DRAFT TRACKER 2014
2014
DRAFT TRACKER
OLB
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PLAYER
DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 1 • Pick 9
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A highly disruptive, athletic specimen with the pass-rush potential to effortlessly emerge as a double-digit sack producer. Is far from a finished product and his best football is still ahead of him, yet he plays the game with more of an offensive temperament and could require some patience. Is the type of rare athlete that could even contribute as an offensive playmaker once he learns to grasp defensive concepts and the game slows down for him. A top-10 talent.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 1 • Pick 5
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A havoc-wreaking rush linebacker with the burst and acceleration to excel as a right defensive end in a "40" front, Mack has demonstrated the instincts, toughness, athletic ability and explosive power to line up at any linebacker position in an even or odd front and factor readily. Is a four-year starter who made an immediate impact upon his arrival and is well primed for the NFL game. Looks every bit the part, comes from a humble, grounded family and offers the full package to become an impact performer in the pros.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 • Pick 15
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The Big Ten's leading tackler, Shazier flies around the field and his unique athletic ability stands out. Offers a tremendous combination of speed, tackling and coverage skills to become a playmaker as a run-and-hit 4-3 Will or perhaps a 3-4 weakside 'backer if protected by a block-occupying nose tackle. Value is increased by the fact that he will not have to come off the field.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Washington Commanders
Round 2 • Pick 15
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
As a base end in an even front or a LOLB in an odd front, Murphy's instincts, motor and toughness are what define his success and could allow him to eventually become a double-digit sack producer in the pros. Will require a few years to adapt to the speed of the NFL game.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 2 • Pick 18
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Georgia Tech’s all-time sack leader, Attaochu is a Nigerian-born, young, heady, disruptive, relentless edge rusher who profiles as 3-4 right outside linebacker. Should interview well, and has the look of a trustworthy, long-term starter given his pass-rush ability, motor and makeup.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Detroit Lions
Round 2 • Pick 8
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Good-sized, athletic, smooth-moving stand-up player who projects best as a 3-4 right outside linebacker, but could also warrant consideration from 4-3 teams as a Will or Sam. Is not without flaws, but has unique ability to play up the field, laterally or in reverse.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'6"
- Weight
- 257 lbs
- Arm
- 34 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 1/4"
- Wing
- 81 3/4"
Production
55.51
Athleticism
75.27
Total Score
130.78
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A long-bodied, athletic rush linebacker with the base strength desired in a 4-3 left defensive end, Hubbard's greatest physical trait is his core functional strength and ability to leverage the edge and defend the run. Is still developing as a pass rusher and offers the scheme versatility and upside to interest any defense. Has starter traits, but has yet to reach the impact level he thinks he makes. Has upside if the light bulb comes on.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 5 • Pick 16
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Undersized, athletic, run-around see-and-go reactor who needs to be protected to be effective. Projects as a Will linebacker, nickel defender and special-teams contributor.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 5 • Pick 29
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Powell is a physically gifted, inconsistent, college “Buck” (hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker) with crude strength and athleticism. Has developmental value as a stand-up rush linebacker, but must dedicate himself to the craft and realize he’s no longer the big man on campus.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New York Jets
Round 7 • Pick 18
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A country-strong, throwback, wrangler cowboy with the toughness desired to set the edge and the motor, intensity and competitiveness to produce effort sacks. Can factor as a 3-4 rush linebacker in an odd front or match up with tight ends as a strong-side linebacker in an even front. Could contribute readily as a situational rusher and, with continued strength gains, emerge as a DE prospect. Versatility is a plus.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 7 • Pick 38
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Productive college middle linebacker at his best when he’s kept clean or has a clear path. Projects best in a 4-3, where he has enough athleticism and functionality in coverage to play in the middle or on the weak side. Has starter-caliber potential, but might be the type you look to replace.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Green Bay Packers
Round 4 • Pick 21
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An undersized college defensive end, Bradford projects to outside linebacker in a 3-4 front in the pros, where his physical dimensions and rush ability are best suited. Would profile best in an aggressive, one-gapping odd front such as the Colts, Jets, Ravens or Steelers.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Cleveland Browns
Round 3 • Pick 7
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Small-framed, athletic, finesse, run-around Will linebacker who will have to stand out on special teams to earn a reserve spot.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 248 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A strong, stocky, compactly built, leverage-power rusher who operates mostly out of a crouched, 2-point stance and brings a bulldog tenacity to the field. Would be most ideally suited for an aggressive, one-gapping 3-4 front such as the Colts, Ravens or Steelers in a similar mold as Cowboys 2008 sixth-round pick Erik Walden.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 3/8"
- Weight
- 238 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 9 3/8"
- Wing
- 78 7/8"
Production
71.39
Athleticism
51
Total Score
122.39
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Undersized, athletic, finesse, inconsistent Will linebacker who needs to be kept clean to be effective. Small frame, deficient instincts and soft run defense likely relegate him to a backup role, and he will have to excel on special teams.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 4 • Pick 39
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Thickly built, high-motor, highly competitive edge defender who projects best as a left outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Lacks desirable dimensions, flexibility and finishing speed, but has more than enough play strength, tenacity and toughness to compensate.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 260 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A tough, productive, stand-up rush linebacker who might not look pretty, but consistently gets the job done. Came through in clutch situations and displayed a knack for making timely and game-changing big plays.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/8"
- Weight
- 225 lbs
- Arm
- 33 3/8"
- Hand
- 9 7/8"
- Wing
- 77 3/8"
Production
54.02
Athleticism
67.01
Total Score
121.03
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A run-and-chase, strong-side linebacker with speed that could easily be utilized on the weak side or allow him to develop as a nickel-cover linebacker. Does not possess ideal toughness or instincts for special teams. Canadian-born prospect could be most highly coveted by the CFL.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 7 • Pick 8
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A finesse, run-and-hit, coverage linebacker with the athletic traits and raw speed worth developing on the weak side where he can be covered up in a fast-flowing, one-gap defense such as Dallas, Seattle or Tampa Bay. Could factor on special teams coverage readily.
