Charm City
Pro Bowler
I think we can all agree that this is one of the biggest needs for next year, and unlike other positions of need (WR, OLB, Safety, IOL, etc) we have ZERO young players that might make the leap next year. We thought Peanut might have been that person this year but he definitely is not even starting material on a championship-caliber team like we are. With that being said, the player that I am on the lookout for this offseason is:
Evan Weaver, ILB, Cal
He plays with a very high motor, works hard to get through blocks when lineman progress to his level, and does not stop running towards the ball until the play is dead, which was something we lacked in the game against Tennessee. His tackling radius and ability are both pluses, evidenced by his nation-leading 103 solo tackles this year.
His one downside is coverage, where he tends to be flat-footed at times and looks at the QB rather than any receivers that may be coming into or going out of his designated zone. Because we run dime mostly, I assume that deficiency will be mitigated by the extra safety that will be on the field during obvious passing downs.
I would give him a low third to fourth round grade based on his abilities and what I think coaches are looking for in a modern ILB. If he is available in the 4th round, I would pick him up asap.
Evan Weaver, ILB, Cal
He plays with a very high motor, works hard to get through blocks when lineman progress to his level, and does not stop running towards the ball until the play is dead, which was something we lacked in the game against Tennessee. His tackling radius and ability are both pluses, evidenced by his nation-leading 103 solo tackles this year.
His one downside is coverage, where he tends to be flat-footed at times and looks at the QB rather than any receivers that may be coming into or going out of his designated zone. Because we run dime mostly, I assume that deficiency will be mitigated by the extra safety that will be on the field during obvious passing downs.
I would give him a low third to fourth round grade based on his abilities and what I think coaches are looking for in a modern ILB. If he is available in the 4th round, I would pick him up asap.