Pros: Has rare speed for a linebacker and fine instincts, gives total effort at all times and has exceptional coverage ability. Has the hip flip and movement skills of many safeties after previous experience at that position. A downhill player who is able to makes plays all over the field and does a good job of playing off blockers and getting through traffic. He understands his responsibilities in the defensive scheme and carries them out perfectly, like another coach on the field. He stays in his lanes and does well at turning the play back inside or stringing it out to the sidelines without giving ground. A mature and intelligent person with outstanding work habits and fine character who is an avid film watcher in the mold of a Zach Thomas. He has an excellent burst of speed and quickness when attacking forward, displaying upside as a pass rusher in the right scheme though not always utilized to the fullest in that role in college. A natural and fluid athlete who moves very well, both forward and in reverse. He competes as well as anyone in this draft and is as well prepared to start as a rookie.
Cons: He needs to get stronger to be more consistently quick getting off blocks, but is a sure tackler with top instincts. His performance on the bench at the Combine (16 reps) was significantly below par for this class. Also needs to add lower-body strength. Must improve man-to-man pass coverage ability to be complete player.
Numbers: As a senior in 2005, he posted 156 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 8 passes defended, 1 QB hurry and 1 pick. At the Combine, he weighed in at 242 pounds and did 16 reps. He ran a 4.78 and had a 33.5-inch vertical jump and a 9-foot, 9-inch broad jump.
Skinny: Excellent athlete with fine talent and intangibles to be a playmaker on the outside. A future Pro Bowl selection who is the toughest player in this draft class and a top-10 prospect who could slide to the middle of the first round.
