for the Lions (Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington:  Tryon opted out of playing in 2020 and that causes the Huskies pass rusher to be more under the radar than he should be. He was building a strong case to be a first-round selection with his play in 2019, too.  At Washington, Tryon was inconsistent at pretty much everything. Some of that was attributable to how the Huskies moved him around the formation; he never got truly comfortable at one spot and never got to focus on one position. Give him that focus as a stand-up EDGE and Tryon can be great. He’s got the athleticism, the length and the twitch to be a high-end pass rusher.  Tryon is the kind of prospect you trust your coaches can work with to bring out his best, the way the Saints did with Trey Hendrickson as a pass-rushing specialist. Tryon is that kind of player, only with a higher all-around ceiling.) (4-22-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/lists/lions-draft-second-round-pick-prospects-2021-nfl-draft/

How Washington EDGE Joe Tryon transformed his frame (4-9-21):  https://draftwire.usatoday.com/2021/04/09/2021-nfl-draft-joe-tryon-washington-diet-workout-video/

Leinweber’s Top 13-24 Edge Defenders in 2021 Draft (20. Joe Tryon, Washington:  A 2020 opt-out, Tryon has an impressive build at 6-foot-5, 262 pounds with long arms. On tape, he flashes promising power-rush potential that could get even better if he improved basics in terms of hand placement. He is most effective rushing on the inside against guards as he is a better athlete than them and can use his hands to his advantage. When rushing from the outside, he has a difficult time establishing a half-man relationship and winning around the outside shoulder, which is why most of his production comes on inside moves or when he is unblocked. In the run game, he has a long way to go as he does not anchor well and struggles to maintain gap integrity as well as reading and identifying plays. Tryon projects as a developmental project due to his build. If a team can teach him to play at extension and use some of his power, he could turn into a quality rotational player along a defensive line, provided he can improve as a run defender.  Value: 6th/7th Round) (3-22-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/nfl-draft/leinweber-top-13-24-edge-defenders-2021-nfl-draft

2021 NFL Draft: The biggest differences between PFF's big board and mock draft ADP (PLAYERS WHO ARE HIGHER IN ADP
EDGE JOE TRYON, WASHINGTON (PFF Board: 86.  Mock ADP: 48):  Tryon has that ideal, long-limbed edge build combined with first-step explosiveness that gets NFL evaluators going. He also has very little production to speak of, given his one lone year as a full-time starter. Before opting out ahead of 2020, Tryon earned a 62.0 run-defense grade and a 71.9 pass-rushing grade in 2019.  Our worries with Tryon aren’t simply that he’s unrefined, though, as he also lacks flexibility and is a bit out of control. He struggles to bend the edge without getting washed past the top of the pocket. That’s only going to get exacerbated once he gets to the league.) (3-2-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-pffs-big-board-mock-draft-adp

2021 NFL Draft: 10 prospects PFF likes less than other scouts and media (EDGE JOE TRYON, WASHINGTON (PFF Big Board Rank: 86):  Tryon is viewed as highly as he is because of his physical profile. He has the size, length and explosiveness for the position and is such a violent player with a menacing bull rush. The dominant reps he put on tape are easy to fall in love with.  That said, we didn’t see those reps on a consistent basis, and his pass-rush plan was always errant. Tryon posted a middling 71.9 pass-rush grade in his final season at Washington in 2019 (opted out in 2020 with Onwuzurike), and nearly half of his 41 pressures were either unblocked or on clean-up plays. He’s going to be a huge work in progress at the next level.) (2-25-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-10-prospects-pff-likes-less-than-other-scouts-media

2021 NFL Draft edge defender rankings (10. JOE TRYON, WASHINGTON:  Tryon is about as pure a physical projection as you’ll see at the edge position. He has the size, length and explosiveness that the NFL covets. That’s about it. He earned only a 71.9 pass-rushing grade and a 62.0 run-defense grade in 2019 before opting out in 2020.  If you’re buying into Tryon, it’s because of the high-level flashes. While there are some far more productive edge rushers ranked below him on our big board, those guys aren’t capable of reps like this that we saw from Tryon against likely top-five pick Penei Sewell.) (2-22-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-2021-nfl-draft-edge-defender-rankings

Draft: Ranking the prospects who opted out (10. Joe Tryon, EDGE, Washington - The skinny: Tryon checks the physical box at 6-5 and around 265 pounds. And there's plenty of power to his game, against the run and when rushing the passer. He's an explosive, linear athlete and works well back to the inside as his main counter. Beyond a bull rush and a crossover, there aren't pass-rushing moves in his repertoire at this point. ) (2-16-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-penei-sewell-jamarr-chase-headline-prospects-who-opted-out-of-2020-season/

