The linebacker position in the 2016 NFL Draft is dripping with athletic, fast, active players. Some of them are elite athletes with above average production. In the case of Arizona linebacker Scooby Wright, the athleticism is not as evident as others but Wright’s production is nothing to sleep on. Neither is the list of credentials that Wright has racked up.
Outside of having one of the best names in the entire NFL Draft, Wright has the attention of some NFL scouts and front offices as well. Let’s dissect Wright’s game with our in-depth scouting reports.
LB Scooby Wright
Height: 6’1
Weight: 246 lbs
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Strengths: 27 games played in 2013 & 2014 – 83 tackles, nine TFLs, one INT in ’13/164 tackles, 31 TFLs, 15 sacks, five forced fumbles….Displays a consistent motor, toughness, and effort on every play….Crisp instincts which is the product of a well-developed football IQ…..A “coach on the field”…..Able to read plays before they occur….Shows versatility with ability to play SLB in a 4-3 defense and WILB in a 3-4 formation….Wright shows the ability to maintain focus in the backfield while fighting blocks….Impressive 2014 trophy shelf: Bronko Nagurski Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, Vince Lombardi Award.
Weaknesses: The lack of speed and stiff hips is not just noticeable, it’s borderline alarming….Close to 250 pounds, yet his tackling needs some cleansing….Played middle linebacker for Arizona but that’s not his lane in the NFL on a 4-3 set….Seen too many times unable to disengage from blockers…..Not a “sideline to sideline” linebacker……Will more than likely be pulled on obvious passing downs due to lack of height and pass coverage ability.
Bottom line: When viewing Wright’s tape, two linebackers instantly manifest: former 49ers LB Chris Borland and Falcons LB Brooks Reed. Wright has similar size and skill set to Borland and will probably be used as a SLB such as Reed who is also a former Arizona Wildcat. The numbers Wright has posted through his junior season has enhanced his actual ability.
Although Wright is a great leader and will probably be a linebackers coach one day, it’s very difficult to envision Wright as a first or even second round pick. Whoever drafts Wright will have to be patient as he has a way to go to before he is ready for the professional level.