DRAFT TRACKER 2015
2015
DRAFT TRACKER
OLB
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PLAYER
DRAFTED BY
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 1 • Pick 3
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Strong-side 3-4 outside linebacker with the physical traits and above-average potential to set the edge or spill runs wide to an early demise. Fowler is a competitive pass rusher getting by on athleticism and inside moves right now, but has a Pro Bowl ceiling with double-digit sack potential if he takes coaching and addresses his rush technique.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Dallas Cowboys
Round 2 • Pick 28
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A 3-4 outside linebacker with the length, toughness and closing burst to immediately help a run defense. Gregory could stand to add more weight to his frame and needs plenty of technique work and a patient coach for his pass-rush skill to match his traits. High-ceiling, low-floor prospect.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Carolina Panthers
Round 1 • Pick 25
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Long, twitchy 4-3 outside linebacker with outstanding range to become a highly restrictive defender able to make plays well outside of his area against both the run and pass. With his big-play potential, Thompson could become a unique chess piece in the hands of the right defensive coordinator. He can help on special teams right away and might start off as a sub-package player while he fills out his frame.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 • Pick 8
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Projects as 3-4 outside linebacker. Considered one of the best pure edge rushers in the draft, but needs more sophistication to his approach. Has speed and explosion to become an absolute menace for a creative defensive coordinator. High-impact talent but needs to crank up competitive nature in order to reach his potential.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 • Pick 22
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Dupree is an explosive, powerful athlete with a background in basketball. While he's been productive at Kentucky, his tape doesn't always do his potential justice. He must continue to improve as a pass rusher, but his traits are undeniable. Difference between being good and great might be his coordinator.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
San Francisco 49ers
Round 3 • Pick 15
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Explosive, leggy outside linebacker who has surprising strength at the point of attack, and the hands and length to become an outstanding edge-setter. Harold's burst upfield to threaten the edge is pro caliber and his ability to bend the corner at a 45-degree angle creates potential for him to become a quality pass rusher from either outside linebacker spot in a 3-4.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 2 • Pick 12
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Kikaha is the most accomplished pure pass rusher in this draft class. Relies on a relentless motor off the edge more than athleticism. He has an elite determination to get to the quarterback. While he seems to specialize in just rushing the passer, Kikaha has the power, hands and frame to improve against the run. It might take some work to get fully comfortable as a stand-up 3-4 OLB, but Kikaha is a very safe draft prospect as long as his medicals check out.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New York Jets
Round 3 • Pick 18
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Known for strong mental makeup, Mauldin is expected to check all of the character boxes, according to scouts. Productive pass rusher with a knack for beating tackles inside. Finds the ball quickly and chases against the run. Very active, productive collegiate player.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Los Angeles Chargers
Round 5 • Pick 17
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Small-school prospects often come with inflated statistics, but Emanuel's tape shows a combination of motor and skill that should be respected inside NFL buildings once he's studied closely. Emanuel has the leverage and hips to get under tackles and turn the corner, but his explosion off the snap will be tested. With his foot quickness and surprising lateral agility, there might be defensive coordinators willing to give him a shot as a 4-3 SAM linebacker.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 3/4"
- Weight
- 249 lbs
- Arm
- 31 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 1/8"
- Wing
- 76 7/8"
Production
55.53
Athleticism
57.63
Total Score
113.16
PLAYER ANALYSIS
When Tavai hits the grass, he goes all out until the final whistle sounds. Limited athleticism could cause decline in production in the pros and medical concerns have some scouts lowering his draft grade. His energy, effort and enthusiasm from snap to snap are characteristics defensive coordinators will welcome at any stage of the draft.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 3 • Pick 20
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Hicks sticks to the script and "plays through a straw" -- seeing just what is in front of him -- but he has the necessary size, speed and athleticism to stick in the league. Hicks is an improving player who will live in the film room and might end up overdrafted on the upside potential.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 4 • Pick 25
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Productive two-year starter who registered 90 tackles during 2014 season thanks to above-average speed and a desire to stick his nose into as many plays as possible. Alexander's lack of instincts were ill-suited in the box, as he was too easily confused by the misdirection of offenses he faced. He's an outside 'backer with a chance to become a starter in a 4-3 defense. He can come in and play on special teams right away.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 6 • Pick 3
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Redshirt sophomore who relies solely on his outstanding athleticism and physical tools rather than an understanding of how to play the game. If Valles can improve his football intelligence while becoming a more skilled pass rusher, then he should be able to unlock his starter's traits and become a quality NFL edge player. In the short term, Valles will require patience and might not be much of a factor in Year 1.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4 3/4"
- Weight
- 238 lbs
- Arm
- 32"
- Hand
- 10 1/8"
- Wing
- 78 1/4"
Production
51.42
Athleticism
77.57
Total Score
128.99
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Angular outside linebacker prospect with impressive burst off the snap. He's in need of more bulk before he can be counted on to take on NFL run blockers. Fua could post impressive numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he is a wild card who can be moved around the field by a creative defensive coordinator, but he still needs time to grow into his tall frame and become a more polished pass rusher.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 5 • Pick 12