Was UW's Supreme Edge Rusher Joe Tryon Wise to Leave so Soon for NFL? (8-31-20):  https://www.si.com/college/washington/.amp/football/was-washingtons-edge-rusher-joe-tryon-right-to-leave-so-soon-for-nfl

2021 Draft: Pac-12 prospects to know (EDGE Joe Tryon:  Being 6-5 and 262 pounds with speed to threaten the corner is going to get Tryon drafted. He could even add about 10 more pounds to his body without losing his burst. Somewhat bendy and exquisite on twists, Tryon logged eight sacks in 2019 as a sophomore. He's far from a finished product, but scouts will fall in love with Tryon's upside as a rushing specialist. ) (8-18-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-pac-12-prospects-to-know-after-conference-cancels-fall-college-football-season/

2020 Pac-12 Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Joe Tryon could eventually be the top next-level prospect from the program if he continues to develop. Tryon is a tall, athletic defender who can stand over tackle or come out of a three-point stance. He’s forceful and tough to block, and he makes plays behind the line of scrimmage and in space.) (8-17-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-pac-12-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/4/

NFL draft: Big Ten, Pac-12 prospects hurt most by losing a fall college season (Washington LB Joe Tryon:  When you see the jump Tryon made from his 2018 season (two tackles for loss, one sack) to what he did in 2019 (12.5 tackles for loss, eight sacks), it’s easy to see that he’s considered an ascending player. An even bigger 2020 season was anticipated by many.  Tryon is as a mid-round prospect, but it’s hard not to wonder where the 6-4, 262-pounder could have been after another productive season. He has a nice height-weight-speed quotient and some versatility to his game, but scouts were hungry for more — especially in expected tests against top Pac-12 tackles such as Little and Oregon’s Penei Sewell.) (8-13-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-big-ten-pac-12-prospects-hurt-most-by-losing-a-fall-college-season-195907835.html

Washington Huskies edge rusher Joe Tryon poised for stardom (6-18-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/washingtons-huskies-edge-rusher-joe-tryon-poised-for-stardom/

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 edge rusher rankings (6. Joe Tryon, Washington:  Despite being listed just under 270lbs, Joe Tryon has functioned as an outside linebacker for the Washington Huskies. He projects better as a 4-3 defensive end, given his frame, so evaluating his tape has been tricky. Tryon has the physical tools to be a quality pass rusher and the functional strength to be a plus run defender. While I don’t think he has an elite pass-rush upside, he could be a 6-8 sack per season player for the majority of his career. Teams may also try and test Tryon as SAM in a base 4-3 scheme, as he has functioned off-ball in Washington.) (6-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2021-nfl-draft-top-10-edge-rusher-rankings/


Scouting Reports:




Ranking:


Articles:

Linsey: 'My guys' at each position in the 2021 NFL Draft (LINEBACKER: PETE WERNER, OHIO STATE - PFF Big Board rank: 97th.  PFF’s Seth Galina explored how modern football was changing the linebacker position earlier this offseason. You should read the full piece here, but the short version is that the linebacker position is becoming increasingly difficult, especially for limited athletes.  Werner projects as one of the better athletes in this class after posting a sub-seven-second three-cone, a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical at 6-foot-3 and 238 pounds during his Pro Day. That combination of size and athleticism is what defensive coordinators are looking for.  His production as a three-year starter at Ohio State wasn’t great from a PFF grading standpoint, but he has the ability to take on blocks in the run game and not stick out as a liability in coverage. He’s the kind of athlete I would want to take a chance on Day 2 after the first wave of linebackers comes off the board.) (4-26-21):  https://www.pff.com/news/draft-my-guys-each-position-2021-nfl-draft-trey-lance-kyle-pitts

NFL Draft: Eight bold observations about 2021 class (Pete Werner is the best Ohio State linebacker prospect in this class - Baron Browning was the five-star recruit who blossomed in his final season for the Buckeyes and has received plenty of pre-draft hype as one of the best Day 2 linebackers in the class. Then there's Justin Hilliard, another five-star recruit -- imagine that -- who battled injuries in Columbus but flashed in 2020 as another athletic linebacker to monitor in the middle rounds.   But the best Buckeyes linebacker in this class is neither Browning nor Hilliard. It's Werner. He looks like an oversized safety, strikes like 2012 Brandon Spikes and has some of the loosest, most fluid hips in the entire class. He had 14 pass breakups and four forced fumbles in his final three seasons as a full-time player for the Buckeyes. While not overly fast, he identifies plays quickly and has the explosion to get to the football. I get serious Fred Warner vibes while watching him.) (4-20-21):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2021-nfl-draft-bold-observations-eight-takeaways-from-studying-this-draft-class-that-arent-so-conventional/

