LINEBACKERS

Jalon Walker   LB/ER   Georgia      

Jaylon reminds me of a bigger version of Troy Polamalu. Jalon is listed as 6’2” and Troy was listed at 5’9” or 5’10” and was a safety but the truth is, like Jaylon, Troy played all over the field with the instincts of a linebacker and the speed and quickness of a safety. Jaylon can play multiple positions in your front seven and I know in my gut, that he could play as a safety in a two-deep zone situation if you chose to use him that way. Jaylon is very smart and is a leader and because of his high football intelligence, and quick feet, can analyze the crap out of a play as it is unfolding before him. When Jaylon is lined up on the edge he is one of the best in this draft at holding the edge and shedding blocks to make a tackle. On passing downs, he is like a heat-seeking missile causing disruption with his speed into the backfield and making a sack. As an off-the-line linebacker, Jaylon is like a sniper calmly setting up his target and waiting for just the right moment to make his play on that target. He’s not perfect. He is tight in the hips and does struggle on his pass rush to turn the corner but he compensates for that lack of perfection using leverage. Jaylon is a weapon and the biggest concern for the team in selecting him is how the hell to replace his impact on the field if he gets injured. It won’t be easy to find another weapon like him for sure.   Talent Grade: 1.27  

Jeffrey Bassa   LB   Oregon      

Jeffrey is a pure Linebacker with the coverage skills of a safety/slot corner. He is listed at 6’2” 230 lbs and in this day of linebackers, that is big. Jeffrey is quick and has the speed to run from sideline to sideline and limit the run after the catch yardage, which haunts so many teams’ defensive stats. In the open field, he will take on blocks and shed them quickly.  Around the line of scrimmage, he is adept at slipping the blocks of those big offensive linemen with his lateral agility to make tackles. He shows leadership skills through his play on the field but will have to improve his communication skills to make the players around him better and not do it all himself. Jeffrey is a bundle of energy and passion but it's his instincts, high football IQ, and overall moxie, added to his athletic talent that make him stand out when you watch him on film. His athletic talent makes me think he can be used as the slot cover corner on some downs and distances. He has been invited to the senior bowl and I have a sneaking suspicion that if I’m correct, Jeffrey will rise up most teams’ boards very quickly. If your team needs an LB who can play the run and cover better than most safeties in the NFL now, I would not hesitate to select Bassa and doesn’t every team in the NFL need a defensive player like that? Think about it. 

Talent Grade: 1.61