Kentrell Brothers, ILB Missouri: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

In recent years, the league has started to transition to a much more “pass-happy” style of offense. While this has obviously had an impact on the offensive side of the ball, it has also greatly impacted the defensive end. A growing need for athletic linebackers who have the speed to cover has become a near-necessity for NFL teams and thus prospects who fit this mold tend to be more appealing to NFL scouts. However, that does not mean that old-school linebackers, true thumpers, do not have their place in the league. Players with the size and strength to be physical at the line of scrimmage and hard against the run can be hard to come by and add another dimension to any defense.
Kentrell Brothers definitely fits this mold as the ultra-productive linebacker out of Missouri has done nothing but produce at a high level since starting at Missouri. He’s demonstrated the raw traits needed for an inside linebacker, regardless if the position has be devalued over the years or the need for more athleticism has risen. Let’s take a look at Missouri ILB Kentrell Brothers.

Measurables

Height: 6’0″

Weight: 240 lbs

Year: Senior

Strengths

• Tackling Machine

If there is anything you see when watching Kentrell Brothers, it’s how often he is around the ball. In 2014, Brothers finished the season with 122 and three forced fumbles, making him the SEC’s leading tackler. In 2015, he put together one of the most productive and prolific seasons Missouri history. He finished with a monstrous 152 tackles, leading the nation, two interceptions, and was second in the nation with three blocked kicks. His career has him ranked 8th all-time in Missouri’s history with 358 total tackles. To say he’s been productive would be an understatement. Brothers is constantly around the ball, hustling on every play, and wrapping up on each tackle. He’s not afraid of delivering the big-hit, often attempting to punch the football loose.

• Awareness

One thing Brothers doesn’t get enough attention for is the awareness he shows on each snap. He does a good job watching the quarterback’s eyes and diagnosing the play. He stays pretty committed to his assignments, making sure he is always in the position he needs to be effective. He demonstrates the instincts needed at the professional level to be a productive player.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Athleticism

The biggest knock on Brothers is his lack of athleticism, showing only average quickness and explosion. If the play starts to get behind him, he’s difficult for him to catch up. He doesn’t have the quick feet to react to change of direction and can be caught out of position when this happens. What makes this easier for scouts to swallow is the ability to hide his coverage deficiencies because he’ll be asked to be the tackling-machine that he is.

Final Thoughts

As mentioned before, Brothers lack of explosiveness and athleticism will hurt the chance his skills completely translate to the NFL. But his instincts, toughness, and production will show a player capable of being a physical thumper in the middle of any defense. His lack of attention pushes him to play with a chip on his shoulder and he’s an extremely motivated player. He is often seen wearing the acronym FEWDM, which stands for “For Everyone Who Doubts Me”. This describes his character and his drive to play the best he can play.

Projection: 3rd – 4th Round