Everything you need to know about TT's Third Round Pick... OLB Kyler Fackrell.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...kyler-fackrell

Player Lowdown

Combine Results
40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
4.72 ...2.75 - ...........15.......... 34 1/2 - - -

Workout Results

40 Yd 20 Yd 10 Yd 225 Bench Vertical jump Broad Shuttle 3-Cone Drill
4.62 ....2.75 ....1.61.... 15..... 34 1/2 .............10'1" - -


Player Overview

Fackrell returned from a serious knee injury as a junior to emerge as a first team all-Mountain West player in 2015, leading the nation with five fumble recoveries while recording a team-high 15 tackles for loss and a school-record 12 quarterback hurries.

He also had 4.0 sacks while become a semifinalist for the Butkus Award and earning an invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Fackrell suffered a season-ending torn ACL in September of 2014 after emerging the previous season with a team-best 13.0 tackles for loss, adding 82 tackles, 5.0 sacks and a 99-yard interception for a touchdown.


Strengths Weaknesses

STRENGTHS: Tall, long-levered frame. Worked hard to develop his muscle and limb strength. Loose athlete with smooth redirection skills and long strides to cover a lot of ground. Lateral quickness to sidestep blocks or string plays to the outside. Active rusher and quick to read, adjust his angle and close. Uses his length to engage and lock out.

Looks natural in reverse and has experience in coverage.

Offers athletic versatility and natural ball-skills (eight passes defended and four interceptions in his career).

Played on special teams coverages in college, including one blocked kick. Humble and hard-working, but also feisty and competitive - singled out as the leader of the defense by his head coach.

Football junkie who already works and prepares like a professional.

Highly productive with 253 tackles and 36.0 tackles for loss over 41 career starts.


WEAKNESSES: Lean-muscled body type with lanky bulk. Not a forceful player at the point of attack and needs to develop his take-on strength to push through the shoulder of blockers. Plays tall and too easily caught up in the crowd. Quick hands, but shed technique and block recognition requires fine-tuning.


Needs to better break down and finish in space. Long-legged mover, leading to choppy steps and lost balance in short-areas. Inconsistent backfield vision and anticipation, which leads to overaggressive tendencies.


Older prospect and will be a 25-year old NFL rookie.

Missed all of the 2014 season due to an ACL tear in his right knee (Sept. 2014).


IN OUR VIEW: A three-year starter, Fackrell lined up as an edge rusher and outside linebacker in Utah State's 3-4 base and was a jack-of-all-trades defender who rushed and dropped in coverage.


He is a tall, long-armed and flexible athlete with range and closing burst, doing his best work in space because he's not a power player.

Fackrell can be too easily controlled at the point of attack and needs to develop his take-on strength to better dispose of blockers, but the competitive toughness is there.

He has above average intangibles and you won't find anyone who says something negative about him as a person.


Fackrell isn't an explosive player, but floats with great effort in pursuit and offers functional versatility to be an every-down player, ideally suited in a 3-4 scheme.


--Dane Brugler (2/13/16)

Teddy said 4th round comp picks or no, they were going up for a guy in the 2nd as the board was running short. When they figured they could get Spriggs and the cost wasn't bad, easy decision.

Michael Cohen ‏@Michael_Cohen13 17m17 minutes ago
Fackrell: "We're just grateful to be here right now and be part of the #Packers organization."

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 17m17 minutes ago
Fackrell said injury was blessing in disguise. Wife was pregnant at time and was sick a lot, so he got family time.

Michael Cohen ‏@Michael_Cohen13 17m17 minutes ago
Fackrell said the torn ACL came at a fortunate time because his wife was pregnant. He got to spend extra time with his daughter.

Michael Cohen ‏@Michael_Cohen13 16m16 minutes ago
Fackrell: "It's a great team. I'm so excited to be there, and to learn, and to contribute everything that I can."

Michael Cohen ‏@Michael_Cohen13 15m15 minutes ago
Fackrell: "I think definitely upper-body strength is something I continue to work on. I think I can put on maybe 10 pounds, be more stout."

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 13m13 minutes ago
Fackrell said knee felt great last year. Wore brace for two practices, then ditched it. “It got stronger as the season went on.”

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 12m12 minutes ago
Fackrell, on what this means: “Incredible. To be able to share it with my wife, it’s just such a huge blessing.”

Michael Cohen ‏@Michael_Cohen13 13m13 minutes ago
Fackrell on his length: "I think that's one of the first things people look for. The length and being able to keep OTs hands off you."