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DRAFTED BY
New York Giants
Round 5 • Pick 34
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A well-put-together standup linebacker with NFL bloodlines, Kennard's intangibles outdistance his physical traits, as he lacks the juice to consistently heat up the edge in the pros.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'5"
- Weight
- 230 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An athletic, long-armed run-around 'backer who was slowed by a kidney injury as a senior, Merrill possesses desirable length and athletic ability to factor readily on special teams and develop into a contributor with continued physical development and strength.
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DRAFTED BY
Miami Dolphins
Round 5 • Pick 31
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A tough, determined, competitive overachiever capable of earning a job as a backup linebacker and special-teams performer.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 240 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Highly competitive, high-motor, hard-nosed pass rusher who wins with leverage and effort. Has 'tweener traits, but shows a knack to disrupt the backfield, and intensity and relentlessness give him a chance to carve a niche as situational, stand-up rush linebacker. Will make it difficult for coaches to cut him given his desirable makeup and passion for the game. Best tape is from 2012, as injury derailed his 2013 campaign and cost him a combine invitation.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3"
- Weight
- 241 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Converted receiver flashed rush potential in one season as an outside linebacker conversion and possesses immense untapped talent for a veteran coaching staff to mold. A raw developmental project with starter-caliber physical tools if the game ever slows down for him.
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 7 • Pick 6
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Long-limbed, rangy strong-side linebacker with intriguing dimensions to be deployed as a 3-4 rush outside linebacker. Developmental project with some upside to be groomed.
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DRAFTED BY
Dallas Cowboys
Round 7 • Pick 23
ACQUIRED VIA
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3"
- Weight
- 244 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An underdeveloped edge rusher with raw, physical traits to mold, Denmark has immense upside if the light bulb ever comes on. A better tester than football player who needs a strong veteran locker room to hold him accountable.
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DRAFTED BY
Dallas Cowboys
Round 4 • Pick 19
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An active, undersized, run-and-hit weakside linebacker, Hitchens is at his best in a scheme where he is protected and free to run to the ball. Has shown gradual improvement and could stand to compete for a backup role.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 7 • Pick 40
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Athletic, productive, raw rush linebacker prospect who could also be tried as a Sam linebacker. Needs to develop more core strength, improve technically and make his mark on special teams to warrant developmental consideration.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 236 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A high school safety, Boyd had a breakout senior season, but his stats are more intriguing than his tape, which reveals an unpolished, albeit athletic, linebacker who needs to play with better strength, discipline and urgency to last. Best chance will be on the weak side in a fast-flowing 4-3 that keeps him clean and free to chase.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
Go to Player Page
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 231 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Undersized, collision linebacker lacks ideal size for the strong side he played in college and the fluidity desired on the weak side for the pros. Tightness could be restricting on special teams.
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DRAFTED BY
Denver Broncos
Round 7 • Pick 27
ACQUIRED VIA
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'10"
- Weight
- 225 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Undersized college linebacker with a classic special teams temperament. Unimpressive measurables could leave him undrafted, but production on special teams could allow him to earn a roster spot. Better football player than athlete.
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2"
- Weight
- 225 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An undersized college "Sam" linebacker with physical dimensions more naturally suited on the weak side that he played as a junior. Does not have the length, base strength and burst to match up with NFL blockers or ideal speed for the weak side. Pedigree might open some doors in a camp and allow to compete for a special teams role.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Seattle Seahawks
Round 4 • Pick 32
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Small-framed tweener who was an experienced, productive, finesse outside linebacker, but likely will have to make the conversion to strong safety, excel on special teams and show usefulness as a box defender to have a chance at the next level.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 6 • Pick 36
PLAYER ANALYSIS
An overgrown box safety, Flowers converted to "Sam" linebacker as a junior and possesses intriguing measurables to warrant interest as a developmental, fast-flowing linebacker prospect. Has clear make-it athletic traits but must learn what it means to be a pro to earn a roster spot.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 228 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Lined up as an 3-4 outside linebacker in college, but projects as a a run-and-hit, fast-flowing weakside linebacker in a 4-3 defense in the pros. Below-the-line size and arm length, age and injury history will force to make it as an undrafted free agent. Ticket will have to come on special teams.
BY NOLAN NAWROCKI
NFL Analyst
Go to Player Page
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