At just over 6’0″, Nebraska’s Lavonte David slipped on draft day until late in Round 2 thanks to concerns about how a linebacker at his size, despite all of his production and explosiveness, would transition to the NFL.
Four years later, David is one of the NFL’s best outside linebackers, leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ tremendous and young defensive front seven.
With similar measuarables and even better NFL Scouting Combine numbers, Ohio State’s Darron Lee is aiming to be the NFL’s newest version of David, with more optimism about draft position thanks to the change in how NFL teams value linebackers.
The 6’1″ Lee boasts some of the most remarkable athleticism of any defender in the 2016 class. And that athletic ability, though littered with technical areas of improvement, has already shown teams his tremendous change of direction in coverage, run support and as a pass-rusher despite his size limitations.
Athleticism Abound
If there’s one thing Lee has over David as a prospect, it’s his natural athletic upside. Besting David’s 2012 combine performance, per NFL Draft Scout, in every speed-based category except for the vertical jump, Lee wowed with an 11’1″ broad jump and 4.47 40-yard dash time, both among the best of any player in attendance.
And in games, Lee’s able to show that consistently, especially when reading and reacting in space. In the play above, Lee (No. 43) quickly and…
Continue Reading: Can Ohio State LB Darron Lee Be the NFL’s Next Lavonte David?