Michael Cohen ‏@Michael_Cohen13 14m14 minutes ago
Fackrell on his pass-rush style: "I think speed first and foremost. Speed kills, and that's why I always try to win with speed first."

height; 6'5"
weight: 245 lbs
arm length: 33 1/4"
40 Yrd Dash: 4.72
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.61
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 15
Vertical Jump: 34 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.36
3-Cone Drill: 7.34

Speed and length in the mold of Jeremy Thompson or Clay Matthews. Hopefully more like the latter.

Rotoworld's Josh Norris compares Utah State OLB Kyler Fackrell to Connor Barwin.
Norris ranks Fackrell as the No. 35 prospect in the 2016 NFL Draft. "Reminds me so much of Connor Barwin," Norris wrote. "Can be a starting caliber drop end/linebacker for a team opposite a designated pass rusher. His safety background shows in his comfort in space. Still growing as a pass rusher, but has a foundation for hands and lateral moves." The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder received a second-to-third round evaluation from the NFL, but Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage indicated he'd heard first-round chatter.

Source: Rotoworld Feb 19 - 6:03 PM
Kyler Fackrell - DL - Aggies
NFL Network's Mike Mayock sees Utah State OLB Kyler Fackrell as a potential second or third-round selection in this spring's draft.
As Mayock colleague Chase Goodbread noted, during Saturday's Senior Bowl, Fackrell showed well when he "beat Texas Tech left tackle Le'Raven Clark with an inside move in the first quarter to get a hit on Alabama QB Jake Coker just as he released a pass, forcing an incompletion." The 6-foot-5, 245-pound NFL hopeful might have received a second-to-third round evaluation from Mayock, but Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage indicated that he's heard first-round chatter during the practice week. This past season, Fackrell notched 82 tackles (15 for loss), four sacks and 12 quarterback hurries. He's done well to recover from a torn ACL suffered in 2014.

Source: NFL.com Jan 31 - 6:55 PM
Kyler Fackrell - DL - Aggies
Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage said he's heard some first-round talk surrounding Utah State OLB Kyler Fackrell.
"He missed some time with an injury as a junior, but I felt like if he came back and had a good senior year, he'd be a good candidate down here," said Savage. "You hear some talk that he could potentially be in first-round consideration. I think he's definitely in the class of guys that could get a potential (NFL) starter grade. We'll see where he goes from there over the next few months." The 6-foot-5, 245-pounder had 82 tackles, 15 TFL, four sacks and 12 quarterback hurries in his return to the field last year. He's a a pass-rushing linebacker best suited to a 3-4 defense, but is auditioning as a 4-3 strong-side linebacker this week to fit his squad's scheme. "Striking, getting off blocks, I'm always trying to gain weight and mass in my upper body," Fackrell said. "So shedding blocks is something I want to work on. The advantage to my game is speed and an ability to play in space."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by 3irty1

height; 6'5"
weight: 245 lbs
arm length: 33 1/4"
40 Yrd Dash: 4.72
20 Yrd Dash: 2.75
10 Yrd Dash: 1.61
225 Lb. Bench Reps: 15
Vertical Jump: 34 1/2
Broad Jump: 10'01"
20 Yrd Shuttle: 4.36
3-Cone Drill: 7.34

Speed and length in the mold of Jeremy Thompson or Clay Matthews. Hopefully more like the latter.

---

Pro Day he ran 4.62 in 40. Also CBS had that as the workout where he clocked 1.61 in the first 10 yards. If true, he has an impressive top gear.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...kyler-fackrell

Quote:

---

but Senior Bowl executive director Phil Savage indicated he'd heard first-round chatter.

---

and there goes the credibility

I have a feeling this is another of Ted's passrushers who can Plan B as an ILB. If that's the case I hope it doesn't take a whole season for him to find his home. No time to waste with a guy this old.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbmax

Pro Day he ran 4.62 in 40. Also CBS had that as the workout where he clocked 1.61 in the first 10 yards. If true, he has an impressive top gear.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...kyler-fackrell

---

I pulled from here:

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...016&genpos=OLB

Brady Poppinga?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deputy Nutz

Brady Poppinga?

---

The secret underwear is similar anyway.

I did see a report from one guy who said he projects Fackrell best as a 3-4 ILB. Not sure if that's an outlier or if the Packers are thinking along the same lines. Perhaps, this could be a similar play as last year whenever everybody had Randall at S, but the Packers brass envisioned him as a CB.

http://live4sportnetwork.com/footbal...draft-profile/

Quote:

---

Positives: Kyler Fackrell has unique size for the position. Fackrell possess good linear movement, short area burst and agility. Fackrell is a natural tackler and pass rusher.

Negatives: Kyler does not possess good coverage ability. Fackrell's straight line speed is not impressive.

