An athletic marvel at the linebacker position, Clemson’s Trenton Simpson has so many unique traits for his spot and he hopes that and his production will be enough to be one of the first linebackers off the board as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Tigers’ playmaker:
A linebacker who helped change the entire culture of the Arkansas defense, Drew Sanders will look to leave a similar impact at the next level as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Razorback’s defensive leader:
Buffalo Bills 2020 training camp preview of linebackers.
The Buffalo Bills are putting the final touches on their preparations for training camp in 2020, one that’s not going to be like any other.
Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, everyone from fans to the organization knows things aren’t going to be the same during 2020’s camp. Safety precautions between players and owners are still being discussed and worked out.
Still, the end goal for training camp is the same as usual. The Bills need to trim their roster down and find the best bunch of guys to send into battle together on game day.
Bills Wire will go group-by-group, breaking down each position ahead of camp’s expected start on July 28. This round is the linebacker position:
Bills linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Players (age)
Mike Bell (22: Rookie)
Tyrel Dodson (22: 2nd season)
Tremaine Edmunds (22: 3rd season)
Vosean Joseph (22: 2nd season)
AJ Klein (28: 8th season)
Tyler Matakevich (27: 5th season)
Matt Milano (25: 4th season)
Del’Shawn Phillips (23: 2nd season)
Corey Thompson (26: 3rd season)
2019 recap
Traditionally a unit where you’re used to seeing three or four starters, the Bills’ linebacker position really only has two. Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott often plays a nickel defense with Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano featured on the field. And that’s pretty much been the status quo for the Bills over the past two season. Edmunds has developed into one of the NFL’s best young middle linebackers, while Milano’s turned into your prototypical, modern-day smaller linebacker that can make plays.
But even with the base two linebackers the Bills play, Lorenzo Alexander also had his important role the past few seasons which we’ll get into. Behind the starting group, the No.1 fill-ins have been Corey Thompson and Julian Stanford in recent seasons, both of which have also played special teams. However, in an effort to bolster that unit, Stanford was replaced heading into 2020.
Now here’s a rundown of storylines to follow in this position group:
How is Lorenzo replaced?
Despite potentially hinting at a return to the field, the Bills can’t bank on Alexander being in the fold when the 2020 season gets underway, so they’re going to have to replace his important role on the field. In regard that, Alexander, like in his complete career, did just about everything for the Bills. He defended passes in coverage, got after the quarterback, and all while lining up as a stand-up linebacker and sometimes with his hand in the dirt. Alexander was legitimately all over the field for the Bills and it’s hard to find one guy who can do that again.
Moving forward, enter… well, a few guys. Buffalo signed AJ Klein this offseason, who previously has experience in McDermott’s defense in Carolina. But he’s not exactly known as a pass rusher or do-it-all type of guy. Perhaps there’s a spot where Vosean Joseph comes into the fold, too. Joseph missed his entire rookie season in 2019 due to injury, but as a bit more athletic guy, he could find himself on the field. Don’t overlook Corey Thompson, either. He’s backed up for both Edmunds and Milano over the past two years, so his versatility could help him take some of Zo’s snaps as well. Guys like Tyler Matakevich, Tyrel Dodson and Mike Bell have better looks making the roster on special teams. The Bills will figure all this out in training camp.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Virginia linebacker prospect Jordan Mack
Jordan Mack | LB | Virginia
Elevator Pitch
If a team is looking for a physical linebacker that provides some pass rush from the position, look no further than Mack. He is a mid-round linebacker prospect that needs some development but has a relentless motor and knack for creating turnovers via the fumble.
Mack did a good job at Virginia of getting to the ball carrier and creating some playmaking opportunities on defense. Six forced fumbles shows that he can separate the runner from the ball, those types of plays will be huge for him to get on the field in rotational role to start his career.
He provides a bit of pass rush at the position with a good size that teams will love. Posted 14.5 career sacks in four seasons as a starter. He flies through the line up the middle as a blitzer, even when he misses the target Mack doesn’t give up on the play. Often times will find the runner in pursuit.
