2021 Senior Bowl: Who stood out and struggled at every position

2021 Senior Bowl: Linebackers

Standouts

The Senior Bowl linebacking core was full of Ohio State players, and a couple of them landed on our standouts.

Baron Browning did a lot of different things during Senior Bowl practices, from rushing the passer against tackles to covering tight ends and running backs.

Browning impressed in every facet, displaying some bend and dip around the edge to beat tackles in 1v1s. He also showed off the athleticism running with running backs and tight ends down the field. Browning should hear his name called on day two of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Justin Hilliard is the type of sub-package defender that can be used in a variety of ways. He looks comfortable in man coverage and has the acceleration and closing speed to blitz.

Jabril Cox may still be a project when it comes to a three-down linebacker, but his patience in coverage is what stood out. He didn’t bite on fakes and stuck with his man in drills.

Struggled

On the flipside for the Buckeyes, Tuf Borland had a rough week. He’s got the instincts and football IQ to play MIKE linebacker, but his quickness and athleticism is severely lacking. He struggled a lot in coverage this week, and didn’t have much of a chance.

KJ Britt is another linebacker who struggled in coverage this week. He will have a role as an early-down linebacker, but coverage will be his Achilles heel.