Overall: It's always questioned when a player gets a position change in my rankings but Kyler Fackrell's game translates too well to a 3-4 ILB for me to list him with the OLBs. With an impressive combination of size, agility, football smarts and tackling ability, Fackrell should be an early contributor at the next level. His ability to shed blockers utilizing his arm length and hand placement works well in confined spaces.

Kyler Fackrell is a starting ILB on my '2016 All Rookie, Pre-Draft Team'.

---

Not sure how reliable this guy is though. I had him as a good coverage LB, and this guy rights that he doesn't possess good coverage abilities. It it contradicts everything I've heard and seen on Fackrell.

NFL.com

Quote:

---

NFL COMPARISON Connor Barwin
BOTTOM LINE When it comes to the length and athleticism teams will look for off the edge, Fackrell will be one of the poster boys. His field versatility, coverage talent and potential as a pass rusher could make him one of the fastest rising prospects in this draft and a future contender for a Pro Bowl nod.

---

ESPN

Quote:

---

3rd Down Capabilities: Provides quality balance to contribute as a pass rusher and in coverage in this area. Adequate first step quickness. Uses length well and shows active hands. Average torso flexibility but shows the ability to dip pads and gain outside leverage point. Flashes some speed-to-power capabilities but needs to incorporate more of it into his arsenal. Fluid athlete and shows above-average range in underneath one coverage. Will have some limitations against more athletic TEs in man coverage.

---

CBS

Quote:

---

STRENGTHS: Tall, long-levered frame. Worked hard to develop his muscle and limb strength. Loose athlete with smooth redirection skills and long strides to cover a lot of ground. Lateral quickness to sidestep blocks or string plays to the outside. Active rusher and quick to read, adjust his angle and close. Uses his length to engage and lock out.
Looks natural in reverse and has experience in coverage. Offers athletic versatility and natural ball-skills (eight passes defended and four interceptions in his career).

---

Voch Lombardi likes Fackrell... just wishes his athleticism matched his football IQ.

Like I said, I think Fackrell knows how to play football... great instincts, smart football player. Diagnosis instantly - he's just limited athletically; and, at 25, how much bigger can he get??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUSTg0NKw-s

I'm convinced Ted has a personnel strategy in place to address all linebacker spots with the same type of prospects. The mold is guys who have the combination of experience and physical skillset to both rush the passer and cover.

Because pass rushers are so important, have such a high bust rate, and you can never have enough of them... you'd like to draft as many as possible just to throw a lot of them against the wall. But that's a lot of draft resources to allocate to a position where statistically not much sticks. The answer is to reclaim the failed pass rushers and give them a second chance to succeed as inside linebackers. Most college pass rushers were DE's in college who are poorly suited for this. But you look at this group and you guys with reason to believe they might be cover. Guys like Matthews, Brad Jones, Palmer, Elliott, Bradford, and now Fackrell. Some of these guys have great 3-cones, some were safeties in past lives, or in Bradford's case he had played some ILB. This is particularly well suited for the 3-4 where ILB are more often expected to stack and shed because all of these guys will have experience taking on tackles on the edge. Its also mirrors Ted's OL philosophy where he likes to get college LT's and move them all over his OL because that's where the best college athletes are. Same is true of college pass rushers.

If this is indeed what Ted's up to it hasn't worked much yet but the strategy makes sense. In theory you'll get to try out nearly twice as many draft picks at OLB and when one of your failed OLB's has the instincts to work out at ILB you'll have a higher caliber of athlete than the usual types who play ILB in college. Other teams might be doing this too. Bobby Wagner of the Seahawks comes to mind.

Round 3, Pick 25 (88) Kyler Fackrell OLB 6'5" 245 Utah St. 5.8

Pick Analysis: "He is very loose and bendy to wrap around blocks and pursue from the back side. He's versatile in the passing game. He can run and mirror tight ends and he's an explosive blitzer. Overall, this is a very athletic edge defender with the ability to make plays on all three downs." -- Daniel Jeremiah

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deputy Nutz

Brady Poppinga?

---

That was my thought too.

And I really hope not.

I don't get the lack of athleticism argument against Fackrell. He looks athletic enough on tape (fluid and natural), and the measurables validate this. There are only three guys on my OLBs list who tested as appreciably better overall athletes than Fackrell. Leonard Floyd (who is even more thin than Fackrell), Jatavis Brown (the midget), and Travis Feeney (who is a bit light at 230 pounds). Mind you, Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith would have blown all of these guys out of the water. However, when you stack Fackrell against Lawson, Correa, Spence, Calhoun, Jenkins, Schobert, Nicolas, etc. the measurables overall are almost identical. Fackrell generally ranks slightly lower in 3 cone but slightly higher in broad jump. No doubt he will need to get stronger, and he's far from a perfect prospect, but I wouldn't nail him for a lack of athleticism.

