I havent finished the entire tape of Liufau, I'm just starting Q3, but what I'm seeing so far is a solid 3rd/4th backer on a team which isnt bad for a 3rd round rookie, but I'm questioning how high the ceiling really is for this player. He seems to have good natural LB instincts. The issue I see on tape is that he lack the physical ability to compete for 50+ snaps against NFL talent. How much can he really improve physically? Its tough to teach speed and quickness. When he gets a perfect read the guy looks like a pro bowl talent. When he doesnt he really struggles to recover from any misstep he has. I have a few snaps below that have stood out to me in watching the tape so far.
Q1 - 4:12 - He runs right into not one but two WRs on his way to cover the flat. This isnt some sort of pick play either, its just guys running their routes and Liufau struggled getting through the traffic. He starts lined up in the A gap showing blitz before heading into coverage. If hes not able to line up in a way to disguise his assignment then he will become a liability as a starter.
Q1 - 3:33 - Good job initially of not over running the play leaving the backside open, but he lacks burst and speed to make a play on an outside zone run. This isnt a routine play that any NFL backer makes for a minimal gain, but its one that you look for in deciding if you have a plus player or a depth guy. This is where a more athletic LB provides value running sideline to sideline.
Q2 - 7:09 - I think he gets bailed out by a very good play by Mazi Smith here. Liufau and Jordan Lewis go out to cover the motion man which has to be a mistake I would assume by Liufau but only those in the huddle and Zim truly know. Still can see where he is a little bit limited in physical ability as he tries to recover in coming back in to play the run. If Mazi doesnt make this play your LB is out of position and it goes for a big gain. I don't think this is on Kendricks as his read is likely the Y receiver who takes him away from the play, both LBs ran off due to motion almost has to be either a Liufau error or simply a terrible defensive play by Zimmer.
Q2 - 3:57 - Absolute textbook play. This might be a play they saw on film and knew it was coming, but an absolut fantastic ready by both LBs and Liufau makes a great play behind the LOS and goes a long way across the formation to do so. When he reads a play perfectly from the snap hes as good as anyone on the roster.
Q3 - 12:46 - Front four make a great play to stop the run for just a yard. Liufau gets caught up in the middle and gets pushed back nearly 10 yards from where the tackle is made. Not a good job of recognizing the OL coming to the second level, his hands are in poor position to play the OL. This is an area he could get better with more reps, but
