2016 NFL Draft: Biggest Defensive Sleepers By Position
By Erik Lambert
De’Vondre Campbell (OLB, Minnesota)
The mark of a true outside linebacker is being able to do more than one thing well. They must play the run, tackle, drop back into coverage and rush the passer all with equal success. Not everybody can do it. De’Vondre Campbell is looking like a rare exception. He has the height-weight-length ratios for the position along with the athleticism.
In the video above you notice he’s comfortable playing in space and isn’t afraid to come downhill. He tracks the ball well and doesn’t give up on a play even when he misses a tackle. Snap anticipation is good though he should work to come off with more speed and uses bend to get under the blocks of the tackle to finish towards the quarterback.
Nothing is perfect at the moment but there is latent ability to be tapped.
Next: CB