Fackrell = 6'5" 245, 4.72 40, (4.31 shuttle), (7.24 3 cone), 34.5" vertical, 121" broad
Lawson = 6'3" 269, 4.70 40, 4.21 shuttle, 7.16 3 cone, 33" vertical, 120" broad
Correa = 6'3" 243, 4.69 40, (4.18 shuttle), (6.96 3 cone), 33" vertical, 108" broad
Spence = 6'2" 251, 4.80 40, 4.35 shuttle, 7.21 3 cone, 35" vertical, 121" broad
Calhoun = 6'4" 251, 4.82 40, 4.25 shuttle, 6.97 3 cone, 35" vertical, 115" broad
Cravens = 6'1" 226, (4.71 40), 4.41 shuttle, 6.92 3 cone, 27" vertical, 114" broad
Jenkins = 6'3" 259, 4.80 40, (4.32 shuttle), (7.41 3 cone), 36.5" vertical, 123" broad
Ngakoue = 6'2" 252, 4.75 40, 4.50 shuttle, 7.35 3 cone, 34.5" vertical, 118" broad
Schobert = 6'1" 244, 4.76 40, 4.30 shuttle, 7.11 3 cone, 33.5" vertical, 111" broad

Of the four OLBs that I had ranked just ahead and the five OLBs ranked just behind him, he's tested as slightly above average overall as an athlete. He's in the top half amongst these 10 in four of the five athletic measurables (3 cone being the outlier)

BTW, Eric Striker (at 6 inches shorter and 20 pounds lighter) did worse than Fackrell in every measurable, and when whoever this dude says he got out-athleted by some guy. The guy he's covering is Rashard Higgins (a WR Wist really likes). Of course, an OLB is going to struggle to cover a draftable WR. Even Clay Matthews would have problems matched up against a WR.

Striker = 5'11" 227, 4.80 40, 4.46 shuttle, 7.30 3 cone, 30" vertical, 116" broad

The guy on this video is terrible. I try to watch videos without bad commentary on it because it sometimes erroneously shades your perspective.

I like what TT is doing in this draft. Strengthening the lines and his third round pick at OLB may be a beauty.

Is he content at WR? (Available):

Peake, Charone WR 6'2" 209 Clemson 5.8

Cooper, Pharoh WR 5'11" 203 South Carolina 5.6

Mitchell, Malcolm WR 6'0" 198 Georgia 5.5

Higgins, Rashard WR 6'1" 196 Colorado St. 5.4

Louis, Ricardo WR 6'2" 215 Auburn 5.4

Burbridge, Aaron WR 6'0" 206 Michigan St. 5.4

Robinson, Demarcus WR 6'1" 203 Florida 5.4

Listenbee, Kolby WR 6'0" 197 TCU 5.4

Lawler, Kenny WR 6'2" 203 California 5.4

Cajuste, Devon WR 6'4" 234 Stanford 5.4

Lee, Jay WR 6'1" 214 Baylor 5.4

Sharpe, Tajae WR 6'2" 194 Massachusetts 5.4

Boehringer, Moritz WR 6'4" 227 5.4

Garrett, Keyarris WR 6'3" 220 Tulsa 5.3

Spruce, Nelson WR 6'1" 206 Colorado 5.3

Core, Cody WR 6'3" 205 Mississippi 5.3


and RB (Available):

Howard, Jordan RB 6'0" 230 Indiana 6.1

Booker, Devontae RB 5'11" 219 Utah 5.7

Dixon, Kenneth RB 5'10" 215 Louisiana Tech 5.7

Perkins, Paul RB 5'10" 208 UCLA 5.6

Collins, Alex RB 5'10" 217 Arkansas 5.5

Williams, Jonathan RB 5'11" 220 Arkansas 5.4

Pressley, Jhurell RB 5'10" 206 New Mexico 5.4

Ferguson, Josh RB 5'9" 198 Illinois 5.3

Ervin, Tyler RB 5'10" 192 San Jose St. 5.3

Taylor, Kelvin RB 5'10" 207 Florida 5.3

Johnson, Devon RB 6'0" 238 Marshall 5.3


Available at TE:

Saxton, Wes TE 6'3" 248 South Alabama 5.2

LaCosse, Matt TE 6'6" 250 Illinois 5.1

Mahina, Devin TE 6'6" 251 BYU 5.1

Holmes, Gabe TE 6'5" 258 Purdue 5.0

Pierce, Casey TE 6'4" 242 Kent St. 5.0

Lee, Khari TE 6'4" 235 Bowie St. 5.0

Bibbs, E.J. TE 6'2" 258 Iowa St. 5.0

McFarland, Mike TE 6'5" 252 South Florida 5.0


Available on the OL:

Westerman, Christian OG 6'3" 298 Arizona State 5.8

Alexander, Vadal OG 6'5" 326 LSU 5.5

Dahl, Joe OG 6'4" 304 Washington St. 5.5

McGovern, Connor OG 6'4" 306 Missouri 5.5

Allen, Jack C 6'1" 294 Michigan St. 5.5

Hawkins, Jerald OT 6'6" 305 LSU 5.5

Greene, Darrell OG 6'3" 321 San Diego St. 5.5

Turner, Landon OG 6'4" 330 North Carolina 5.4

Tretola, Sebastian OG 6'4" 314 Arkansas 5.4

Beavers, Willie OT 6'4" 324 Western Michigan 5.4

Boehm, Evan C 6'2" 309 Missouri 5.4

Jackson, Dominick OG 6'5" 313 Alabama 5.3

Benenoch, Caleb OT 6'5" 305 UCLA 5.3

Haeg, Joe OT 6'6" 304 North Dakota St. 5.2

Murphy, Kyle OT 6'6" 305 Stanford 5.2

Friend, Kyle C 6'2" 305 Temple 5.2

Blythe, Austin C 6'2" 291 Iowa 5.2

Young, Avery OT 6'5" 328 Auburn 5.2

Lewis, Alex OT 6'6" 312 Nebraska 5.2

Shell, Brandon OT 6'5" 324 South Carolina 5.2

Drango, Spencer OG 6'6" 315 Baylor 5.2


Available on the DL:

Ridgeway, Hassan DT 6'3" 303 Texas 6.0

Billings, Andrew NT 6'1" 311 Baylor 6.0

Henry, Willie DT 6'3" 303 Michigan 5.9

Day, Sheldon DT 6'1" 293 Notre Dame 5.6

Ioannidis, Matthew DT 6'3" 299 Temple 5.5

Robertson-Harris, Roy DE 6'7" 255 Texas-El Paso 5.5

Onyemata, David DT 6'4" 300 Manitoba (Canada) 5.4

Vaeao, Destiny DT 6'4" 298 Washington St. 5.4

Blair, Ronald DE 6'2" 284 Appalachian St. 5.4

Tapper, Charles DE 6'3" 271 Oklahoma 5.4

Cowser, James DE 6'3" 248 Southern Utah 5.4

Latham, Darius DT 6'4" 311 Indiana 5.4

Oakman, Shawn DE 6'8" 287 Baylor 5.3

Ochi, Victor DE 6'1" 246 Stony Brook 5.3

McCalister, Alex DE 6'6" 239 Florida 5.3

Milhouse, Greg DL 6'1" 295 Campbell 5.3


and at CB:

White, D.J. CB 5'11" 193 Georgia Tech 5.5

Miller, Harlan CB 6'0" 182 Southeastern Louisiana 5.5

Sims, LeShaun CB 6'0" 203 Southern Utah 5.5

Sanchez, Zack CB 5'11" 185 Oklahoma 5.5

Young, Tavon CB 5'9" 183 Temple 5.4

Robinson, Rashard CB 6'1" 171 LSU 5.4

Burris, Juston CB 6'0" 212 N.C. State 5.4

Hall, Deiondre' CB 6'2" 199 Northern Iowa 5.4

Murray, Eric CB 5'11" 199 Minnesota 5.4

and at Safety:

Harris, Anthony SS 6'1" 183 Virginia 5.5

Drummond, Kurtis FS 6'1" 208 Michigan St. 5.4

Claiborne, Imoan S 5'11" 187 Northwestern St. (LA) 5.4

Celiscar, Donald S 5'11" 194 Western Michigan 5.3

Prewitt, Cody FS 6'2" 208 Mississippi 5.2

Gunter, Ladarius S 6'1" 202 Miami 5.2

Bonner, Detrick FS 6'0" 207 Virginia Tech 5.2

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HarveyWallbangers

I don't get the lack of athleticism argument against Fackrell. He looks athletic enough on tape (fluid and natural), and the measurables validate this. There are only three guys on my OLBs list who tested as appreciably better overall athletes than Fackrell. Leonard Floyd (who is even more thin than Fackrell), Jatavis Brown (the midget), and Travis Feeney (who is a bit light at 230 pounds). Mind you, Myles Jack and Jaylon Smith would have blown all of these guys out of the water. However, when you stack Fackrell against Lawson, Correa, Spence, Calhoun, Jenkins, Schobert, Nicolas, etc. the measurables overall are almost identical. Fackrell generally ranks slightly lower in 3 cone but slightly higher in broad jump. No doubt he will need to get stronger, and he's far from a perfect prospect, but I wouldn't nail him for a lack of athleticism.

