2021 NFL Draft summer scouting: Nick Bolton is vastly underrated

Scouting one of the most underrated prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, Missouri linebacker Nick Bolton.

The 2021 NFL Draft features a very good group of linebackers and types for every team’s preference. There are traditional downhill thumpers, hybrid linebackers, and players who excel in coverage and near the line of scrimmage as a SAM. A couple of special talents sit at the top of the class. Every analyst has Penn State’s Micah Parsons at the top, followed closely by Alabama’s Dylan Moses.

However, there’s one player who has been overlooked to this point in the summer scouting process, and he shouldn’t be any longer. That player is Missouri linebacker, Nick Bolton.

As a sophomore, Bolton flew under the radar in the always talented SEC. In 2019, Bolton recorded 103 total tackles (74 solo), 8.5 tackles for loss, one sack, seven passes defended, and two interceptions. Those 74 solo tackles were good for first in the SEC. The production is there, but what does the film say? Let’s dive in.

Working Downhill

When diving into the film, one thing is apparently clear. Bolton is well-suited to play the MIKE in the NFL. He did have some snaps at SAM along the edge where he dropped into coverage, but it isn’t his most comfortable spot. The MIKE is where he will be able to do his best work.

When working downhill, Bolton has very good recognition skills in both the inside and outside running games. He stays patient with inside runs and does a great job working to run fits on outside runs with his diagnosing skills. That patience also shows up when navigating through traffic, and it keeps him in the play when the running back reverses field.

Bolton is able to work through the garbage in front of him while also staying away from the offensive lineman’s frame. His flexibility is impressive, and he’s arguably the best at dipping under contact to reduce surface area and explodes out of that to finish as a tackler.

Bolton’s explosion flashes on tape, as he has good closing speed downhill and has great pursuit on backside angles. He can make some plays outside his frame to finish as a tackler, and when he gets his hands on, the play is over.

If there’s one thing that’s a concern as he transitions to the NFL, it’s his lack of length. Deconstructing blocks could be difficult for him if he gets too far into the lineman’s frame. The good news is that he wins in other ways.

Coverage

The first thing that’s apparent when watching Nick Bolton in coverage is that he’s reliable working towards his assignment. Whether it’s passing off players working across the field in short zones, or getting out to cover the running back in man coverage, Bolton is quick at identifying where he needs to be.

When he’s in zone coverage, Bolton does a great job seeing things at his level or in front of him. He’s very good at reading the quarterback’s eyes, which led to interceptions and pass breakups at a good level in 2019. Bolton has good ball skills as well.

His biggest issue in coverage right now is sinking quick enough into the mid hole in Cover 2, along with sticking in man coverage down the field. The former is something he needs to work on, while the latter is a situation he won’t likely find himself in very often in the NFL.

Projection

Nick Bolton should be in the first round conversation when it comes to the 2021 NFL Draft. His combination of recognition skills, flexibility, and ability to hang on all three downs will certainly boost his stock. He will be an exciting watch during the 2020 season in the SEC, where he will be tested once again. His future exists at the MIKE, where he can be the quarterback of the defense.