DRAFT TRACKER 2017
2017
DRAFT TRACKER
LB
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PLAYER
DRAFTED BY
San Francisco 49ers
Round 1 • Pick 31
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Foster is a vicious hitter with elite playmaking range and an ability to toggle between 225 and 240 pounds. Athleticism gives him cover ability that former teammate Reggie Ragland never possessed. Has Pro Bowl potential as a 3-4 inside linebacker or a 4-3 weak-side linebacker, but concerns over his medical history could be a consideration, according to some teams.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Cleveland Browns
Round 1 • Pick 25
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
The ultimate Swiss Army Knife on the collegiate level, and will likely play a hybrid role on the next level that allows him to blitz, cover and chase, Peppers' draft value will be helped by his return ability and that is a role he should maintain throughout the earlier stages of his career. While Peppers doesn't have the production teams expect from first-round defenders, he should benefit from a role that is more clearly defined on the next level.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Detroit Lions
Round 1 • Pick 21
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Praised for both his football and personal character, Davis has athletic gifts to go along with the character traits teams are looking for. His ability to cover ground, operate with loose hips in space, and finish his tackles make him a draft favorite for some teams. While it is easy to fall in love with the traits and potential, Will have to take better routes to the ball and learn to keep himself clean against blocks. Should be able to compete for an early starting job as a 4-3 outside backer.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Houston Texans
Round 2 • Pick 25
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Cunningham's missed tackles and lack of desired play strength could bother teams, but his consistent production is hard to ignore. Cunningham is a rangy, three-down linebacker who has a nose for the ball and special teams value. His downhill approach is made for attacking 4-3 defenses and Cunningham could become a good, early starter as a run-and-chase weak-side linebacker.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Pittsburgh Steelers
Round 1 • Pick 30
PLAYER ANALYSIS
A long-limbed effort rusher who posted impressive numbers against the run and pass in just one year as a starter. He is a tireless worker who pursues from snap to whistle and his brother, J.J., will be a tremendous resource for technique and pass-rush plan. While he is unlikely to win a race to the edge, he's a plus run defender who can get to the quarterback with plus hand work and relentless effort.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
New Orleans Saints
Round 3 • Pick 12
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Anzalone's size, speed and athleticism will be tempting for teams looking for a linebacker who can play all three spots. However, concerns about his durability could cause some teams to shy away from him on the first two days of the draft. If he can stay healthy, he has the talent to become a solid three-down starter in the league.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Indianapolis Colts
Round 5 • Pick 17
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Has packed muscle onto his frame that looks good in the uniform but might be limiting his flexibility and athletic ability. A productive, downhill linebacker who misses too many tackles and struggles as a take-on player. He checks all the desired boxes for football and personal character and can be counted on to do what it takes to improve his game. He could become a decent starting linebacker within his first few years.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 5 • Pick 4
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Brown isn't going to check off the "physical traits" boxes for teams who always prioritize height-length-speed at linebacker, but he gets a big check mark in the "find ball, get ball" box. He's instinctive and has the play strength and leverage to fight through blocks and make his way into tackling position. Despite just one season of high-end tackle production, he has the anticipation, athleticism and toughness to make a roster and eventually challenge for playing time.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Miami Dolphins
Round 2 • Pick 22
PLAYER ANALYSIS
McMillan has too many issues standing his ground and leveraging his gap as an interior run defender and could end up outside in the pros. He might have benefited from playing alongside a slew of NFL talent, but he's active and plays the game with good instincts. He has the potential to become an average starter in the league.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Baltimore Ravens
Round 2 • Pick 15
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Ascending pass-rush prospect who is still learning the fundamentals of his position thanks to a late commitment to the sport. Bowser's movement ability in space creates interesting possibilities for teams looking for a twitched-up toy to play with. Bowser lacks production, but his explosive characteristics off the edge will push him up the draft board and give him a chance to play well above where some scouts might project him.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Minnesota Vikings
Round 7 • Pick 14
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Lee's playing style is more subtle than it is urgent and his upright playing style limits his tackling efficiency and suddenness in his change of direction. Lee has the speed to range all over the field and has the ball skills to warrant consideration on passing downs. If a linebacker coach can get him to play with better bend and get the play speed to match the timed speed, Lee could become an eventual starter in the league.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Detroit Lions
Round 4 • Pick 17
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
My preseason grade on Reeves-Maybin was a 5.66, but he has very little wiggle room for medical concerns considering his lack of size. In a vacuum, he has the instincts, athletic ability and cover talent of a starting, three-down linebacker. If he regains full health he could be a steal, but he might need another year of rehab work and working with strength coaches to bulk up to NFL standards.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Cincinnati Bengals
Round 6 • Pick 9
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DRAFTED BY
Las Vegas Raiders
Round 5 • Pick 24
