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Photo of Jasper Brinkley
Grade
?
  • 4.72 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 26 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 35.5 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 114.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 7.03 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.32 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'2" Height
  • 252LBS. Weight

Overview

Few junior college transfers had a greater immediate impact than the one Brinkley had for South Carolina in 2006. He stepped in for the Gamecocks and posted 107 tackles -- more than twice the total of any teammate -- and earned first-team All-SEC accolades. Brinkley was lost for the 2007 season after only four games due to a torn ACL in his right knee. He returned in 2008, but hadn't yet regained his fluidity and straight-line speed and finished with 54 tackles. Blessed with rare size and power when healthy, Brinkley ranks as one of the more intriguing inside linebackers in recent memory. Teams needing an inside thumper, especially those operating out of a 3-4 scheme, will be sure to do their homework on Brinkley's recovery.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: Prototype size and strength for the inside linebacker position. ... Immediate impact defender for South Carolina after transferring from Georgia Military College, and improved gradually. ... Shows some burst as pass rusher on the blitz. ... Good short-area quickness to elude blockers. ... Reliable open-field tackler and can be a punisher inside. ... Intimidating presence whose size and power project nicely as a 3-4 inside linebacker. Negatives: Relies on his physical attributes and is still developing his instincts and technique. ... Too often looks to slip blocks instead of using his size advantage. ... Struggles with his hand placement and is slow to disengage. ... Can be fooled by misdirection and lacks the explosiveness to recover. ... Lacks the instincts and foot speed to be a factor in coverage. ... Missed all but four games of the 2007 season after tearing his ACL. ... Underwent surgery September 2007 and wasn't the same player in 2008, when his athleticism was nowhere close to what it was pre-injury.
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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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