WaterfallJumper
Veteran Starter w/Big Long Term Deal
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2009
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Regardless of whether or not the Patriots return to a base 34 next year, they spend enough time in sub formations that a legitimate, starting-caliber 43 WLB could see a lot of playing time. I have watched dozens and dozens of college games this year, and I've narrowed down my list to find my favorite player.
I'll kick off the discussion with Danny Trevathan, and then profile a few other players over the next couple weeks. I hope you'll all join in the discussion.
When I watch linebackers, I look for 1) instincts, 2) gap discipline, 3) ability to play against the run, pass, and kicking game, 4) tackling dependability, and 5) movement skills.
Danny Trevathan meets each of these criteria exceptionally well. He always flows to the ball on every single play, often before the snap. Despite his smallish stature (6' 230), he usually does a good job with run fits (occasionally he gets engulfed by guards and sheds a little late, but he sticks to his responsibilities). Trevathan has the "fluid hips" scouts always prattle on about, which allows him to comfortably stick with running backs and tight ends in zone or man coverage. He tackles with authority, and even when he doesn't deliver a big hit, he puts his man on the ground. Overall, he plays fast in all directions, and constantly provides a spark for the defense.
On the year, he has 135 tackles, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and three sacks. He makes big plays as well as the consistent, routine plays, and this against quality SEC opponents. For his career he has close to 400 tackles. Although he's small, he plays very physically, and has proven a durable, consistent performer.
CBSSports projects him as a 6th rounder, but I would take him anytime from the 2nd onward. For this defense, his value may be closer to a 4th or 5th, but I really believe in him as a player. Speed, smarts, toughness. Sounds like a Patriot to me.
I'll kick off the discussion with Danny Trevathan, and then profile a few other players over the next couple weeks. I hope you'll all join in the discussion.
When I watch linebackers, I look for 1) instincts, 2) gap discipline, 3) ability to play against the run, pass, and kicking game, 4) tackling dependability, and 5) movement skills.
Danny Trevathan meets each of these criteria exceptionally well. He always flows to the ball on every single play, often before the snap. Despite his smallish stature (6' 230), he usually does a good job with run fits (occasionally he gets engulfed by guards and sheds a little late, but he sticks to his responsibilities). Trevathan has the "fluid hips" scouts always prattle on about, which allows him to comfortably stick with running backs and tight ends in zone or man coverage. He tackles with authority, and even when he doesn't deliver a big hit, he puts his man on the ground. Overall, he plays fast in all directions, and constantly provides a spark for the defense.
On the year, he has 135 tackles, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and three sacks. He makes big plays as well as the consistent, routine plays, and this against quality SEC opponents. For his career he has close to 400 tackles. Although he's small, he plays very physically, and has proven a durable, consistent performer.
CBSSports projects him as a 6th rounder, but I would take him anytime from the 2nd onward. For this defense, his value may be closer to a 4th or 5th, but I really believe in him as a player. Speed, smarts, toughness. Sounds like a Patriot to me.
