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2025 Draft: LBers

I'm seeing Demetrius ran a 4.77 40-yard dash at the Senior Bowl though so that likely needs to be improved.
They didn't run the 40 at the Senior Bowl. That's probably from spring practices. Only 3 weeks to wait and we'll know for sure.
 
Maybe I'm channeling my avatar(Brandon Spikes), but this guy would seem to be a good fit for us....

Shemar James



What I love about watching these videos is finding someone else that catches my eye. And at the :45 second mark I spotted someone that I had to look up....


RJ Moten

Granted he missed the tackle lol but he had great instinct to come all the way up from the safety position.
 
Best coverage linebacker in this draft?

Teddy Buchanan, Cal, 6-2, 235lbs

For someone who appreciates cover linebackers, the NFL Draft is an absolute wasteland, and Teddye Buchanan is a refreshing change of pace. In 2024, most college linebackers have elementary coverage responsibilities.

Most snaps are spent hovering between the hashes, five yards past the line of scrimmage, with eyes glued to the quarterback. Projecting these players is extremely difficult, as there’s often no video evidence of them executing the coverage assignments they’ll be tasked with in the NFL.

However, Buchanan is a coverage specialist with the physical traits, processing ability, and experience to thrive on passing downs in any defensive scheme. He has the straight-line speed to run with tight ends and slot receivers down the seam.

He’s quick and fluid enough to mirror running backs on option routes. Buchanan understands passing concepts and can anticipate routes developing behind him in zone coverage. He’s aggressive, crashing downhill to defend screens and checkdowns. He’s recorded eight interceptions and 11 pass breakups in his career, thanks to his exceptional ball skills.

He doesn’t have an interception in 2024, but his down-to-down coverage tape is impressive. He indirectly forced Cam Ward into multiple sacks by identifying the play and taking away the route Ward wanted to target.


 
Best coverage linebacker in this draft?

Teddy Buchanan, Cal, 6-2, 235lbs







Good timing. I just picked him in my last mock draft. Think we need a thumper as well as a cover guy. Buchanan could be a great fit for the latter role.
 
I was doing some linebacker research and I looked at Barrett Carter on NFL Draft Buzz and it lists his vertical in HS at 40" and his shuttle time at 4.13. Now that's unverified and he was probably when he was lighter so I took it with a pinch of salt. Then I saw this:



Different view



So just maybe. Will keep an eye on him at the combine.

Fwiw, he looks to be a really cerebral player. Looks to play very smartly on his highlight tape and apparently he's all-ACC academic.
 
Barrett Carter

There's some really good moments of coverage in this video but check out his coverage against the TE at 3:36

 
I like the way he commits to the ball.
It's shown better in a different highlight video but he's patient too. Takes time to read the play, particularly when he's spying but then acts decisively when required. He strikes me as a smart footballer.
 
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