---

McGinn mentioned that some scouts felt Fackrell hasn't been as athletic since his knee injury. TT didn't see a discernible difference.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Joemailman

McGinn mentioned that some scouts felt Fackrell hasn't been as athletic since his knee injury. TT didn't see a discernible difference.

---

He did say that, but listening to it, I felt like he was more question dodging than he was being forthright. He also said that the normal trajectory for a 25 year old coming off of that type of knee surgery was to be stronger in year 2 than in year 1, so it sounded to me like they were expecting some improvement.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Joemailman

McGinn mentioned that some scouts felt Fackrell hasn't been as athletic since his knee injury. TT didn't see a discernible difference.

---

Some scouts, as well as some people here, felt he was just as white, or maybe even a little whiter since his knee injury. Because they're racists.

I TORE MY ACL; based on when the tear occurred he was probably not 100% last year; 2 years later it is. That is this year

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by woodbuck27

I like what TT is doing in this draft. Strengthening the lines and his third round pick at OLB may be a beauty.

Is he content at WR? (Available):

....

and at Safety:

Gunter, Ladarius S 6'1" 202 Miami 5.2

---

I like that Gunter kid, and think he would (DOES) look good in a Packer uniform :grin: :

http://prod.static.packers.clubs.nfl...r_LaDarius.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JustinHarrell

He did say that, but listening to it, I felt like he was more question dodging than he was being forthright. He also said that the normal trajectory for a 25 year old coming off of that type of knee surgery was to be stronger in year 2 than in year 1, so it sounded to me like they were expecting some improvement.

---

Reading the JSO this morning, the writer was VERY "meh" about this guy. Described him like he's the classic "just a guy." Didn't get me very excited.

Maybe they'll move him inside and try to develop him there? Sounds like he can cover a little bit.

I have hope for Fackrell. As an internet scout, I like to look at three main qualities in the reports....

1. Is he a good athlete?
He is a very good athlete for the position. And if you consider he's coming off a knee injury and seems to have a lot of room to advance with an NFL caliber workout program, this guy might even be a top tier athlete by the time he takes the field in Green and Gold. I like how athletic he is at that height. It's unique. In my super crude ranking system, where I project into the future a little bit, I'm going to give him an 8 out of 10 for athletic ability.

2. Does he play good football?
My most trusted source for this is Ted Thompson after the draft. I really listen to what he says. TT likes this guy's ability to play in space and rush the passer. I don't know if that means he'll be a 3 down linebacker, but I could see a nickle/dime player and unique special team player with potential to be more. Looking at his stats, I like how he made such a variety of big plays. 36TFL, 12Sacks, 4INT, 4PBU, 5FF, 7FR... It's cool to see a guy do so many different things. Reading the reports on him, it sounds like he was a playmaker in college. So weighing my information, I give him a 6.5 out of 10 in playing grade, leaning mostly towards Ted's positive, but not glowing endorsement. And this is reading Ted Speak after a decade of listening to him, so I feel somewhat confident in my ability to do that

3. Character, work ethic and trust
This guy seems like a great guy, a hard worker and a guy who loves football. Listening to TT and reading some articles, he rates high here. I'm going to give him a 9 out of 10 in character.


Summary
Fackrell looks like a player who has enough skills and talents to contribute for his whole rookie contract and maybe a little more. He has high upside, but initially looks like a rotation player who would come in on passing downs. I could see him being a nickle/dime inside linebacker who brings up the overall speed and athleticism of the defense when he's on the field. The new base in the NFL is nickle defense, so I see him playing well for about 70% of the snaps and maybe rotating out for a thumper when teams bring in a FB and a TE or two TE's. I also imagine he'll be a unique ST's player. That will be fun to watch. My overall impression is that he can play and contribute to passing downs and ST's. I sense low bust potential, but some limits as far as being an every down player but he could easily prove me wrong there, being such a good athlete and hard worker. Maybe he'll will himself into an every down player. I like him and envision him playing and contributing for 5-7 years. A good player with some unique skills.

If he were a woman, he'd be the kind of girl you want to bring home to mom and dad, somebody named Jean. I wanted Veronica, the one who wears tight clothes and low-cut tops, the one you never want your mom to know about.