Mack does bring some power at the linebacker position. Showed that off with a bull rush on offensive lineman that drove them back into the lap of the quarterback. He can also lower his shoulder when delivering a pop to the ball carrier.
Weaknesses
Mack is a defender who is more of a gang up tackler than a one on one tackler. He rallies to the ball quickly but usually along with a host of other defenders. Finished with more assisted tackles than solo. This confirms what is on his film, needs to become better at one on one tackles and getting to the ball. This has a lot to do with average instincts at the position.
Awareness of the ball is probably one of his worst traits, he needs to do a better job of finding the ball at the next level. This will help in his playmaking ability. His explosiveness is pretty average as he doesn’t have that quick twitch that the elite linebackers have. He will need to win with his mental approach to the game such as reading keys.
Durability will be of concern to the NFL teams. He missed time during the 2018 season as well as offseason surgery following the 2019 campaign. His medical records will be a key for him.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Appalachian State linebacker prospect Akeem Davis-Gaither
Akeem Davis-Gaither | LB | Appalachian State
Elevator Pitch
Davis-Gaither is a small-school linebacker who always seems to be around the ball. Whether that is on defense or special teams, he seems to show up with App State needs him most. Likely will start his career as a backup and special teams contributor that could work his way into a starting role.
You see the explosiveness from Davis-Gaither almost immediately on tape. He has the quickness and quick twitch to be a blitzer and an effective one. Has good length to combat with blockers and offensive lineman when chasing after the quarterback. He is very disruptive in the backfield.
ADG has the versatility to line up at multiple spots as a linebacker. Shows good cover skills especially over the middle. Has the length to force incompletions over the middle of the field. Plenty of tape where he batted balls away from the intended receiver.
He will likely need to make a name for himself on special teams as he earns reps at linebacker in the NFL. He is very active on special teams with the speed to rush kicks off the edge. Has great speed that allows him to close on runners in chase down mode.
Weaknesses
He is a bit of a ‘tweener in terms of his size. Might play a hybrid linebacker safety role at the NFL level. At this point might not have the size of a full-time linebacker. Despite the size, doesn’t possess enough lateral agility at the position that could lead to him missing out on the play. Needs to work on his instincts on the defensive side of the ball.
His aggressiveness in the run game can cause holes to open up on cutbacks. This also shows up when he tries to avoid blockers altogether. Could be due to the fact that larger blockers can overpower him. His technique with shedding blockers will need to improve at the NFL level.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Ohio State linebacker prospect Malik Harrison
Malik Harrison | LB | Ohio State
Elevator Pitch
Harrison is a hard-hitting enforcer at the linebacker position. He has the size to provide some pass rush abilities as well. A linebacker who can provide some playmaking ability for a defense. He is a player who can get sideline to sideline and get downhill quickly. A true run stopper.
Harrison is very quick to fill the gap and get to the running back. He reads the flow very well and then uses his quickness to get downhill and plug the hole. When Harrison arrives, he brings the pop with him. He can close on his target quickly and good taking down runners one on one. Harrison also very good at backside pursuit.
His physicality isn’t just limited to his tackling, Harrison does a good job of shedding blockers in the run and pass game. His length allows him to keep blockers at bay while he tries to get loose and make the play. Does well to navigate through traffic when pursuing the runner.
Malik does provide some pass rush and blitzing from the linebacker spot. Recorded four sacks as a senior for the Buckeyes. Not an every down rusher but situationally he can be very effective with his timing of shooting the gaps.
Weaknesses
His aggressive play style can get him burned at times. He will bite on play action fakes that will leave a vacated spot in the defense when he tries getting downhill too quickly. He doesn’t have the best instincts in coverage so getting him up to speed will be paramount for the defensive staff.
Not a real fluid athlete in space, does well for someone of his size. His recovery speed is average at best when he gets out of position. Deeper drops will cause him fits as he wasn’t asked to do this much for the Buckeyes. He is more of quarterback spy or playing closer to the line of scrimmage.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Oregon linebacker prospect Troy Dye
Troy Dye | LB | Oregon
Elevator Pitch
Dye is a lengthy, rangy and intelligent linebacker with three-down potential at the next level. His play strength is questionable at best, so he’ll likely have to see a majority of his reps come on special teams in his rookie year. However, the tools are place for him to develop into a starter.
