morasp
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If I'm drafting a LB in the first round, after the requisite physical traits the thing he needs to have that can't be taught is instincts. Think Sean Lee. Running to the wrong hole really fast doesn't do much good. Neither does taking to long to diagnose. In college superior physical talent can mask the deficiency but in the pros it gets exposed quickly. I haven't looked at entire games of either of these guys only the youtube highlights but I do trust the NFL.com scouting reports especially for the higher ranked players and here's the tidbits they wrote about the instincts of each:
Leighton Vander Esch:
Vander Esch is a loose-hipped, instinctive linebacker who played in 2017 like he had a GPS tracker on the football. His production totals against both the run and pass are rare for being a first-year starter and with a frame that is primed for more muscle, his NFL ceiling is high. Vander Esch might benefit from a reduced role his rookie season while he improves his play strength and becomes more skilled at taking on blocks. He's an every-down linebacker with very good starting potential and the talent to fill up a stat sheet.
Rashaan Evans:
Leighton Vander Esch:
Vander Esch is a loose-hipped, instinctive linebacker who played in 2017 like he had a GPS tracker on the football. His production totals against both the run and pass are rare for being a first-year starter and with a frame that is primed for more muscle, his NFL ceiling is high. Vander Esch might benefit from a reduced role his rookie season while he improves his play strength and becomes more skilled at taking on blocks. He's an every-down linebacker with very good starting potential and the talent to fill up a stat sheet.
Rashaan Evans:
- Just a beat behind in diagnosing
- Lacks instincts of players who have extended history at the position