Tag: Troy Dye

2020 NFL draft: Troy Dye scouting report

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.

Vitals

Height | 6-3

Weight | 231

College Bio Page

Career Stats

Strengths

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.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round

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8 draft prospects the Cardinals might value because of PFF rating

It seemed last year Arizona borrowed heavily from Pro Football Focus – here are some players they may like this year if they do so again.

It’s no secret that many believe that Arizona borrowed heavily from Pro Football Focus’ draft rankings in the 2019 draft: 

Kyler Murray was the top-ranked player on PFF’s board when they selected him first. Byron Murphy was the top-ranked player at the time Arizona took him at pick 33 and other players like Zack Allen and Andy Isabella were highly rated. 

If they follow this model again, here are several players the Cards could value more so than others. Here are some. 

Utah RB Zack Moss

Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports

 The Cardinals have already met with Moss at the combine, and one of the reasons may be his high marks from PFF, who have him rated as their top running back over such household names as DeAndre Swift and Jonathan Taylor. 

Moss gets these high marks for his tackle-breaking ability, his hard running style and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Some have even compared him to Marshawn Lynch.

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Oregon LB Troy Dye named ideal fit with Raiders in 2020 NFL Draft

Oregon LB Troy Dye named ideal fit with Raiders in 2020 NFL Draft

For the most part, the three linebackers most associated with the Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft have been Isaiah Simmons, Patrick Queen, and Kenneth Murray. However, there are several intriguing options on the second day of the draft that could help the Raiders in the middle of their defense.

One such name that isn’t getting enough attention from Raiders’ nation is Troy Dye from Oregon. Dye had a monster career with the Ducks, totaling 391 tackles and 41.5 tackles for a loss. He also added 14 pass deflections, 13 sacks, and five interceptions.

Take a look at what Pro Football Focus thinks of the former Oregon linebacker:

Dye isn’t going to win any awards for his physicality or size, but when it comes to staying with players over the middle of the field in coverage and using his length to impact passes, Dye is your guy. This is the direction the position is heading nowadays anyway. Dye is coming off a four-year career as the starter for the Ducks, and he was strong in coverage each of those four seasons. Dye never recorded a coverage grade below 70.9 on at least 250 coverage snaps in any season from 2016 to 2019. That kind of coverage ability at the linebacker position is something that is becoming increasingly valued in the NFL.

In Pro Football Focus’ draft guide, they compared Dye to Falcons’ linebacker DeVondre Campbell. Dye is built like the modern-day NFL linebacker at 6’3, 231 pounds. His ability to run and cover make him an ideal pick for the Raiders in the third round.

Take a look at why Pro Football Focus believes Dye’s best fit in the NFL would be with the Raiders under defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

When you look at what the Raiders had to work with in 2019 at linebacker, it’s easy to see them targeting one come late April. Tahir Whitehead and Nicholas Morrow recorded coverage grades of 42.2 and 42.5, respectively, last season. While Patrick Queen is the popular selection for the Raiders in the first round, they could opt for Dye later with one of their third-round picks. That would be the more prudent move, as just eight spots separate Queen and Dye on the latest edition of the PFF Big Board

If the Raiders decide to go elsewhere with their two first-round picks, Dye could certainly be a target for the Raiders on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. While he is a bit older than the top linebackers in this class, no one has the experience or production of Dye. Keep an eye on him as a possible target for the Raiders.

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Bengals met with standout LBs Patrick Queen, Troy Dye at combine

The Bengals have met with two prominent 2020 linebackers.

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The Cincinnati Bengals figure to address linebacker at least once in a high-profile fashion this offseason.

On the drat side of things, Bengals personnel used the 2020 NFL combine to meet with both LSU’s Patrick Queen and Oregon’s Troy Dye.

The Queen meet, reported by Jordan Reid of The Draft Network, is a big ordeal given the LSU star’s stock. Queen is a probable first-round pick and would probably be the best player available on many boards if he made it to the top of Round 2 thanks to his three-down capabilities, including his ability to match up well in coverage.

As for Dye, noted by Malik Wright, he’s a veteran Oregon star with versatility who could have some value as a potential starter in time.

This is merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg as far as the Bengals meeting players goes. But the emphasis on big linebacker names is noteworthy.

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Who and what to watch at the 2020 NFL Combine: Linebackers

The Lions Wire staff has identified which linebackers Detroit Lions fans should be watching at the 2020 NFL Combine.

The 2020 NFL Combine on-field workouts begin Thursday, February 27th in Indianapolis but the linebackers won’t take the field until Saturday, February 29th. One interesting note about some of the players in this group is that while they will work out with the linebackers, they may play another role in the Lions scheme.

