Draft Profile Series: Ryan Shazier
- Updated: April 26, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Ryan Shazier, LB, 6-1, 237, Ohio State
Key stats: Had 144 tackles, 23.5 for loss, 7 sacks and 4 passes defensed in 2013.
Strengths: As good an athlete as there is in this draft. … Fast, quick and strong, Shazier specializes in space and can run and hit with the best of them. … Has good recognition and he’ll rack up the tackles from sideline to sideline. … Very physical tackler. … Drives up and through ball carriers. … Eludes stalk blocks well and gets to the ball carrier. … Has versatility to play weak side linebacker in base sets and middle linebacker in sub-packages. … Can rush the passer and is athletic enough to become a good option in coverage. … Has ability to be terror on coverage teams early in career.
Weaknesses: Needs to add a little bulk and strength. … Once engaged by offensive linemen, has some trouble getting off blocks. … Must learn better technique while taking on blocks then scraping to the tackle. … Can’t wait for blocker to get to him … must attack and meet blocker in the hole. … Needs to work on taking better angles when lining up runners in the open field. … Does need to sharpen his coverage skills.
Conclusion: Shazier’s ability really translates well to the NFL game. He has everything you look for in a weak side linebacker. … Plus he is scheme versatile. … I think Shazier is one of the safer picks in the draft and also has plenty of room for improvement, which is the perfect scenario when you’re looking to draft a prospect. It shouldn’t take long for him to make an impact.
NFL comparison: Lawrence Timmons/Thomas Davis.
Draft projection: Should be drafted between picks 20-40.
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