One look at the stat sheet will show how impactful Dye was for Oregon’s defense during his time there.
A four-year starter, Dye tallied a whopping 391 career tackles with the Ducks, topping 100 tackles in a season twice. Part of why he was so productive had to do with the athleticism he brought to the table for their defense. He is a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with very good straight-line speed and the ability to beat ball-carriers to the edge in runs to the outside. He is a fluid mover in space who can go with the flow of the play before bursting downhill and pouncing on his opponents. He takes calculated angles to the ball and has plenty of range as a tackler due to his athleticism and his impressive length for the linebacker position.
Dye is an intelligent player whose instincts have progressively gotten better over time. His processing abilities have progressed, as he’s able to diagnose plays and act upon his reads much quicker than he did early on in his career. His 13 career sacks make him a dangerous blitzer when schemed correctly, and with 13 pass deflections over the past three seasons and 5 interceptions overall, he has solid production in coverage.
Weaknesses
The big concern with Dye is his frame. Length is far from an issue, but he doesn’t have much bulk on a lanky frame. His frame can likely afford to add on some weight, but as it stands right now, he doesn’t have the raw power to be an immediate starter at the next level. He struggles with taking blocks head-on and doesn’t pack much of a punch at the point of attack, hence limiting his schematic versatility on blitz plays. He doesn’t deliver powerful hits as a tackler, and the lack of weight he carries in his lower body could provide some issues against powerful NFL backs.
Dye is athletic, but he isn’t as sound in coverage as one would expect yet. His footwork in man coverage isn’t all that polished, and his feel for backpedaling and dropping back could be smoother. He also can do a better job of predicting which gap to shoot up as a run defender.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Wake Forest linebacker prospect Justin Strnad
Justin Strnad | LB | Wake Forest
Elevator Pitch
An athletic sideline-to-sideline linebacker with length and plenty of range as a tackler, Strnad is arguably one of the more underrated defenders in this year’s class. He will need to bulk up before stepping into a starting role, but his special teams experience indicates he’ll be able to contribute in some capacity early in his career.
In an NFL where plus athleticism is basically required from the linebacker position, Strnad should be a good fit.
The Demon Deacon standout has fantastic range as a tackler, as he can change direction seamlessly and accelerate very well, regardless of whether he’s running downhill or is tackling on an angle. He plays with fluid hips, which helps him out when taking on outside-zone runs or when he drops back into coverage. He’s a true sideline-to-sideline linebacker, and his athletic ability is complemented by his form as a tackler and his consistency in wrapping up ball-carriers and bringing them down on a regular basis.
Strnad carries a lengthy frame that gives him plenty of physical upside as a rangy box defender in coverage, as well as when he’s tasked with dropping back into man. He also plays with determination against the run, as he has shown that he isn’t afraid of lowering his shoulder and laying down a thunderous hit on his opponents. His athleticism and his tackling abilities project him very well as a special teamer early on in his career, and he has experience in that role: he led Wake Forest with 10 special teams tackles in 2017.
Weaknesses
While a lengthy linebacker prospect, Strnad’s frame can afford to pack on a bit more muscle, and that affects his playing style a bit. He struggles with taking on blocks and disengaging from blockers, and he doesn’t have the strength in his frame to consistently eat up gaps when assigned to creep up towards the line of scrimmage. This also affects his abilities as a blitzer up the middle.
Strnad’s instincts could also stand to improve a bit. He occasionally is a split second slow to diagnose a play, and by the time he makes the read to position himself in the right place to make a play, the opportunity has already passed him by. He doesn’t have too great of a feel in zone coverage just yet, and he’s more reactive than instinctive at this stage in his development.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Wisconsin edge defender prospect Zach Baun
Zack Baun | EDGE | Wisconsin
Elevator Pitch
Baun is a highly-athletic defender who broke out onto the scene in 2019. His range as a tackler, acceleration off the snap and motor with which he rushes the passer gives him a high ceiling at the next level. He’s a bit undersized, but NFL defensive coaches will have fun utilizing him in numerous different roles.
