DRAFT TRACKER 2011
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PLAYER
DRAFTED BY
Tennessee Titans
Round 2 • Pick 7
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Ayers is very impressive on the hoof and he has the speed and athleticism to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has the range and ball skills to play strong side linebacker in a 4-3, and the balance and closing burst to play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He lacks the lower body strength to be stout against the run, but uses his long arms to keep blockers away from his body and flashes the ability to quickly shed. Ayers is a versatile athlete with great measurables that projects to be selected in the middle of the first round.
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DRAFTED BY
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 3 • Pick 6
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Houston is a bit undersized as a traditional 4-3 defensive end but fits the mold of a 3-4 outside linebacker. Gets off the ball quickly, has enough athleticism to get the corner, and can also use the bull rush but needs to do a better job after contact and widen his array moves. Flashes the ability to keep blockers off his body, set the edge, get off blocks and make plays and make plays in pursuit but needs to show more intensity shedding and playing in a phone booth. Has the athleticism to drop into coverage but may struggle in man. Early Day 2 prospect.
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 1 • Pick 2
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Miller was the Butkus Award winner as the nation's top linebacker, and it seems like his game will translate very well to the next level. He is a great athlete that has prototypical size and very good instincts for the linebacker position. He is at his best as a pass rusher in a 3-4 defense, as he is explosive and strong with an arsenal of pass rushing moves. He may lack the size to consistently anchor against the run, but he flashes the ability to disengage from blockers and is an underrated run stopper. Overall, Miller is an excellent prospect that could get drafted in the top 10.
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DRAFTED BY
Dallas Cowboys
Round 2 • Pick 8
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Carter is an excellent athlete, but he tore his ACL in November and has a long road to recovery. He is an explosive athlete that takes proper angles in run support and has excellent speed to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. He is a very fluid, transitions with ease and is very effective dropping into coverage. He struggles to disengage from bigger blockers in and must add more bulk to become stouter against the run. If Carter recovers fully from his injury, he has the athleticism to develop into a very productive weak side linebacker and may still be an early Day 2 pick.
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DRAFTED BY
Arizona Cardinals
Round 6 • Pick 6
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Sturdivant's draft stock dipped after missing five games this past season with a hamstring injury, but he is athletic enough to eventually become a starter at the next level. He is a smart football player that flows to the ball and shows a good closing burst. He gets in good position and shows the ability to anticipate routes in zone coverage, and he maintains speed in transition which makes him effective in man. He lacks the necessary bulk and strength to take on blockers and can is engulfed in phone booth situations too often. Sturdivant is likely a third round pick.
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DRAFTED BY
Tennessee Titans
Round 4 • Pick 12
PLAYER ANALYSIS
McCarthy has a chance to win a job as a starting middle or strong side linebacker. Has great size. Exhibits very good instincts diagnosing against the run and when asked to play in zone coverage. Has enough speed and athleticism for the next level but isn't a guy you want locked up in man coverage or isolated in space against playmakers. Needs to watch his composure at times and stay under control. Put together two productive seasons after a serious shoulder injury so he should check out medically. McCarthy currently carries a Day 2 draft grade.
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DRAFTED BY
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 4 • Pick 19
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Matthews is the latest in a family of guys who play the game the right way. While he lacks some size and speed, he is a smart, relentless, highly-productive player who will provide solid depth and special teams value while developing into a starter. Overcomes lacks of power by reading and reacting quicker than most linebackers. Does a great job of slipping blocks inside the box and is a sure tackler but does not have true sideline-to-sideline range and may struggle when caught in a phone booth. Better suited for zone coverage with his great awareness than man. Matthews could sneak into Day 2.
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 3 • Pick 4
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Sheppard has the skill-set necessary to become a solid starting 4-3 outside linebacker in the NFL. Does a good job pursuing and tackling in open space and on the perimeter and can play in zone coverage but doesn't possess elite speed to consistently apply pressure off the edge or matchup in man against dangerous backs or tight ends. Struggles when cornered in a phone booth. Can be neutralized if blockers get good position and their hands on him. Takes some false steps and loses discipline with pursuit angles at times, but does possess solid instincts and awareness. Sheppard could sneak into Day 2.
