2020 NFL Draft Linebacker Rankings Top Five
5. Josh Uche, Michigan
Size: 6-1, 245
The Good: Try to ignore what he’s not and just get into what he is and what he can be. He’s got a great burst, he’s a pass rusher from wherever he works, and he’s got the upside to find a role right away as a disruptive force who can take over games on pure passing downs.
He only made 52 tackles in his four years, but he cranked up 14.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss over the last two seasons as he grew into the job. He’s more then athletic enough with the strength to be a problem – even if he doesn’t quite look the part.
— Josh Uche (@_Uche35) April 9, 2020
The Not-So-Good: What is he? He’s not really built to be an edge rusher, and he’s not quite an outside linebacker who’ll fit into a traditional NFL role. For now, forget about him in pass coverage like a traditional linebacker, and he’s going to get pounded on by any offensive lineman he can’t flash by.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’ll be easy to talk yourself out of him. There’s enough to worry about to think he might be just a guy since he doesn’t fit into any sort of box, but he’s got the upside to grow into a phenomenal pass rusher once he develops a few more moves and tricks.
Projected Round: Second