The overly elusive athlete shows up on tape constantly and wreaks havoc on opposing QB's. Looks like the next Von Miller hybrid except a little stronger in the upper body. Jarvis projects to be an outside linebacker at the next level and plays with a mean streak when he motor is really going. One weakness is that he can easily get blocked out of a play with a double team, meaning that he will have to get stronger to be effective at the next level. Look for Jones to be a great 3rd down pass rusher in one on one opportunities. He isn't necessarily the biggest person on the field but he certainly plays like it at the point of attack.
2. Manti Teo
Yea I know...it's kind of funny to imagine that someone who lied about having a girlfriend is going to get drafted in the 1st round. But you have to put all of this behind the young man and look at his play on the field. Teo is a combination of size and football intelligence as the jury is still out on his speed. He might have game speed but he will get smashed around in training camp this summer...I guarantee it. More importantly I fully expect Manti to be a solid 12 year pro in the NFL as his football instincts and toughness overshadow any weakness that his overall game may have. 7 interceptions as a middle linebacker? That is no fluke, this kid can play.
3. Arthur Brown
An undersized and underrated linebacker who I call "feisty" on tape. Mr. Brown reminds me a little of London Fletcher of the Redskins as he has he tenacity to go up against pulling guards and fullbacks. Sometimes he gets his pad level a little high which is dangerous when going up against NFL RBs. Fortunately, this problem is fixable by good coaching. One of the best positives about Brown's game is that he has a high motor. He is obviously in very good shape and might be the most productive linebacker of the 5 on this list when it's all said and done.
4. Alec Ogletree
I would have Alec #2 on this list but he recently got a DUI, which screams to me that his ego is a but too high at the moment. He has the best physical tools out of any LB on the list and has more potential than upside. Of you watch the tape of UGA vs Bama you might think Ogletree is an average LB, but there was just better coaching involved. Ogletree is a former safety who has natural coverage skills and offers a nice blend of toughness, block shedding, and football IQ. He would be a perfect fit for a team like the Chicago should they decide to let Urlacher walk. Look for Alec to be drafted in the lower first/upper second round next month.
5. Kevin Minter
A lot of experts have Minter listed as the best ILB coming into the draft and they might be right. I just think that Ogletree and Teo will stay more healthy in the league with their style of play. Minter is the most physically imposing specimen when coming downhill at RBs and can cover TEs in space. Kevin often overpursues good running backs at the hole and led to a few long runs this season. Again, we are dealing with a very coachable athlete who should be able to fix these problems over the course of a season...so don't expect a lack of production. He would be a nice fit for someone like the Chargers or the Giants this offseason. Minter should get his name called in the lower first/upper second round of the draft.
No comments:
Post a Comment