What do NFL scouts have to say about the outside linebackers in the Draft?
Bob McGinn is one of the best writers to follow during the draft, and his Draft Review piece is full of amazing information. McGinn talked with NFL scouts and his report is awesome. You can check out the other outside backers here in his piece, but this is what the scouts said about the top 3 outside backers in the draft.
1. LEONARD FLOYD, Georgia (6-5 ½, 246, 4.60, 1): “He has a DeMarcus Ware kind of body,” said one scout. “He has first-round traits and third-, fourth-round inconsistency.” Fourth-year junior, three-year starter from Eastman, Ga. “He’s from a one-light town,” said one scout. “He went to Georgia pro day and ate a bunch of breakfast biscuits before they go out. He put his hand down to work the heavy bag and started throwing up. You talk about coun-try.” Finished with 182 tackles (28 ½ for loss), 17 sacks and 7 big plays. “He can do whatever he wants to do,” another scout said. “The way they use him, he does everything at a high level. He covers the slot. He rushes the passer. They play him as a regular linebacker. I haven’t seen anybody like him. Aldon Smith couldn’t play up like this guy. Aldon was just go forward. I like him better than (Anthony) Barr. Barr wasn’t the most physical guy. This guy plays hard.” Wonderlic of 26. “He played inside this past year and didn’t do a bad job,” a third scout said. “But he’s a guy you need impacting the quarterback. He’s got to get stronger to play the run. He plays more violent than Barkevious Mingo and is a better technician.”
2. NOAH SPENCE, Eastern Kentucky (6-2 ½, 249, 4.80, 1-2): Played two years at Ohio State, registering eight sacks as a starter in 2013. Admitted testing positive for ecstasy twice and was banned permanently by the Big Ten. Spent eight weeks in rehabilitation. Transferred to EKU, where he got drunk, threw a bottle and was arrested in May. Had 11 ½-sack season for Colonels. “Talented guy, but you have to decide if you want to put up with him,” said one scout. “He reminds me coming out of college of Bruce Irvin. He had some mud in his history, too. He’s better suited to be a 3-4 outside linebacker. He has get-off acceleration, fluidness, body control and back-door skill.” Finished with 127 tackles (38 for loss), 19 ½ sacks and 4 big plays. Wonderlic of 19. “He’s not an arrogant type guy,” said a third scout. “Only question I have is what will happen when he starts having success like he did at Ohio State.” Disappointing 40, average arm length (33) and large hands (10 ¾). “He doesn’t know how to play the run at all,” a fourth scout said. “My biggest concern is, this guy runs under blocks in the run game. He’s just a DPR (designated pass rusher) right now. He’s a boom or bust.” From Harrisburg, Pa.
3. KAMALEI CORREA, Boise State (6-2 ½, 242, 4.69, 2): Third-year junior from Honolulu. “Almost the ideal 3-4 guy,” said one scout. “Not the most physically talented but a good player. Plays hard. Got some quickness. Little pass rush. More so on stunts.” Finished with 110 tackles (31 ½ for loss), 20 sacks and 5 big plays. “He wins with effort,” another scout said. “He’s a 100 mile per hour dude.” Generally played outside but there were times when he moved inside, tantalizing those with 3-4 defenses. “The role that Clay Matthews played is the ideal role for him,” a third scout said. “Inside, outside and rush. Excellent player.” Will have to ovecome short arms (31 5/8). “He has an explosive take-off but he has problems once people get their hands on him,” said a fourth scout. “He is really raw. He needs to shed.”
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com