Lions 2021 draft preview: Detroit could fill long-term need at linebacker in Round 2 (Browning's teammate, Werner, is a prime example. Again, we're talking about a prospect with NFL-ready size (6-foot-3, 238 pounds), above-average athleticism and plenty of experience playing for one of college football's most-talented programs.) (4-13-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/lions-2021-draft-preview-detroit-171700666.h

5 Late-Round Linebackers Lions Could Target in 2021 NFL Draft (Pete Werner, Ohio State - Consensus draft range: Day three.  In Werner, a team will get a physical, versatile linebacker who can play in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes.  New Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn said he plans to be multi-dimensional, and Werner fits that school of thinking perfectly.  Unlike the previous two, Werner is a guy who has carved out a reliable reputation over the course of four seasons with the Buckeyes. He doesn’t get the attention that his teammates, Baron Browning and Tuf Borland, get, but is certainly reliable and could be a good get early on day three.) (3-26-21):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-late-round-nfl-draft-linebackers

NFL draft: Ohio State's rare LB group shows how far it has come at Senior Bowl (1-29-21):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-ohio-states-rare-lb-group-shows-how-far-it-has-come-at-senior-bowl-192001246.html

Detroit Lions' scouting guide to the 2021 National Championship (Werner doesn’t quite have Browning’s athleticism, but he has terrific range, intelligence, and work ethic.) (1-11-21):  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2021/01/11/detroit-lions-scouting-guide-to-the-2021-national-championship/

10 prospects to watch for Detroit Lions in Ohio State-Alabama CFP championship game (Pete Werner, LB, Ohio State:  Detroit’s linebacker room is in dire need of remodeling, so don’t be surprised if the Lions double up on the position come April. Pete Werner doesn’t come with flashy sack or interception numbers but has four years of valuable experience playing for Ohio State. The senior linebacker posted 46 tackles, 2.5 for loss and one sack this year in seven games.  Most importantly, in all of this, Werner has continued to improve with each passing year. He was one of the best linebackers in coverage in 2019 and has shown a knack for limiting explosive plays in his territory. Werner is one of those linebackers that seems to make plays, he doesn’t stand out, but he’s been a consistent presence leading Ohio State’s defense.) (1-11-21):  https://www.mlive.com/lions/2021/01/10-prospects-to-watch-for-detroit-lions-in-ohio-state-alabama-cfp-championship-game.html

Week 14 College Football news, schedule, live blog and more (Pete Werner = One of the most complete LB prospects in the nation (1:20 PM):  Micah Parsons is a more explosive athlete. Zaven Collins has better size. Yet Pete Werner of Ohio State does not get the credit he’s due.  Werner is a complete three-down defender whose instincts and intangibles are off the chart. The senior has solid size (6-feet-1.5-inches, 233 pounds), decent speed (4.7s area), and his ability to remain disciplined with assignments, read then react, and do the little things well is impressive. Unlike Parsons and Collins, Werner is a Day 2 prospect, but someone who will have a long, productive career in the NFL if used correctly.) (12-5-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-college-football-news-schedule-live-blog-and-more/

NFL draft matchups: Return of Big Ten adds major talent influx back to college football (Ohio State’s LB trio vs. Nebraska:  Despite losing third-rounder Malik Harrison, the Buckeyes are loaded at linebacker. Led by Pete Werner, Baron Browning and Tuf Borland — three players who should end up on NFL rosters — OSU has depth, talent and versatility.  But interestingly, only Werner (590 snaps last season) was truly a three-down defender a year ago. This season, the 6-3, 242-pound Werner is moving from “Sam” to “Will” linebacker and should be in line to make more plays. He’s already well-regarded in NFL circles, earning some second-round grades this summer, and could crack the top 50 selections next spring.  Even so, he’s not the Buckeyes linebacker with the highest ceiling. Despite playing only 40.5 percent of the defensive snaps a year ago, Browning has the kind of athletic potential that could make him the star of this unit.) (10-23-20):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-draft-matchups-return-of-big-ten-adds-major-talent-influx-back-to-college-football-131821130.html

2021 NFL Draft: Big Ten prospects to know after conference cancels fall college football season (Inside linebacker Pete Werner is a smaller inside linebacker that moves well.) (8-19-20):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2021-nfl-draft-big-ten-prospects-to-know-after-conference-cancels-fall-college-football-season/

2020 Big Ten Preseason Summer Scouting Preview (Pete Werner lacks great size, but he’s tough, athletic and incredibly instinctive. He possesses the versatility to be used at several linebacker spots in a variety of schemes.) (6-26-20):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2020-big-ten-preseason-summer-scouting-preview/2/


Posted by LionsFan at 2:46 PM

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