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Could play middle linebacker, but might lack the athletic traits to function in coverage or on the chase as an outside linebacker in a 4-3. Has good size and could benefit from NFL coaching, but the further he gets away from the line of scrimmage, the tougher the position becomes for him. Backup potential if he can prove himself on special teams.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'
- Weight
- 217 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Moore isn't the biggest linebacker out there but he plays with bright eyes and consistent intensity. Moore has experience playing inside and outside but may be best suited as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3. His draft stock could swing on his athletic testing, but his instincts and playing style should give him a head-start with a position coach who appreciates his approach. Moore could be an early practice squad candidate.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Buffalo Bills
Round 6 • Pick 11
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Vallejo's outstanding production his sophomore season is one of the things keeping him alive in scouting circles. From a physical standpoint, he's an undersized inside linebacker who lacks the long levers needed to keep offensive linemen off of him. His instincts and third-down ability are plusses, but he'll need to find the right 3-4 fit or attempt to move to an outside linebacker role in a 4-3. Vallejo has NFL backup potential.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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DRAFTED BY
Tennessee Titans
Round 5 • Pick 11
ACQUIRED VIA
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Undersized WILL linebacker with good production as a tackler and against the pass his senior season. Brown's speed ability to play on special teams will give him a fighting chance for a roster spot, but he lacks the functional strength to become anything more than a sub-package cover linebacker.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 5/8"
- Weight
- 226 lbs
- Arm
- 31 1/4"
- Hand
- 9 7/8"
- Wing
- 74 1/2"
Production
60.34
Athleticism
58.61
Total Score
118.95
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Tenacity and willingness to play as physically as his body will allow will make him a favorite of special teams coaches, but his lack of size and plus athleticism could make it hard to find playing time, especially as an inside linebacker. He could go on Day 3 (Rounds 4-7), but his road to the roster could be bumpy.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 245 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Teams will like his aggressiveness and his ability to stand his ground and bump in the box, but he lacks range as a tackler and can be mismatched in coverage.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11 5/8"
- Weight
- 232 lbs
- Arm
- 32"
- Hand
- 10"
- Wing
- 74 7/8"
Production
58.47
Athleticism
59.13
Total Score
117.60
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Nickerson is a try-hard WILL linebacker in a 4-3 defensive front who might lack the instincts and consistency to make an NFL team. While the tackle production is solid, third day (Rounds 4-7) draft pick and special teams performer could be his ceiling. Based off the tape, making an NFL roster could be difficult.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11"
- Weight
- 209 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Grace has the athleticism play speed to carry him around the field and to the ball, but he could be hard-pressed to find an NFL team who is willing to draft him considering his lack of functional weight. He was a linebacker coming out of high school so it is unlikely that a team will see him as a hybrid safety/linebacker on the next level. His cover skills and special teams ability will have to be sharp to open a door in camp to make a roster.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1 7/8"
- Weight
- 235 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 10 1/4"
- Wing
- 76 1/4"
Production
60.61
Athleticism
51
Total Score
111.61
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Productive, two-year starter with solid athleticism to finish as a tackler, but a lack of functional strength and interior grit. Davis needs to get better at creating his own opportunities with aggression and urgency if he is to make an NFL roster. He will likely have to move outside as he lacks the anchor and physicality for the interior.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 5'11"
- Weight
- 238 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Oliver is an extremely physical interior thumper who plays his best football when allowed to play downhill and bring his pads into play. Unfortunately, Oliver is more segmented than fluid in his movement and his lack of play speed and acceleration will be a big issue when it comes to chasing down running backs headed for the perimeter. Oliver's lack of speed and ability to cover could force him into trying to earn a role as a backup inside linebacker for a 3-4 defense.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2"
- Weight
- 236 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Brown's tackle production and instincts in coverage are fairly impressive, but he lacks the play strength and pure speed to be an every down linebacker in the NFL. He will likely need a weak-side responsibility that allows him to run and chase because he doesn't have the strength to play off of blocks and consistently make plays. His cover talent and special teams ability give him an outside shot at making a team.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'0 3/8"
- Weight
- 233 lbs
- Arm
- 31 3/8"
- Hand
- 10 1/8"
- Wing
- 75 3/8"
Production
62.41
Athleticism
51
Total Score
113.41
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Kelsey has decent size, but he is lacking in the necessary functional speed and athleticism teams look for in draftable linebackers. He is a two-down linebacker who lacks the man-cover talent to play on third downs in the league and his best hope may be to land on a practice squad. Becoming a special teams ace might have to be Kelsey's door into the league.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'1"
- Weight
- 227 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
PLAYER ANALYSIS
Plays hard and has the instincts needed for the position, but his lack of athleticism, size and play speed are likely too much to overcome on the next level.
BY LANCE ZIERLEIN
NFL Analyst
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'
- Weight
- 240 lbs
- Arm
- Hand
- Wing
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PROSPECT INFO
- Height
- 6'2 1/2"
- Weight
- 236 lbs
- Arm
- 32 3/8"
- Hand
- 9"
- Wing
- 76"
Production
54.43
Athleticism
59.74
Total Score
114.17
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DRAFTED BY
Kansas City Chiefs
Round 5 • Pick 39
ACQUIRED VIA
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