2017 NFL Draft LB Evaluation
KEY
ILB = Inside Linebacker
OLB = Outside Linebacker
#4 Zach Cunningham
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Pos: ILB
School: Vanderbilt
Year: Junior
Height: 6’3
Weight: 234 lbs
Honestly I’m not as high on this linebacker class as most other people, I view it as a top heavy group just like this year’s running back class. I’m also not convinced that there is anything special about Zach Cunningham. Some scouts see him as a “diamond in the rough,” but he needs to fix his detrimental habit of arm tackling before I even consider him as a NFL linebacker. However, Cunningham does have qualities that indicate he could develop into a more than serviceable linebacker. Cunningham is an aware defender who is great at reading and diagnosing offensive schemes. His high football IQ could help him become a vocal leader at the middle linebacker position. If Cunningham strengthens his lower body, learns to get lower in his tackling stance and stops relying on his arms to bring down defenders, he could end up becoming one of the biggest surprises in this year’s class.
#3 Reuben Foster
(AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
Pos: ILB
School: Alabama
Year: Senior
Height: 6’0
Weight: 229 lbs
To me, Reuben Foster is best described as lightning in a bottle and difficult to control, but if pointed in the right direction can be used as a deadly weapon. Foster excels at making open field tackles and is arguably the hardest hitter entering the NFL this year. He plays with a natural “anger” that most other athletes try desperately to manufacture. Like Cunningham, Foster has a tendency to arm tackle and his aggression occasionally gets the better of him, as he tends to bite on pump fakes as well as play action plays. Unfortunately, his size also concerns me, not because it will affect his play on the field, but because I think it will lead to durability concerns. All of that being said, Foster is a special talent who will be exceptionally fun to watch in the NFL if he can stay on the field.
#2 Jarrad Davis
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Pos: ILB/OLB
School: Florida
Year: Senior
Height: 6’1
Weight: 238 lbs
Jarrad Davis is just as impressive of a man as he is a linebacker. Davis is a born leader, who any coaching staff will be able to depend on. I’m also impressed with Davis’ ability to consistently make open field tackles, despite not being extremely athletic. Davis also uses his mind just as much as his body. He plays with a patience that allows him to pick apart offenses and doesn’t let the speed of the game rattle him. Davis will be able to immediately compete for a starting position at the next level, but my fear with him is that I’m not sure he has much more room to grow. He could very well end up being about the same caliber of player when he retires as when he gets drafted this week.
#1 T.J. Watt
(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Pos: ILB/OLB
School: Wisconsin
Year: Junior
Height: 6’4
Weight: 252 lbs
While many may currently know him as J.J. Watt’s little brother, I believe Watt will end up becoming a star in his own right. Everything about him screams future star linebacker. Watt is a giant, which makes his exceptional level of lateral quickness even that more impressive. However, the key to Watt grabbing the number-one spot on this list is his superior technique and versatility. Watt is a fundamentally sound linebacker who is a turnover machine. He has a natural instinct for the position, an instinct that we hear coaches always say “can’t be taught.” The only drawbacks that I see in Watt are is short legs and feet, both of which aren’t necessarily as quick as they could be for a top prospect. Though every player has flaws in their game, Watt’s ability and talent far outweigh his weaknesses, at least much more than any other linebacker available this year.
Follow me on Twitter and stay up to date with everything NFL Draft and much much more!!!
Twitter: @Reed_Horner
Also if you like this then check out FUV Sport’s newest podcast
The 30 Minute Week Podcast
