AJ Klein - LB

[TheCoolFan]

Huge fan of AJ Klein from Iowa State. Played mostly ILB but could play all three of the LB spots. From an intangibles standpoint, he sounds like another Sean Lee. Ran a 4.66 at the combine but got nicked up and didn't run the rest of the speed drills but he said he'll be fine for his pro day. If he is there for our 4th rounder, that would be a GREAT pick.

This is what will make Klein different, his coach says. Mentally, defensive coordinator Wally Burnham believes Klein is a cut above. Burnham, who has coached more than 40 years, working with the likes of Deion Sanders and Derrick Brooks in college, called Klein one of the smartest players he has ever coached.
During games, the two always discussed adjustments. Burnham said Klein "religiously" studied the stances of offensive linemen and the pre-snap tendencies of running backs. During the week, he lived at the facility. In his four years, Klein missed only two practices. And even then - with bronchitis and a 103-degree temperature - Klein was on the sideline with his teammates to absorb the game plan for Iowa State's bowl game against Tulsa.
In the 31-17 loss, Klein had 19 tackles.
To gain a mental edge and keep pace in the Big 12, he was always around. In this sense, Burnham says Klein is similar to Brooks, the 11-time Pro Bowl player.
"Derrick was a very cerebral player," Burnham said. "He was a very smart kid. They compare that way really well. A.J. was a lot bigger. When I coached Derrick, he was 220, 225. A.J. is 245. They have different styles but are both really sharp kids."

Also some great quotes on Klein and his experience facing spread/read option offenses in the rest of the article:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/kimberlys-klein-likes-chances-in-nfl-868p4km-191136221.html

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Totally with you.

 

[Eskimo]

He sounds very promising.

I'd like to get him in the 4th round or so if he's still on the board. He sounds like an instinctive guy with a good work ethic and satisfactory measurables to transition to the pro game.

He's a step slow perhaps but may make up for it by making quick reads and flowing to the ball well.

It also sounds like he has a knack for TOs with 4 pick 6's in his career.

 

[Macnalty]

Huge fan of AJ Klein from Iowa State. Played mostly ILB but could play all three of the LB spots. From an intangibles standpoint, he sounds like another Sean Lee. Ran a 4.66 at the combine but got nicked up and didn't run the rest of the speed drills but he said he'll be fine for his pro day. If he is there for our 4th rounder, that would be a GREAT pick.
Also some great quotes on Klein and his experience facing spread/read option offenses in the rest of the article:

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/kimberlys-klein-likes-chances-in-nfl-868p4km-191136221.html

He is a smart kid who plays quicker than his times(I thought he was a 4.5), I agree with the Sean Lee comparison and should be an option in rd four. He is a middle linebacker only IMO. He would make a great backup for Sean with very little drop off in football intelligence and physicality. He is not Sean Lee part 2 but a very good player. He makes the team no matter when you draft him. There are going to be some good players in the fourth and third rd this year.

 

[Hailmary]

Love the kids who watch tape. As I see it, they'll be entering the next level with good habits and their learning curve won't be as steep.

Don't know much about him, but from the sounds of it even if he doesn't start, might be worth having around on ST and a positive locker room presence.

 

[ABQCOWBOY]

I don't really love Klein for us. He ran well but he does not cover well. I would like to see how he compares to other LBs in his agility numbers.

I personally like Jake Knott better. He is very good in coverage and I think he could play Weakside LB in a Tampa or even MLB in a Tampa2 defense.