Stephen Weatherly, EDGE, Vanderbilt: Scouting Report
Stephen Weatherly was a leader on last year’s unheralded Vanderbilt defense that quietly ranked 28th in total defense in the FBS. He was redshirted his freshman year and then became a backup in James Franklin’s last season and recorded 19 tackles, five for loss, and 3.5 sacks. The next year under new head coach, Derek Mason, he became a part time starter in the new 3-4 scheme tallying nine starts, 55 tackles, 12.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks. This past season he became a key part of the Commodore defense and recorded 46 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks.
Weatherly was recruited by Vandy out of Atlanta’s North Atlanta HS where he was a four year starter at defensive end and outside linebacker. He also played bit of receiver where he tallied eight touchdowns in his senior season on top of his defensive performances which lento him receiving All-Gwinnett County honors. Weatherly also lettered in both track and baseball while playing forward on the basketball team where he helped win two regional titles.
Measurables:
Height 6’4″
Weight 267 lbs.
Arms 34 1/2″
Hands 10 1/4″
Combine Results:
40 Yd Dash 4.61 seconds
Bench Press Reps 23
Vertical Jump 31″
Broad Jump 117″
Games Watched:
Strengths:
The first thing you notice about Weatherly is his size on the field. He looks like a bigger defensive end out there with a big wingspan that’s perfect for wrapping up. While size helps, he also has speed which makes him so dangerous coming off of the edge. He also uses that speed to his advantage in chasing down quarterbacks and running backs and making plays. One thing that stands out on tape is his ability to get off the line like a bullet when the ball is snapped. His ability to speed rush could be a great asset for many teams to look at, especially teams looking for a hybrid edge guy that fits a 3-4.
Another big asset going his way is his ability to make plays on special teams. Against UMASS he was able to block a punt, scoop it up, and score (watch here), and teams love to have guys that they can develop and play on special teams in the process. Weatherly also has the fact that he played both off the edge and as a down lineman in college definitely helps his stock. The fact that he can do both, and has the right tools for both makes him a versatile player that could be developed into a good player.
Weaknesses:
Consistency, there were plays in the film I watched where he did nothing to benefit his team when there were a few where he lived in the backfield. While his speed is an advantage, he sometimes uses it wrong. He makes a lot of false jab steps and fakes which ultimately slow him down in the race to the backfield. These jab steps are also met with hesitation, he is often hesitant in making his moves which ultimately slows him down even more, and could damage his stock.
He doesn’t utilize his long reach as much as he should. In plays where the running back blows by him it’s clear he doesn’t utilize his reach to bring him down. Against Ole Miss, he struggled on the edge against the read option. Even though it’s not as prominent in the NFL it still takes discipline against the run to set the edge and he didn’t have it.
Overview
Vandy”s Stephen Weatherly has potential, there is no denying that. He has the size, speed, and ability to either play defensive end, outside linebacker, or both. Ultimately it comes down to what scheme he is in, but he could become a solid rotational edge rusher if he learns to better utilize his speed, and exceptional wingspan. He is most likely a guy who will be drafted on day three, and get to fight for a roster or practice squad spot.