MF Jerry Franklin of Arkansas ~ 6.1/240
"A stout, thicker inside linebacker prospect who displays a natural feel and demonstrates above-average instincts in all areas of the game. Reads and reacts quickly to the run game inside, picks his way through traffic, plays off blocks and breaks down well in tight quarters.
Less effective in space, has the short-area quickness to make a pulling lineman whiff, but doesn’t have the initial burst to quickly close and make a play on the football. Is a solid wrap-up guy, but doesn’t generate a ton of snap into contact.
Would like to see more of a “pop” in the hole, more of a catcher. Isn’t overly rangy, locates the ball well and is quick to close, doesn’t have a second gear when closing. Stays patient when lined-up off the edge in an “over” call and keeps his outside leverage, but not a guy who will make plays from backside.
At times doesn’t trust himself when he sees a potential big play, puts himself around the football shooting gaps inside when attacking downhill, but will slow his feet into a tackle and see an angle outpaced. Doesn’t anchor consistently in the hole, doesn’t create a ton of force attacking downhill and can be sealed from the play once a lineman gets his hands on him.
Displays natural balance in his drop in coverage. Keeps his feet under him and possesses decent fluidity when asked to redirect and open up his hips. Gets good depth in his drop and feels routes develop around him. Keeps his head on a swivel and is tough to fool in zone coverage.
However, doesn’t generate much of a burst when asked to stick his foot in the ground and drive on throws off his frame. Plays with only one gear and despite his compact frame doesn’t generate much explosion in any area of the game. Nevertheless, breaks down well after the completion and is a consistent wrap up tackler.
Impression: A coordinated middle linebacker prospect who picks his way through the line of scrimmage, finds football and can hold his own in coverage. However, would like to see a more explosive element to his game in all areas. A solid MLB prospect, not the top-tier senior backer many are making him out to be in my view."
Less effective in space, has the short-area quickness to make a pulling lineman whiff, but doesn’t have the initial burst to quickly close and make a play on the football. Is a solid wrap-up guy, but doesn’t generate a ton of snap into contact.
Would like to see more of a “pop” in the hole, more of a catcher. Isn’t overly rangy, locates the ball well and is quick to close, doesn’t have a second gear when closing. Stays patient when lined-up off the edge in an “over” call and keeps his outside leverage, but not a guy who will make plays from backside.
At times doesn’t trust himself when he sees a potential big play, puts himself around the football shooting gaps inside when attacking downhill, but will slow his feet into a tackle and see an angle outpaced. Doesn’t anchor consistently in the hole, doesn’t create a ton of force attacking downhill and can be sealed from the play once a lineman gets his hands on him.
Displays natural balance in his drop in coverage. Keeps his feet under him and possesses decent fluidity when asked to redirect and open up his hips. Gets good depth in his drop and feels routes develop around him. Keeps his head on a swivel and is tough to fool in zone coverage.
However, doesn’t generate much of a burst when asked to stick his foot in the ground and drive on throws off his frame. Plays with only one gear and despite his compact frame doesn’t generate much explosion in any area of the game. Nevertheless, breaks down well after the completion and is a consistent wrap up tackler.
Impression: A coordinated middle linebacker prospect who picks his way through the line of scrimmage, finds football and can hold his own in coverage. However, would like to see a more explosive element to his game in all areas. A solid MLB prospect, not the top-tier senior backer many are making him out to be in my view."
"Looks the part of a two-down, between-the-tackles 3-4 thumper with a thick build, meaty thighs and nice arm length, but his overall game lacks flexibility, speed, explosion and physicality.
Has underachiver traits, as he's not as strong as he looks, processes slowly and could stand to play with more urgency."
Has underachiver traits, as he's not as strong as he looks, processes slowly and could stand to play with more urgency."
"Productive veteran with 37 careers starts and close to 300 tackles; thick 245-pounder built low to the ground; also has good functional strength and leg drive; was recruited as a safety who also starred at RB and WR in high school and has good speed and quickness for a mike backer, but doesn’t have that extra gear;
Has excellent instincts and a natural feel for the game; reads and reacts quickly to the run game inside, has good balance and nimble feet and can pick his way through traffic; can also stack and shed at the point of attack; solid wrap-up tackler, but doesn’t register a lot of big hits; also makes too many tackles downfield;
Can get in the backfield and had 6.5 sacks and 7 other tackles for loss last fall; has 5 career picks, however, despite being a former DB isn’t all that effective in coverage; gets good depth in his drops, but can be hesitant breaking on the ball."
Has excellent instincts and a natural feel for the game; reads and reacts quickly to the run game inside, has good balance and nimble feet and can pick his way through traffic; can also stack and shed at the point of attack; solid wrap-up tackler, but doesn’t register a lot of big hits; also makes too many tackles downfield;
Can get in the backfield and had 6.5 sacks and 7 other tackles for loss last fall; has 5 career picks, however, despite being a former DB isn’t all that effective in coverage; gets good depth in his drops, but can be hesitant breaking on the ball."
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