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Originally posted by CyclonePackFan
DeMeco Ryans
OLB, Alabama
War Room analysis
Against the inside run: Lacks ideal size and bulk to hold ground at the point of attack but makes up for it with great technique, instincts and quickness. Plays with good leverage and uses hands well to shed blockers. Must get stronger and bulkier. Grade: 7.9.
Against the outside run: Shows good quickness. Moves well laterally along the line of scrimmage. Uses hands and good body control to fight through traffic. Takes good angles to the ball. Breaks down, doesn't over-pursue and is a reliable open-field tackler. Grade: 8.5.
Blitz/coverage:: Shows good quickness, instincts and relentlessness on blitzes. Shows a closing burst to the quarterback. Has experience as a pass rusher with more than one move. Is quick enough to cover tight ends and running backs near the line of scrimmage and on underneath zones. Can turn and run with them, but lacks the speed to play man-to-man downfield. Grade: 8.0.
Run/pass recognition: Shows outstanding instincts and recognition skills. Rarely takes false steps or gets caught out of position. Shows good discipline and fundamentals, and doesn't miss an assignment. Grade: 8.0.
Pursuit/tackling: Compensates for lack of elite speed with a nose for the ball. Always gets in position to make tackles. Explodes through tackles but wraps up and plays under control. Rarely misses tackles. Grade: 8.2.
Bottom line: Ryans is a good, not elite, athlete, but he is an elite football player who always is around the ball. A four-time Academic All-SEC player, he works hard on and off the field with impeccable character. He is versatile, having played everywhere at linebacker and some as a pass-rushing end. He might be best suited for inside as a downhill defender attacking the line of scrimmage. Ryans will contribute nicely as a rookie and should be selected in mid-to-late Round 1.
Dan Pompei analysis
Smooth athlete shows good body control and agility. Runs around plays, so he needs to be in the right scheme. Plays aggressively and intensely. Is rangy. Offers leadership and good intangibles. Is adept at blitzing, but isn't a very physical tackler. Tends to miss tackles. Sometimes gets bounced around by blockers. Instincts are average. Didn't stand out in workouts.
No. 7 on Pompei's OLB rankings
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