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 3 • Pick 27
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Dent is an undersized, hard-nosed, productive linebacker but lacks the strength to hold up in the box or the pure speed and athleticism needed to start in the NFL. Likely projects as a backup and special teams coverage guy. Does not find the football quick enough when engaged, has a difficult time shedding, but also doesn't possess the range to provide much value out in space or dropping into coverage. Can get sucked in by play-action and will chase underneath routes giving up deeper responsibilities. Just adequate when pressuring the passer. Despite his physical limitations, Dent's mentality will probably make him a late-round pick.
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DRAFTED BY
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 3 • Pick 20
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Foster projects as a future starting 3-4 inside linebacker or SAM 'backer in a 4-3. Will immediately provide excellent depth and contribute on special teams. Nice combination of size and speed. Shows impressive awareness and instincts reading run, staying in position against misdirection, and in coverage. Has good range against the run, is athletic enough to hold up in man coverage, and is a sure, reliable tackler. However, doesn't have sideline-to-sideline ability, struggles at times shedding blocks, and doesn't bring much production as a pass rusher. Foster is a low-risk prospect who could help out a team as a rookie and should be selected on Day 2.
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 3 • Pick 3
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Irving has shown tremendous fortitude and determination recovering from a devastating car crash that cost him his 2009 season, and he has the tools to compete for a starting job at the next level. He is a bit undersized, but runs well to make plays outside of the tackle box. He has very good instincts and is rarely out of position, but he can get overwhelmed by bigger blockers in a phone booth situation. In the passing game, he plays with good discipline and flashes the burst to jump underneath routes and put pressure on the quarterback when blitzing. Irving will likely be a third or fourth round choice.
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DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 6 • Pick 35
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Homan is an undersized linebacker with good speed that could potentially develop into a starter on the weak side. He runs very well and shows the ability to chase running backs down from behind. He is a smooth athlete that makes plays in space and flashes the ability to mirror tight ends and running backs in man coverage. However, he lacks the strength and shedding ability to be a run stopper at the next level and can be a non-factor on running plays directed at him. Homan has the skills to be a quality Tampa 2 linebacker and will likely be a middle round pick.
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DRAFTED BY
New York Giants
Round 6 • Pick 20
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Jones has been one of the most productive linebackers in college football over the last few seasons. He fits as a starting middle linebacker in a Tampa-2 or great backup with special teams upside. Displays outstanding effort and is fearless on the field but is always fighting to overcome his lack of size and strength. Flies around the field, whether pursuing the ball-carrier, rushing the passer, or dropping into coverage, but doesn't possess ideal speed or athleticism for a Tampa-2 'backer. A lot of coaching staffs would love to bring Jones' work ethic and intangibles into their locker room.
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DRAFTED BY
Seattle Seahawks
Round 4 • Pick 2
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Wright's a well-rounded linebacker prospect who could line up as a strongside outside linebacker in a 4-3 front or inside for a 3-4 team. Very nice combination of length, speed and size that can hold up against the power running game, chase down plays across the field, rush the passer and play some in coverage. Main drawback is his lack or pure linebacker instincts. Susceptible to misdirection and run-action. You'd like to see him diagnose a bit quicker and get his physical tools in motion sooner. Wright's a mid-round prospect who could turn into a quality starting with more development and experience.
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DRAFTED BY
Carolina Panthers
Round 6 • Pick 1
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Wilson looks like a future backup who should be able to be productive on special teams. Has good height and speed but lacks the bulk or playing strength to take on and shed blockers against the run. Flashes the potential of a sideline-to-sideline player but isn't the most sound openfield tackler or the smoothest player in space/coverage. Could see action in passing situations with his combination of range in coverage and comfort blitzing. One of those interesting prospects who, despite his experience and productive in college, still has upside and needs polish to elevate his game to that of an NFL starter. Day 3, late-round prospect.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 245 lbs
- Arm
- 30 3/4"
- Hand
- 9 7/8"
- Wing
- 74"
Production
68.43
Athleticism
63.35
Overall Score
66.39
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Bellore was extremely productive at Central Michigan, but his limited speed will likely make him a two-down player at the next level. He has very good football intelligence and reacts a step quicker than most, but he does not use his hands well enough to consistently shed blockers. He flashes a closing burst to make plays behind the line despite lacking great range. In the passing game, he is not fluid or explosive enough to stick in man and lacks the recognition skills to jump routes in zone. Bellore is tough kid that will get drafted late due to his run stopping abilities.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4"
- Weight
- 244 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
