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Speedy, playmaking WLB from Missouri but with terrific size and speed - something like 6'2", 246#, 4.45. I'd always thought of him as a 4-3 WLB and not appropriate for the Pats, but given his size and given that we may be playing more 4-3, should he get consideration at LB?
Here's what Nolan Nawrocki at PFW has to say about him:
"Instinctive, fast-flowing weak-side linebacker with a great nose for the ball and an exceptional football-playing temperament. Makes plays all over the field (see Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern) and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time (see Illinois). Breaks down well in space and can secure open-field tackles. Plays a bit upright and has some hip tightness that appears to restrict his movement, but still shows outstanding range and agility. Explosive hitter. Lined up inside at times and has the strength to take on blocks and play in the middle. Also possesses the speed to easily blanket the field on the outside and excel in coverage. Closes fast to the ball and is explosive on contact. Excellent balance — is seldom on the ground. Times up blitzes well and has very good finishing speed. Football IQ, intangibles and character are all outstanding. Well-respected team captain and vocal on-field leader. The most freakish linebacker to come out of the draft since Patrick Willis, Weatherspoon should make an immediate impact in the NFL and possesses "special" traits. Top-10 talent."
ProFootballWeekly.com - Missouri's Weatherspoon a 'freakish' LB
He sounds like a more athletic and better version of Guyton, with some Patrick Willis similarities and a lot of nice intangibles which the Pats like. A rotation of Thomas, Mayo and Weatherspoon might be very nice. Not sure if he could play inside next to Mayo in the 3-4.
Thoughts?
Here's what Nolan Nawrocki at PFW has to say about him:
"Instinctive, fast-flowing weak-side linebacker with a great nose for the ball and an exceptional football-playing temperament. Makes plays all over the field (see Alamo Bowl vs. Northwestern) and has a knack for being in the right place at the right time (see Illinois). Breaks down well in space and can secure open-field tackles. Plays a bit upright and has some hip tightness that appears to restrict his movement, but still shows outstanding range and agility. Explosive hitter. Lined up inside at times and has the strength to take on blocks and play in the middle. Also possesses the speed to easily blanket the field on the outside and excel in coverage. Closes fast to the ball and is explosive on contact. Excellent balance — is seldom on the ground. Times up blitzes well and has very good finishing speed. Football IQ, intangibles and character are all outstanding. Well-respected team captain and vocal on-field leader. The most freakish linebacker to come out of the draft since Patrick Willis, Weatherspoon should make an immediate impact in the NFL and possesses "special" traits. Top-10 talent."
ProFootballWeekly.com - Missouri's Weatherspoon a 'freakish' LB
He sounds like a more athletic and better version of Guyton, with some Patrick Willis similarities and a lot of nice intangibles which the Pats like. A rotation of Thomas, Mayo and Weatherspoon might be very nice. Not sure if he could play inside next to Mayo in the 3-4.
Thoughts?