If you’re looking for a front-seven defender with athleticism and versatility, Baun is your guy.
Baun consistently accelerates well off the snap and has great burst coming out of his stance. He has impressive lateral agility in the open field, as he changes direction very well and is able to flip his hips fluidly and accelerate coming out of his breaks. This gives him a lot of range as a tackler in space. He’s able to turn the corner very well, as his hip and ankle flexibility allows him to dip underneath offensive tackles while still maintaining sharp pursuit angles to the quarterback. His quick-twitched athleticism gives him value bouncing inside on stunts: his mobility makes him a difficult pass rusher to keep up with.
When Baun rushes the passer, he plays with a high motor and fights hard on every play. He does a good job of churning his lower body and working to get inside hand leverage. His hands have shown some potential, as he plays with good quickness and has a handful of finesse moves in his arsenal as a pass rusher. He’s also pretty quick to diagnose plays and position himself in the best possible way to make a play. His athleticism for his size also gives him plenty of value dropping back in coverage, which should help him see the field more as a rookie on passing downs.
Weaknesses
For all of his athletic talents, Baun is lacking a bit in the size and strength department. As a light and undersized edge rusher, it may be tougher for him to match up head-on with NFL offensive tackles who would be 70 to 80 pounds heavier than he is. That may kick him to an off-ball role as a 4-3 SAM linebacker. He doesn’t pack much of a punch at the point of attack, and he isn’t able to generate much force in his lower body when he goes for a power rush. His pad level could stand to be more consistent, too.
Baun is also a bit of a one-year wonder. Though his 2019 production was no doubt impressive, he wasn’t nearly as productive in 2018 and didn’t do much in 2016. His 2017 campaign was ended in the preseason due to a foot injury. Is he able to sustain that high level of play and carry that momentum into the pros, or was this past season a flash in the pan? Teams will have to figure that out when evaluating him.
Everything NFL draft fans need to know about LSU linebacker prospect Patrick Queen
Patrick Queen | LB | LSU
Elevator Pitch
Queen is a rangy, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with top-notch athleticism and quick processing abilities. His value in coverage and his ability to chase down ball-carriers in space make him a very intriguing three-down defender at the next level. He’s a bit of a one-year wonder, but his 2019 tape looked like that of an impact starter in the pros.
If you’re a team looking to add speed to your linebacker depth chart, Queen is a player you should target.
His ability to change direction and burst coming out of his breaks gives him fantastic range as a tackler. His straight-line speed is high quality: he’s quick to accelerate to top speed once he diagnoses the play. Queen also possesses very good longitudinal athleticism, in that he can backpedal quickly and with great body control, as well as show off explosive burst when running downhill. That athleticism gives him value in coverage, as his hip fluidity and long speed makes him an ideal linebacker to kick out into coverage against tight ends, running backs, or even slot receivers.
Queen’s athleticism is on full display on tape, and part of that can be attributed to his quick mental processing skills. His instincts allow him to play at full speed and utilize his fluidity and acceleration to the best of his ability. He is quick to diagnose a play, and he does a very good job of positioning himself in the right manner to make a play.
Weaknesses
Though Queen has a lot of things going for him in his skill set, there are still areas in which he can improve. He’s on the smaller side for a linebacker, and that can translate to subpar play strength from time to time. He doesn’t offer too much value near the line of scrimmage, as he isn’t great at taking on blocks and disengaging to stop the run. This affects his ability to blitz, as well.
He has shown promise as a tackler, but there are some times where Queen doesn’t play with perfect form, or he struggles to bring more powerful ball-carriers down. He can go for a shoestring tackle on occasion, and his anchor strength could get a little bit better in run support. Plus, he only has one year as a full-time starter at the collegiate level, and he didn’t explode onto the scene until the second half of the 2019 season. While his tape is impressive, that could be cause for some minor concern.