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Tull uses smarts, skill and toughness to dominate his level of competition. Tull has the athleticism to play outside linebacker in an odd front and his relentless nature and ability to outplay expectations could make him an NFL surprise.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Green Bay Packers
Round 4 • Pick 30
PLAYER ANALYSIS
He's got the size, physicality and commitment to film work to play inside, but his instincts still need work. Ryan is a little stiff and stays blocked for too long, but his disengagement from blocks will improve with more reps inside. Faster than quick, he is scheme versatile and can fit inside or at the SAM linebacker spot in a 4-3. Ryan's productivity comes from toughness, play demeanor and physical tools. Teams could pigeonhole him as a "try-hard" linebacker, but they shouldn't.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Washington Commanders
Round 5 • Pick 5
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Spaight played two years of JUCO football and started just two games as a junior at Arkansas. This past season was his first as a full-time starter and he is still learning the nuances of the position. He's physical and productive between the tackles, but might be limited when asked to make plays on the perimeter.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11 7/8"
- Weight
- 237 lbs
- Arm
- 30 1/2"
- Hand
- 9 3/8"
- Wing
- 73 1/2"
Production
67.66
Athleticism
76.41
Total Score
144.07
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Hull is a productive linebacker who might be forced to stay inside due to his lack of athleticism. His size and short arms concern some scouts because they fear he'll get overwhelmed on second level and give up too many big runs. Hull has enough talent to make it in the league as a backup linebacker/special-teams contributor.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 6 • Pick 17
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Has the lower body of a defensive end, but lacks the talent and athleticism to make that his home. Has enough strength at the point of attack to be a 3-4 defensive end but is unlikely to be a plus play against the run or pass from that position.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'4"
- Weight
- 260 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Base end in college who might lack the natural pass-rushing ability or strength at the point of attack to play defensive end in the NFL. Barnes appears to have enough athleticism to transition to 3-4 outside linebacker, but he must improve his hand usage and become more skilled as a pass rusher to fit into a 3-4 role.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Tennessee Titans
Round 6 • Pick 1
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Competes and plays with toughness and above-average play strength for his size, but needs more bulk to play defensive end. Will likely be slotted as a 3-4 SAM outside linebacker but lacks the twitch to be a full-time player.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3"
- Weight
- 247 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Rasco doesn't have the pass-rush talent to draw a great deal of excitement leading up to the draft, but he keeps his eyes glued to the backfield and he is rarely out of position. Rasco can use his toughness, football acumen and quickness to compete for a spot with a blitz-happy, complex defense as a 3-4 OLB.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Dallas Cowboys
Round 7 • Pick 19
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Nzeocha has a tremendous amount of athleticism and speed, but his instincts for the game must be developed and sharpened before he can be trusted as a full-time starter. His potential and ceiling are exciting (provided he recovers from injury), but he's the textbook definition of project. Like the Eagles' Bryan Braman, he has the length and speed to become a highly effective special-teams player.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New England Patriots
Round 7 • Pick 36
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Used as a 3-4 outside backer at times and as a defensive end when Alabama goes to it's even front, Dickson has adequate skills as a pass rusher, but is average to below average against the run. Dickson doesn't feature the explosive, athletic traits to be a pass rushing specialist and might not have enough strength at the point of attack to be an every down defensive end.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/2"
- Weight
- 250 lbs
- Arm
- 34 1/4"
- Hand
- 9 7/8"
- Wing
- 81 7/8"
Production
54.65
Athleticism
67.81
Total Score
122.46
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The change of direction and edge-bending potential are both there, but Hodges is still very raw and lacks the functional strength to set the edge as a 3-4 outside 'backer. He appears to be a project who must live in the weight room in order to be able to become a more complete physical talent.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'3 5/8"
- Weight
- 247 lbs
- Arm
- 33"
- Hand
- 9 1/2"
- Wing
- 81 1/8"
Production
54.62
Athleticism
54.22
Total Score
108.84
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Washington's lower body could use more bulk, but as a 3-4 OLB, he has enough play strength. He's technically proficient against the run on the edge and should continue to improve as a pass rusher with more work in that area during camps. Washington lacks dynamic qualities against the run or pass, but should be able to get into a camp.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2"
- Weight
- 258 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Scouts say Stanford coaches have nice things to say about Vaughters as a teammate, but tape work shows too many athletic deficiencies to overcome and his draft position might reflect that as well.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 5 • Pick 25
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Versatile linebacker with good play speed and a motor that teams look for. While Ball's play clearly improved from 2013 to 2014, his physical issues will be tough to overcome by draft day. He overcame losing both of his parents before the age of 10 as well as brain surgery in 2011, so he's no stranger to adversity and perseverance. Ball might have to attempt to beat the odds once again and make a roster via the undrafted-free-agent route.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 7 • Pick 15
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Tall, lanky developmental prospect that must fill out and gain substantially more play strength to be able to handle the linebacker position. His length and ability to move in space is a little bit intriguing, though.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
Go to Player Page
PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/8"
- Weight
- 248 lbs
- Arm
- 32 5/8"
- Hand
- 9 3/4"
- Wing
- 77 5/8"
Production
50.47
Athleticism
70.99
Total Score
121.46
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Average size and athleticism with no physical or explosive traits showing up on tape to hang his hat on.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 5 • Pick 36
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DRAFTED BY
Houston Texans
Round 6 • Pick 35
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 6 • Pick 12
ACQUIRED VIA
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