4. Patrick Queen, LSU
Size: 6-0, 229
The Good: An emerging star who busted out last season with 85 tackles with three sacks and 12 tackles for loss, he’s an ultra-quick guided missile who finds his way to the ball and delivers the big hit. He might not have the build to hold up as a true thumper, but he’s got the sideline-to-sideline speed to get everywhere.
There’s still room to grow, too. He wasn’t used too much as a pass rusher, but he’s got the explosion to become one. Fine in pass coverage, he’s got the athleticism to turn into one of the best cover-linebackers in the draft.
PQ | Level Up pic.twitter.com/16n9SIS1Ew
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) April 10, 2020
The Not-So-Good: He’s just not all that big. Small and compact, he’s got to play in a system with huge bulk in front of him and strong thumpers around him. He’ll get erased by anyone who gets to him and locks on – disengaging is going to be an issue. There’s a wee bit of an experience issue – to nitpick – having only kicked it all in for one year.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a whole lot to like about what he is and what he can become. There’s no overcoming his lack of size and bulk, but his speed, hitting ability, and upside are limitless. Blow off the lack of starting experience – there’s a lot of tread on the tires with the potential to be a volume-tackle game-wrecker once he gets used to the next-level life.
Projected Round: First