Lavonte David Scouting Report LB Nebraska Cornhuskers

This is our Lavonte David scouting report. For all of our other scouting reports go to our scouting report page

Measurables

6’1 233 pounds, 31.75″ arms, 8.75″ hands

4.65 40 yard dash, 19 bench press reps, 36″ vertical, 119″ broad jump, 7.28 3 cone drill, 4.22 20 yard shuttle

Stats (CFBstats.com much better than ESPN, check it out)

-through original post date

2011:

2010:

Pros

When you’re talking about Lavonte David you’re talking about three major factors that makes him successful: his speed, his awareness (instincts), and his leadership…excels in coverage because of his his speed and awareness…makes a ton of plays on the football in pass coverage….relentless pursuit…added 15 pounds of weight form his listed size in 2010 to 2011…very productive…not afraid to take on blockers, but better getting around them

Cons

undersized…doesn’t do a great job of disengaging from blocks because he’s not functionally strong (NFL strength) and doesn’t have really long arms (because he’s shorter than ideal)…is not an elite pass rusher….kind of schematically limited, he fits best for a team that runs a lot of nickel (think the Giants) or a team that is going to run a lot of Tampa 2 coverage…

Player Comparison: Michael Boley New York Giants/Pat Angerer Colts

I think he develop into the kind of player Michael Boley is today because has that kind of speed and intelligence, and he can develop into the kind of blitzer Boley, but he is but is best suited for a 43. But coming out of college he’s a lot like Angerer, he’s undersized, instinctive, willing to take on blockers, isn’t much of a blitzer, pretty good but not elite speed. Remember Angerer was drafted in the second round and has played pretty well for the Colts. David is a taller (less bulky), but also a little better athlete.

Thoughts

There is a lot to like about Lavonte David. He’s always around the football, he’s a leader on the Cornhuskers defense, he’s very productive and he has good speed. Even if he can never figure out how to take on and shed blocks at the N.F.L. level he’s going to be really good in pass coverage because of his speed, instincts, and fluid hips.  A lot of people thought that Angerer might go in the fourth or fifth round and I think most think David will go in the second round, but I see his value somewhere near where Angerer was drafted. Late 2nd and early third, but to the right system, I don’t think he fits all systems. Good player, though.

Round Projection:

Round 2, however Kiper has him slated for late round 1.

NFLmockspreseason bio

Lavonte David surprised the country in 2010 as he was one of college football’s breakthrough players for the Cornhuskers. Not only did David win an All-American honor but he helped Nebraska own one of the nation’s top defenses. David set a single season record for tackles(152) at Nebraska and won the Newcomer-of-the-year award and unanimous all conference selection. David added 10 pounds of muscle to his frame as he is getting prepared for the physical play in the Big Ten.  Standing at 6’1″ 220 pounds with a 4.57 40 time, David has the skill set, mind-set and toughness to compete at a high level in the future.

Video
Vs Washington 2011 (JMpasq)

TMBDsraft Analysis 2010