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Photo of Gerald McRath
Grade
?
  • 4.61 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 19 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 34.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 123.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.24 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.35 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 11.51 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'2" Height
  • 231LBS. Weight

Overview

Those outside Conference USA might be surprised how high McRath, only a junior, ranks among leaders in tackles over his career. McRath, who earned his second consecutive first-team All-Conference USA plaque in 2008, finished with 137 tackles (78 solo) during his junior season and has 386 tackles, 32 1/2 tackles for loss and eight sacks in his career. Voted the 2007 Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, McRath's production can't be denied. But scouts are worried how he'll hold up at the next level due to his marginal size. A fast 40 time could ease scouts concerns, who feel that McRath is best suited for the weak side.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Rangy build with plenty of room for additional growth. ... Good instincts. ... Flows to the action quickly and puts himself in position to make a play. ... Reads the quarterback's eyes in coverage. ... Recognizes the screen and draw and isn't fooled often. ... Good speed to the flanks. .. Reliable open-field tackler who can break down in space and make the secure stop. ... Good agility to slip past blockers. ... Good balance to handle working through trash. ... Flashes some aggression taking on blocks, though he needs more consistency in this area. ... Improved in this area as a junior. Negatives: Undersized. ... Lacks bulk in both his upper and lower body and looks more like a strong safety than a middle linebacker. ... Lacks the straight-line speed and hips for coverage to make the transition to defensive back. ... Likes to avoid blockers rather than forcefully taking them on. ... Drag-down tackler who only occasionally shows legitimate pop as a tackler. ... Bit of a pile jumper. ... Often credited for tackles in which he didn't make the play.
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Grade Title Draft (Round) Description
96-100 Future Hall of Famer Top Pick A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played
85-95 Immediate Starter 1st An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter).
70-84 Eventual Starter 2nd-3rd A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position.
50-69 Draftable Player 4th-7th A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential.
20-49 Free Agent UDFA A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body.
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