This is the latest in a series of articles leading up to this year’s NFL Combine, where the Lions Wire team has identified players they will be tracking in order to determine potential fits within the organization.

If you missed the previous articles in this series, be sure to check out our quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, offensive linemen, interior defensive linemen, and EDGE rushers previews.

Off-the-ball linebacker traits to evaluate

There are several on-field drills that emphasize a player’s abilities and the main areas Lions’ scouts will likely be focusing for the linebackers are:

  • Lateral movement should be smooth and quick.
  • Reaction to instructions, too many times prospects guess the command and make mistakes.
  • Can they turn and unlock their hips when dropping into coverage?
  • Head up and eyes on the ball.
  • Which linebackers take place in EDGE rushing drills? How do they perform under those expectations?

Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

Suggested by: Bryce Rossler

Simmons was a chess piece at Clemson, seeing snaps at free safety, strong safety, over the slot, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, and outside corner. And at the college level, he played all of them at a high level.

In the NFL, he likely won’t have that positional range, and depending on the scheme, he may be labeled either a linebacker or a safety. At the Combine, he will work out with the linebackers, but with the Lions, he would likely find the most success at the safety level, in Tavon Wilson’s role.

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Blessed with both speed and quickness, Simmons uses his rare athleticism to win in coverage, stop the run, and get home on disguised blitzes.

The Lions deploy three-safety sets roughly 50-percent of defensive snaps, and pairing him with Tracy Walker — along with last years third-rounder Will Harris in the third safety role — would give the Lions an instant upgrade in the secondary.

Zach Baun, Wisconsin

Suggested by: Jeff Risdon

Baun played outside linebacker in Wisconsin 34 scheme, alternating between rushing the passer and dropping into coverage. Due to his build (6-2.5, 240, with 31.13″ arms) and skill set, he is better suited for an off-the-ball role, and with the Lions, he is a natural fit for the Christian Jones role.

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Comfortable operating in space, Baun is a plus athlete who uses his intelligence, instincts, lateral quickness, and internal drive to flow to the ball all over the field.

Josh Uche, Michigan

Suggested by: Scott Warheit

Uche spent his first few years at Michigan adding weight and learning techniques as a situational stand-up pass rusher before finally earning a starting role in 2019. Like Baun, Uche is comfortable bending the edge and dropping into space, but Uche’s arm length (33.25″) and athleticism, makes him a player who will spend more time rushing the passer.

At 241-pounds, Uche is a bit undersized to be an every-down JACK linebacker in the Lions scheme, but his ability to drop into coverage and insane speed/bend off the edge makes him a unique prospect that is the perfect fit at SAM and WILL linebacker spots in a multiple scheme.

Malik Harrison, Ohio State

Suggested by: Scott Bischoff and Ty Finch

After examining three hybrid defenders in Simmons, Baun, and Uche, Harrison represents the first true off-the-ball linebacker on this list. Harrison has the size (6-2.5, 246 at Senior Bowl), speed, range, and power the Lions look for at their MIKE and WILL positions. He is gap sound, a complete run defender, and has shown some cover skills, which would make him an instant competitor in most schemes.

Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech

Suggested by: Matt Urben

With speed, athleticism, and plus instincts, Brooks (est. 6-0, 241) is not talked about enough in the Lions community. He is a downhill, productive, run-stuffing inside linebacker, who fits the mold of a Lions linebacker, including struggling to cover tight ends and running backs. If the Lions plan on moving on from Jarrad Davis when his contract expires after this season, Brooks could be a target to develop and mix into a starter rotation in 2021.

Akeem Davis-Gaither, Appalachian State

Suggested by: Sonja Greenfield and Derek Okrie

Like Simmons, Davis-Gaither (6-1.5, 219 at Senior Bowl) would be a hang defender in the Lions scheme, but without the range to play deep safety. Davis-Gaither can rush the passer, cover the slot, and will be one of the quickest athletes on the field at any given time. If you like Miles Killebrew, then you’ll love Davis-Gaither, as he can do a lot of the same things Killebrew can, but with less power and more speed.

Troy Dye, Oregon

Suggested by: Max Gerber

Like Davis-Gaither, Dye (est. 6-3, 218) is another hang defender with speed to burn and strong tackling skills. In Detroit, he would play in the Killebrew role as a potential four-down defender, who would backup at WILL linebacker, see coverage work in obvious passing situations, with his skills truly shining on special teams.

