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Photo of Marcus Freeman
Grade
?
  • 4.74 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 30 REPS
    Top Performer
  • 37.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 113.0 INCH
    Top Performer
  • 6.98 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 4.12 SEC
    Top Performer
  • 6'0" Height
  • 239LBS. Weight

Overview

Recurring ankle injuries and All-American teammate James Laurinaitis hindered Freeman's attempt to make a big splash as a senior. He ranks as one of the better all-around outside linebackers of the 2009 draft. The two-time second-team All-Big Ten choice lacks Laurinaitis' notoriety, but actually finished with more solo tackles over the past two seasons than his teammate (105 to 102). Freeman considered leaving after his junior season and could've actually dropped his stock a bit by returning and struggling with another leg injury in 2008. Strong performances at the Fiesta Bowl and throughout Senior Bowl week reaffirmed scouts' initial impressions of the athletic weak-side linebacker.

Analysis

Strengths

Positives: A bit shorter than scouts would like, but a well-built athlete with room for additional mass. ... Instinctive defender who flows to the ball quickly. ... Athletic enough to elude blockers and make plays at or near the line of scrimmage. ... Reliable open-field tackler. ... Breaks down well and can drive the ballcarrier into the ground. ... Good awareness and speed in coverage. ... Gets good depth on his drops. ... Reads the quarterback's eyes and closes quickly. ... Excellent special teams player. ... Tough and plays through pain. ... Solid week of practice at the Senior Bowl. Negatives: A bit smaller than scouts would like. ... Likes to avoid blockers rather than facing them up and struggles in disengaging. ... Lacks the bulk to hold up when targeted in the running game. ... Athletic in coverage, but seems content to allow the reception to be made and make a secure tackle, rather than breaking on the ball. ... Has struggled with durability: torn knee ligaments and a subsequent staph infection forced him to redshirt the 2005 season. Had his knee scoped following the 2007 season for a possible torn meniscus. Struggled through the 2008 season with a recurring ankle sprain.
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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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