Fansided
Fansided

Devonte Fields, OLB , Louisville: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Eric Robinson

Nov 12, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) celebrates after sacking Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback John Wolford (10) during the second half at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Wake Forest 44-12. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Louisville, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) celebrates after sacking Wake Forest Demon Deacons quarterback John Wolford (10) during the second half at Papa John's Cardinal Stadium. Louisville defeated Wake Forest 44-12. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sport
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando , FL, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Devonte Fields (92) against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sport /

With the 2017 NFL Draft soon approaching, here’s a look at a talented but troubled pass rusher out of the University of Louisville, Devonte Fields…

Hidden beneath the well-deserved Lamar Jackson showcase at the University of Louisville last season was a team well-stocked with NFL talent. Watching the Cardinals on occasion would hamper the casual viewer of seeing what was actually on the field.

On the opposite side of the ball of the talented quarterback in Jackson, there were a number of defensive talent that caught the attention of a few scouts. One prospect in particular was outside linebacker Devonte Fields. An interesting prospect to say the least who has talent but also has a checkered past. Here is the scouting report on the former Cardinal.

Measurables 

Height: 6’2

Weight: 236 lbs

Strengths: Talented edge rusher with considerable quickness and burst off the line…..Able to close out on ball carriers with quickness as well…..Utilizes his hands effectively when winning with speed around the edge does not work…..31 tackles for loss an d16.5 sacks the last two seasons at Louisville….Honorable mention All-ACC in 2015 and first team All-ACC this past season…..Able to use his lengthy arms to prevent blockers from getting into chest…..Able to rush effectively from left defensive end and right defensive end; can also rush when standing up……Capable of mirroring quarterbacks who attempt to scramble; will apply change of direction to bring down quarterbacks…..Fields can be utilized in both the 4-3 and 3-4 schemes, likely as a strong-side linebacker (4-3) or a weak-side (3-4).

Weaknesses: The biggest red flag for Fields so happens to be off-the-field related…..Fields was dismissed from TCU as a sophomore in 2013 due to domestic violence allegations….Overall strength must improve at the next level….Does not always apply consistent effort….Has troubles at times in run defense; easily washed by opposing lineman when defending the run…..Has had inconsistencies overall and is often questioned about true desire as a football player.

Bottom line: The talent of Fields is overshadowed by his red flags/character concerns. Although his domestic violence allegations were eventually dismissed, things such as that linger. Even if they are a distant memory at this point. Based on his skill set, Fields has the look and feel of a designated pass rusher. He has enough athletic attributes to be an asset to a team if used properly of course. What is impactful to his draft stock is his character concerns. Mix that all together and Fields is likely a Day 3 selection in the draft.

Home/NFL Draft