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In the box S/LB. Former 4th round pick of Browns. Released by Jets Saturday.
ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS Trusted and respected four-year starter. Aggressive tendencies near the football. Springs into his tackles with authority, and looks to rip the ball out of ball carrier's arms with his unusually large hands. Created four forced fumbles and had three interceptions in just 56 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Does his job in run support, playing with leverage against perimeter runs and containment on back side. Coming from high to low, can mirror running back movement to shadow and hit. Adequate range and man coverage skills underneath. Praised by NFL scouts for his leadership and personal character. Plays on kick coverage and hands team against onside kicks.
WEAKNESSES Diagnostic skills are still a work in progress. Can take too long to make initial read on play-action and drop into coverage. Plays through a straw. Has issues with dual focus on quarterback and his coverage responsibilities. Will lose track of his coverage, leading to big plays. Average closing burst. Might not have the positional instincts, eye discipline or ball skills necessary to play anywhere but near box. Missed four games this season dealing with nagging injuries. High number of missed tackles in 2013 worth noting.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent
SOURCES TELL US "When you first start watching him, you think he can play high or down (in the box), but he just gives up too many plays over the top to trust him on top." -- NFC North scout
NFL COMPARISON Duke Ihenacho
BOTTOM LINE Box safety with some coverage traits that should help him stick with some of the athletic, matchup-based tight ends. He has shown improved consistency as a tackler and has a knack for creating turnovers. He could come in and earn a spot with special-teams play while he tries to develop his instincts over time.
STRENGTHS Trusted and respected four-year starter. Aggressive tendencies near the football. Springs into his tackles with authority, and looks to rip the ball out of ball carrier's arms with his unusually large hands. Created four forced fumbles and had three interceptions in just 56 percent of the team's defensive snaps. Does his job in run support, playing with leverage against perimeter runs and containment on back side. Coming from high to low, can mirror running back movement to shadow and hit. Adequate range and man coverage skills underneath. Praised by NFL scouts for his leadership and personal character. Plays on kick coverage and hands team against onside kicks.
WEAKNESSES Diagnostic skills are still a work in progress. Can take too long to make initial read on play-action and drop into coverage. Plays through a straw. Has issues with dual focus on quarterback and his coverage responsibilities. Will lose track of his coverage, leading to big plays. Average closing burst. Might not have the positional instincts, eye discipline or ball skills necessary to play anywhere but near box. Missed four games this season dealing with nagging injuries. High number of missed tackles in 2013 worth noting.
DRAFT PROJECTION Round 7 or priority free agent
SOURCES TELL US "When you first start watching him, you think he can play high or down (in the box), but he just gives up too many plays over the top to trust him on top." -- NFC North scout
NFL COMPARISON Duke Ihenacho
BOTTOM LINE Box safety with some coverage traits that should help him stick with some of the athletic, matchup-based tight ends. He has shown improved consistency as a tackler and has a knack for creating turnovers. He could come in and earn a spot with special-teams play while he tries to develop his instincts over time.
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