NFL Draft: 3 college football prospects to watch Thursday night

Paddy Fisher

Paddy Fisher stands out immediately before the play starts as a classic Big Ten middle linebacker. At 6’4 the redshirt sophomore linebacker looks the part in the middle of Northwestern’s defense.

Last year the Wildcat linebacker made 111 total tackles with nine tackles for loss, while managing zero sacks with one interception and three pass deflections

Fisher is a middle linebacker I want to sit in the middle of the field, to stay at home, and to guard against the run. For the most part, I want him as a brick wall containing running backs and once in a while drop into coverage. He wraps up well low and brings down opponents 9/10 times when he attempts a tackle.

He plays with his shoulders up and square and his eyes always in the right spot.

I didn’t see much of Fisher going sideline to sideline and his angles to runners on the outside aren’t the most efficient.

Fisher doesn’t have great take-on strength, something highlighted against Michigan State on a play where he’s pancaked by a guard.

I’m not sure Fisher comes out this year with no more than 26 college games under his belt. I think there’s a lot to love with Fisher as a run-stopping middle linebacker, but I think he can continue to develop in other areas and to add some strength.

Right now I see Fisher as a day two draft pick, but if he stays and adds some weapons to his arsenal he could be a first round pick some day.