Jean Harlow

http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Ha...bshell)_01.jpg

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Fritz

Reading the JSO this morning, the writer was VERY "meh" about this guy. Described him like he's the classic "just a guy." Didn't get me very excited.

Maybe they'll move him inside and try to develop him there? Sounds like he can cover a little bit.

---

He was #5 on McGinn's list of outside linebackers. By the time you get around to late 3rd round picks, there will be seemingly strong negatives or at least a lack of superlatives for every player. If there weren't, they would be first or high second round picks. You just hope that added maturity, coaching and development wins out.

GB needs more depth at LB, both inside and outside. This guy seems to be one of the better prospects at those positions in this draft. TT can pick only from the players available. For those reasons, I don't mind the pick. He might be another Abdul Hodge, Aaron Rouse or Alex Green. On the other hand, he could turn out to be a James Jones, Jermichael Finley or Morgan Burnette. He's a third round pick. He might be a contributor, or he might not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Patler

He was #5 on McGinn's list of outside linebackers. By the time you get around to late 3rd round picks, there will be seemingly strong negatives or at least a lack of superlatives for every player. If there weren't, they would be first or high second round picks. You just hope that added maturity, coaching and development wins out.

GB needs more depth at LB, both inside and outside. This guy seems to be one of the better prospects at those positions in this draft. TT can pick only from the players available. For those reasons, I don't mind the pick. He might be another Abdul Hodge, Aaron Rouse or Alex Green. On the other hand, he could turn out to be a James Jones, Jermichael Finley or Morgan Burnette. He's a third round pick. He might be a contributor, or he might not.

---

+1

Fackrell was not a first tier edge rusher, but they were all gone. He was the last of the 2nd tier.

TT could have selected a better edge rusher like Noah Spence or Kamalei Correa with his first pick and then "settled" for Javon Hargrave, Hassan Ridgeway, Willie Henry, Matt Ioannidis or even Billings in the 3rd.

It's pure judgement based on his internal scouting. I think the trade up to get Spriggs was brilliant, so IMO Ted's doing just fine.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Deputy Nutz

Brady Poppinga?

---

Other than being a mormon pass rusher I don't see it. Poppinga the prospect was more like Andy Mulumba. A physical bull in a china shop type with a decent first step but who made his money on being willing to sacrifice his body.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Joemailman

McGinn mentioned that some scouts felt Fackrell hasn't been as athletic since his knee injury. TT didn't see a discernible difference.

---

That smacks of the kind of criticism you can never be marked down for. Because if he later demonstrates you as wrong, you can say it took X months to recover.

After thinking about this pick last night (I really need a new hobby) I kinda doubt that speed in the 4.62-4.72 range is going to make in it man coverage. Maybe all but the most TEs over the middle. He's tall enough to negate one aspect of their advantage.

What is the normal speed range you want for an ILB in coverage? Probably more like 4.5-4.6, right?

If he has played safety, maybe his anticipation is better than most. But knowing just the basics (and not having watched the tape), I kinda get a SAM backer feeling about his measurables, like Poppinga. Similar underwear or not.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbmax

That smacks of the kind of criticism you can never be marked down for. Because if he later demonstrates you as wrong, you can say it took X months to recover.

After thinking about this pick last night (I really need a new hobby) I kinda doubt that speed in the 4.62-4.72 range is going to make in it man coverage. Maybe all but the most TEs over the middle. He's tall enough to negate one aspect of their advantage.

What is the normal speed range you want for an ILB in coverage? Probably more like 4.5-4.6, right?

If he has played safety, maybe his anticipation is better than most. But knowing just the basics, I kinda get a SAM backer feeling about him, like Poppinga. Similar underwear or not.

---

I'd take a 3-cone under 7 over a 4.5 40 from a coverage ILB all day long. Fackrell has neither in shorts but if he's one of those mythical 'football steps' guys whose speed translates well to the field he's plenty fast. His length can hide some sins too; he looks and moves like a giant long safety. Poppinga was much thicker and physical and for all his coverage faults he could really excel playing a gap. Fackrell doesn't look like he'd last long trying to be Poppinga.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbmax

That smacks of the kind of criticism you can never be marked down for. Because if he later demonstrates you as wrong, you can say it took X months to recover.

After thinking about this pick last night (I really need a new hobby) I kinda doubt that speed in the 4.62-4.72 range is going to make in it man coverage. Maybe all but the most TEs over the middle. He's tall enough to negate one aspect of their advantage.

What is the normal speed range you want for an ILB in coverage? Probably more like 4.5-4.6, right?