- 78"
Production
57.36
Athleticism
51
Overall Score
55.65
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Herzlich has the physical tools, work ethic, character and toughness coveted by every NFL franchise. He displayed these traits not only in his triumph over cancer, but as a natural team leader on the field. Is a complete player against the run. Takes on and gets off blockers quickly and chases down plays all over the field. He can run with tight ends and backs, play in zone, and rush the quarterback. Some teams may continue to view his medical history as a red flag. Additionally, he needs a little polish with his tackling and production was down post-comeback as a senior. Still, Herzlich shouldn't last past the first few rounds.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 3/4"
- Weight
- 242 lbs
- Arm
- 32"
- Hand
- 10 1/8"
- Wing
- 77 7/8"
Production
65.63
Athleticism
51
Overall Score
57.97
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Lemon is a compact run stuffer, but he lacks the agility and instincts to be an every down player at the next level. He is a powerful 'backer that takes on blocks, sheds quickly, and has the speed to hunt down ball carriers in the backfield. He lacks the hip fluidity to maintain speed in transition and struggles to make tackles in space and is a liability in coverage. He will not always locate the football and is caught out of position too frequently. He seems to be a fit as a two-down run specialist and he will probably get picked on Day 3.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 3/8"
- Weight
- 241 lbs
- Arm
- 31 1/8"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
- 75 7/8"
Production
62.61
Athleticism
81.36
Overall Score
71.43
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Lutrus range and mentality for the strong side outside linebacker position in the NFL. Could turn into a starter down the line if he can become a more productive player on third down, both in coverage and rushing the passer, and avoid the injury bud. Displays good awareness and flashes the ability to make plays from side-to-sideline against the run. Doesn't shed blocks quick enough, but can hold his ground and set the edge. Shows good effort rushing the passer but needs to add some moves and use his hands more. Still developing in coverage and appears to be able to make improvements in that area. Mid-round prospect.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 5/8"
- Weight
- 228 lbs
- Arm
- 31 3/8"
- Hand
- 9 1/2"
- Wing
- 77 3/8"
Production
61.35
Athleticism
71.85
Overall Score
65.94
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Moten's a potential reserve outside linebacker and special teams contributor. However, lacks the range and athleticism to play on the weakside and lacks the power the hold up on the strongside as a starter. Can be productive at the line on the strong side setting the edge and holding up at the point of attack but is a liability against powerful run blockers. Tackles well in tight spaces but can be caught off balance on the perimeter. Not well equipped to drop into coverage in the NFL and isn't a feared pass rusher. Moten could sneak into the late rounds because of his character and effort.
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DRAFTED BY
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 6 • Pick 28
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Rolle's lacks the size to become a starting linebacker or the athleticism for a potential move to safety. However, possesses adequate range, power for his size, and the mentality necessary to contribute as a backup and on special teams. Has average range against the run and is willing to take on blockers but isn't a true sideline-to-sideline guy and can take too long to shed blocks or be dominated by powerful lineman. Displays the ability to drop into zone coverage and read a quarterback's eyes but lacks height and quickness in man coverage. Has good character, leadership qualities, and bloodlines (cousin of Antrel Rolle). Rolle likely will be a Day 3 pick.
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 6 • Pick 4
PLAYER ANALYSIS
White's a highly productive linebacker but lacks the awareness and playing strength necessary for the NFL. Was a very good fit for his college system, which allowed him to blitz a lot. Does not show the ability to line up over the tight end and set the edge, or play off the line, find the football and pursuit with sound technique. Can get to the quarterback when guessing the snap count on blitzes, but doesn't possess a refined pass rushing skill set. Not capable of holding up in man coverage against receiver threats. Zone coverage is only adequate but does exhibit some playmaking ability. Probable rookie free agent.
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DRAFTED BY
Green Bay Packers
Round 6 • Pick 21
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
Smith does not possess enough power at the point of attack or athleticism to be viewed as a potential future starter. Could find a home as a backup linebacker due to his toughness and ability to play in zone coverage. Has the makeup of a special teams contributor but does not have much experience at this time. While he can be productive in pursuit and is willing to take on blockers, he's not stout enough to consistently anchor or an elite tackler. Does not project well in man coverage in the NFL and isn't a pass-rushing threat. Smith's a potential seventh-rounder.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'
- Weight
- 243 lbs
- Arm
- 32"
- Hand
- 10 1/4"
- Wing
- 78"
Production
63.44
Athleticism
59.96
Overall Score
64.41
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Smith is a tough football player that may not have the physical tools necessary to play at the next level. He is not fast enough to make tackles all over the field and lacks the explosion and footwork to be effective in pass coverage. He is fearless and strong, but he gets overwhelmed by blockers too often and really struggles to disengage. He also is a moment late reading his keys which prevents him from being in the right position at times. Smith will likely be a rookie free agent, but could be drafted if he tests really well.
