I started a thread on him back in September to discuss whether he might be a possible fit, especially given the question as to how much 4-3 we might be running at that point:
http://www.patsfans.com/new-england-patriots/messageboard/13/274274-sean-weatherspoon.html
He's not a thumper by any means, but he can be physical and hit hard. At his best, he's a poor man's Patrick Willis with slightly less speed and physicality, who can run all over the field and make plays. Here's what Nolan Nawrocki from ProFootballWeekly had to say about him in September:
"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
That was a very bullish assessment at the time, but Weatherspoon was probably a concensus 1st round pick coming into this season. His senior season at Missouri was not as productive as his junior season, and his stock has slipped back to where he is a late 1st/mid 2nd kind of pick right now.
Scott Wright at NFLdraftcountdown had this profile on Weatherspoon:
Sean Weatherspoon
Height: 6-2
Weight: 245
40-Time: 4.60
Official Bio
Strengths:
Good size and bulk --- Very athletic --- Great speed --- Has a burst and really closes in a hurry --- Quick and agile --- Solid instincts --- Reliable tackler and a powerful hitter --- Has sideline-to-sideline range --- Nice balance and body control --- Great strength --- Works through traffic well --- Capable pass rusher and blitzer --- Very smooth and fluid in coverage --- Good hands and ball skills --- Tough and physical --- Active with a non-stop motor --- Smart --- Hard worker --- Team leader --- Has a ton of quality experience --- Durable --- Versatile --- Super productive.
Weaknesses:
There isn't a lot of violence in his game --- Has some trouble taking on and shedding blockers --- Can use his hands better --- Takes too long to read the action on occasion --- Appears to be a little stiff --- Doesn't always play with proper pad level --- Can be overly aggressive at times.
Notes:
Nickname is "Spoon" --- Was a three-year starter at Mizzou --- Named 1st Team All-Big 12 in 2007, 2008 and 2009 --- Earned All-American honors in 2008 (3rd Team) and 2009 (2nd Team) --- Led the Tigers in tackles from 2007-2009 and ranks second in school history in that category --- Returned two interceptions for touchdowns during his career --- Also excelled on special teams --- Underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder prior to the 2008 season --- Could project either outside or inside at the next level --- A true playmaker who always seems to be around the action --- Fantastic all-around player with an outstanding blend of physical tools and elite intangibles.
Sean Weatherspoon | Missouri Scouting Report - 2010 NFL Draft Prospect
My own take is that he is a better version of Guyton and lesser version of Patrick Willis - a sideline to sideline guy with great range and coverage ability, a solid hitter with good instincts. He could play 4-3 WLB or SLB and 3-4 WILL, but not 3-4 SILB. Stacking and shedding and taking on blockers is not his forte. He's a hitter but not a "thumper".
I like him a lot, but I don't see him as the best complement to the players we already have.