If he has played safety, maybe his anticipation is better than most. But knowing just the basics (and not having watched the tape), I kinda get a SAM backer feeling about his measurables, like Poppinga. Similar underwear or not.

---

4.5-4.6 at ILB? Outside of Darron Jones (who is an athletic freak like a Ryan Shazier) and Deion Jones at 222 pounds, there were none of those guys in this draft. Joshua Perry actually had the best 40 time outside of those two, and he ran 4.68. Then, you have B.J. Goodson at 4.69 and Blake Martinez at 4.71. Fackrell, Nick Vigil, and Reggie Ragland would be next at 4.72. The other 18 ILBs that I evaluated ran worse. Fackrell is a better overall athlete than Ragland. Much better in the 3 cone, vertical, and broad jump. Plus, he's 4 inches taller.

I'm not totally enamored with the pick because I did have some other guys ranked higher (although I had Fackrell on my short list). Fackrell is old for a rookie and he needs to get stronger, so there are concerns, but I don't think athleticism is one of the concerns. He's a solid athlete for both an OLB and ILB. Not sure he can play ILB though because of the lack of strength. My reports say he's better than you'd think (not great, but not bad) taking on blocks and tackling, despite the lack of strength.

^ OK, well then, maybe he does get a shot.

For what its worth, Packer Report said their Scout.com review of OLBs ranked him as one of the best against the run and his tackling.

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 12h12 hours ago
Fackrell one of the better run defenders at the position. Also ranked as the top tackler (in terms of tackles per miss)


BTW 3irty1, he is Poppinga!

Green Bay Packers ‏@packers 12h12 hours ago
3rd-round pick Kyler Fackrell will wear #51 for the #Packers. #PackersDraft


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChQsuohVEAArOJk.jpg:large

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Patler

He was #5 on McGinn's list of outside linebackers. By the time you get around to late 3rd round picks, there will be seemingly strong negatives or at least a lack of superlatives for every player. If there weren't, they would be first or high second round picks. You just hope that added maturity, coaching and development wins out.

GB needs more depth at LB, both inside and outside. This guy seems to be one of the better prospects at those positions in this draft. TT can pick only from the players available. For those reasons, I don't mind the pick. He might be another Abdul Hodge, Aaron Rouse or Alex Green. On the other hand, he could turn out to be a James Jones, Jermichael Finley or Morgan Burnette. He's a third round pick. He might be a contributor, or he might not.

---

True, but at the time the consensus was that Finley had great upside. This guy is more like Richard Rodgers. He'll play but he's not a big consistent playmaker.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbmax

^ OK, well then, maybe he does get a shot.

For what its worth, Packer Report said their Scout.com review of OLBs ranked him as one of the best against the run and his tackling.

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 12h12 hours ago
Fackrell one of the better run defenders at the position. Also ranked as the top tackler (in terms of tackles per miss)


BTW 3irty1, he is Poppinga!

Green Bay Packers ‏@packers 12h12 hours ago
3rd-round pick Kyler Fackrell will wear #51 for the #Packers. #PackersDraft


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChQsuohVEAArOJk.jpg:large

---

Wasn't Poppinga from BYU as well. I bet Fackrell did that on purpose. He's that kind of kid. Shades of Tebow.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Maxie the Taxi

Jean Harlow

http://www.doctormacro.com/Images/Ha...bshell)_01.jpg

---

Draft dat one !

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pbmax

^ OK, well then, maybe he does get a shot.

For what its worth, Packer Report said their Scout.com review of OLBs ranked him as one of the best against the run and his tackling.

Packer Report ‏@PackerReport 12h12 hours ago
Fackrell one of the better run defenders at the position. Also ranked as the top tackler (in terms of tackles per miss)


BTW 3irty1, he is Poppinga!

Green Bay Packers ‏@packers 12h12 hours ago
3rd-round pick Kyler Fackrell will wear #51 for the #Packers. #PackersDraft


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ChQsuohVEAArOJk.jpg:large

---

Fackrell sounds like some sort of medication.

I'll nickname him:

Kyler 'Medicine Man' Fackrell.

If Fackrell weren't a good athlete, he wouldn't have been a 3rd round pick (who some projected to the 2nd round). Old, weak, and unathletic wouldn't have been too appealing.

This is what Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com (who I respect a lot) said:

Quote:

---

88. Green Bay Packers: Kyler Fackrell, LB, Utah State
NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah: "He is very loose and bendy to wrap around blocks and pursue from the back side. He's versatile in the passing game. He can run and mirror tight ends and he's an explosive blitzer. Overall, this is a very athletic edge defender with the ability to make plays on all three downs."

---