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DRAFTED BY
Detroit Lions
Round 5 • Pick 26
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PLAYER ANALYSIS
Hogue is a very good athlete, but he is extremely raw and may never be able to contribute at the next level. He has excellent speed to make plays all over the field and has the lateral agility to be effective in both man and zone coverage. However, he struggles to locate the ball carrier and is frequently caught out of position. He also gets engulfed by blockers too often and lacks the hand placement and technique to shed quickly. Hogue is a work in progress, but he has a chance to be drafted if he runs really well.
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DRAFTED BY
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 7 • Pick 34
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Lloyd has some limitations to his game and an injury history but could emerge as an effective two-down, between the tackles middle linebacker at the next level. He'll make his money with good instincts, awareness, a nose for the football and the physicality to play downhill and fill in the running game. Probably won't see much action on third down, passing situations or when protecting a big lead. Doesn't have the hips to play man, great range in zone, or the burst to really pressure the quarterback. The son of former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker by the same name, he could off the board in the middle rounds.
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DRAFTED BY
Chicago Bears
Round 6 • Pick 30
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Thomas is an undersized linebacker, but he has the speed and athleticism to develop into a quality reserve in a Tampa 2 system. He has a great closing burst, but gets blown out of the play in run support too often and lacks the upper body strength to consistently shed blocks. He excels in pass coverage, as he has great awareness and range in zone and the hip fluidity to stick with running backs and tight ends in man. Thomas is a fundamentally sound tackler that can also contribute on special teams and should be a later round pick.
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DRAFTED BY
New York Giants
Round 6 • Pick 37
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 1/2"
- Weight
- 239 lbs
- Arm
- 32"
- Hand
- 9 3/4"
- Wing
- 75 1/4"
Production
56.50
Athleticism
62.21
Overall Score
61.08
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Hunter possesses enough size and athleticism to hang in the NFL as a backup linebacker but lacks elite playmaking abilities in the box, out in space, rushing the passer, or in coverage to be viewed as a potential starter down the line. Reacts quickly to the football, works hard to shed blocks, and is a sure tackler but can be swallowed up by bigger blockers and isn't a true sideline-to-sideline defender. Comfortable playing in zone coverage but isn't an impact pass rusher or well-suited to stick with playmakers in man coverage. A hard-worker with solid character, Hunter should be selected on Day 3.
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DRAFTED BY
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 2 • Pick 29
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Mouton will probably find a home as a backup outside linebacker on a team that deploys the Tampa-2 where he can play in space and drop into zone coverage - two of his strengths. He's vulnerable when teams run at him. Doesn't possess the strength to shed blocks and can lose gap integrity when shooting gaps instead of taking on blockers. Shows great effort rushing the passer but just doesn't have the natural tools to consistently get to the quarterback. Mouton can make some plays dropping into zone coverage and make some big hits in the open field. Potentially a mid-round selection.
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DRAFTED BY
New England Patriots
Round 6 • Pick 29
ACQUIRED VIA
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 6 • Pick 24
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Mohamed is a hard-worker who will maximize his natural tools on the field. Will come into your franchise, understand your defensive system, provide some instant linebacker depth, and contribute on special teams. However, he lacks the power to be a true force in the box against the run and the speed and range to make plays on the outside or mirror explosive space players in man coverage. Probably just not enough physical tools to work with to become an NFL starter, but still a late-round prospect who will bring some impressive instincts and great character to a locker room.
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 7 • Pick 40
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 243 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 8 1/2"
- Wing
- 75 1/8"
Production
55.74
Athleticism
62.39
Overall Score
58.69
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Joseph is a strong productive football player that could be a very effective special teams player at the next level. He has good foot speed and is a strong tackler, but does not read his keys quickly and struggles to find the ball. His less than ideal recognition skills also make him a liability in zone coverage, as he does not anticipate routes well. However, he is a fierce competitor that seeks out contact and delivers violent hits. Overall, Joseph will likely be a late round pick, as he has some raw ability and could develop into a reserve linebacker and a special teams ace.
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