War Room analysis
Strengths: Flashes big-play ability as a pass rusher, showing the quickness and agility to beat offensive tackles with quick pass-rush moves. Flashes burst and strength to drive through double-teams to pressure the quarterback. Competes hard in pursuit, showing good chase speed and flashing an explosive closing burst to finish plays. Is smooth dropping into coverage, and closes to make tackles after the catch. Reads screen passes, getting outside to make the tackle. Is versatile, having played outside linebacker and defensive end.
Weaknesses: Is an end/linebacker 'tweener who struggled to produce at either position in college. Lacks explosiveness to threaten the corner as a speed rusher, and lacks pass-rush moves. Must read and react to plays more quickly. Does not break up many passes. Does not protect legs well from cut blocks. When playing off the ball, tends to play upright and thus struggle to change direction and move through traffic.
Bottom line: Crable is a frustrating prospect whose future is difficult to predict: He has played in a variety of alignments but failed to produce in all of them. Crable's best chance in the NFL is as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme; he would be miscast in a 4-3 system, where he would be stuck between positions. He will struggle to be more than just a backup and contributor on special teams.
