What's more important in a football player?

[Zaxor]

I'll take instincts.

Fact of the matter is, all these guys are amazing athletes to begin with.

But not all of them have instincts.

I agree

 

[royhitshard]

Instinct hands down.

 

[Derinyar]

since athlete is the root word for athleticism im going to say a better athlete has athleticism over instinct . . .

But thats exactly it, we aren't looking for athletes we are looking for football players. We aren't looking for the fastest guys but the ones with the best football speed. We aren't looking for the biggest guys, but the guys who best know how to use the size that they have. Athleticism can makeup for defincies in instinct, to some extent. Instincts don't usually come late, they either are there or aren't. Players can add muscle and, to a smaller extent, speed.

 

[jackrussell]

I found this reading Gil Brandt's column. I realize it speaks of LBers, but interesting none the less that 'athletic ability' was ranked 5th.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/cb

INSIDE THE SCOUTSWhat scouts look for when grading linebackers:

Critical factors
1. Character
2. Ability to learn football
3. Competitive toughness
4. Work habits
5. Athletic ability

Position specifics
1. Man cover ability
2. Zone cover ability
3. Backpedal
4. Break from backpedal
5. Run support
6. Tackling ability
7. Closing quickness
8. Deep acceleration
9. Play the ball

 

[Rack]

Weird, the article is about CBs, but the "What to look for" deal is about LBs. Or at least that's what it says. The position specific part seems like it's about CBs, not LBs.

 

[jackrussell]

Less weird:

http://www.nfl.com/draft/analysis/expert/brandt/lb

INSIDE THE SCOUTSWhat scouts look for when grading linebackers:

Critical factors
1. Character
2. Ability to learn football
3. Competitive toughness
4. Work habits
5. Athletic ability

Position specifics
1. Reactions
2. Range
3. Pass defense
4. Hands (catching)
5. Strength at point
6. Stays on feet
7. Use of hands
8. Tackling ability
9. Pass rush