Evan Weaver, California

Suggested by: Erik Schlitt

When watching Senior Bowl practices, Weaver stood out for being gap sound, recognizing the play early, and beating the offensive player to the correct hole. He has terrific football instincts and his anticipation shows up rep after rep. He attacks downhill with tenacity but won’t win any athleticism competitions, and at 6-2, 239 pounds, fits the profile of a Lions linebacker.

Shaq Quarterman, Miami

Suggested by: Zack Moran

Loaded with experience at the MIKE, Quarterman jumped onto the big stage as a true freshman. Quarterman is a two-down defender who attacks with power but lacks the range and athleticism to stay on the field in traditional third-down situations. He has a long history of production and rarely misses opportunities to make tackles, which will help him be an instant impact starter on special teams and reserve interior linebacker.

Five Oregon players who Badger fans need to know

Here are five Oregon Ducks who Badger fans should keep a close eye on throughout the 106th Rose Bowl game on New Years Day.

Here are five players on Oregon’s roster who Badger fans should keep a close eye on throughout Wednesday’s Rose Bowl Game.

Justin Herbert – Quarterback

2019 stats: 66.7% passing, 3,333 yds, 32 TD, 5 INT

Herbert almost certainly would have been a first-round selection in last year’s NFL draft after an excellent junior season, but the Eugene, Ore. native opted to return for his senior year for one last opportunity to lead his hometown Ducks to a Pac-12 title and College Football Playoff berth.

While he wasn’t able to accomplish the latter, Herbert is still a lock for the first round of this spring’s draft after enjoying the best statistical season of his career in 2019. The 6-6, 237-pound signal-caller has put up career-highs in both passing yards (No. 3 in the Pac-12) and touchdowns (No. 2), and his 158.7 passing efficiency rating (PER) is the third-best in the conference.

Herbert will end his college career near the top of several all-time (at least since 1956) Pac-12 lists, including career passing yards (currently No. 16), passing touchdowns (No. 6) and PER (No. 9).

CJ Verdell – Running Back

2019 stats: 6.5 YPC, 1,171 yds, 8 TD/14 rec, 125 yds (8.9 avg)

Oct 26, 2019; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back CJ Verdell (7) picks up a first down during the second half against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Verdell won’t be the best running back to take the field in Wednesday’s Rose Bowl Game (that distinction goes to No. 23 in the Cardinal and White), but make no mistake, that is very rarely the case.

The sophomore from Chula Vista, Calif. had a huge redshirt freshman season in 2018 as the only Power 5 player nationally with at least 1,000 yards rushing and 300 yards receiving, and he has not fallen off a bit this year. A Second-Team All-Pac-12 performer this season, Verdell ranks at the top of the conference in yards per carry and is second in rushing yards.

Aside from J.K. Dobbins of Ohio State, this is the most talented back the Wisconsin defense has faced all season.

NEXT: Penei Sewell/Troy Dye/Kayvon Thibodeaux

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Looking at Draft Wire’s 3-round mock draft for Chargers

The Chargers take a quarterback, center and linebacker in Draft Wire’s latest three-round mock draft.

With the Chargers essentially out of playoff contention, the fanbase’s attention has shifted towards the future and what the team could do to build up an already talented roster for next year.

With that, we will continue to throw in mock drafts here and there throughout the duration of the regular season to show the direction they could go. Once the season is over, all of our attention will shift solely to free agency and the draft.

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling put out his latest three-round mock draft. Let’s take a look and see what he believes Los Angeles will do when April rolls around.

Round 1, No. 10, QB Justin Herbert, Oregon

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2019 season, and it’s uncertain whether or not he will be back. Whether or not he is back for Year 17, the Chargers can’t waste anymore time to find his potential replacement, especially if they will be picking in the top-15.

The team has certainly been doing their homework on him. Earlier this season, there were three scouts in attendance for the matchup between Oregon and USC. When you have that many scouts at a game, it’s clear that they’re zeroing in on a specific prospect.

Herbert, the 6-foot-6 and 237 pounder, has everything that the Bolts will covet in their next signal-caller — arm talent, mobility, experience, football intelligence and production. While there are areas that need to be addressed to his game, including his decision-making, he is a guy with high upside.

It wouldn’t be the most sexy selection in eyes of the fans, but it’s a pick that the organization would make given their philosophy, need and most importantly, because he checks off on nearly all of the boxes when it comes to evaluating players at the position.

Here is what Easterling had to say about Herbert going to L.A.

Philip Rivers is at the end of a Hall of Fame career, and it’s time for the Bolts to find his long-term replacement. Herbert could have been a high draft pick last year, but he returned to school to polish his game. He’s done just that, and should be plenty worthy of a top-10 pick.

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