Mayock's take on the inside linebackers
Philly.com, Inquirer, and Daily News coverage of the Eagles
Mayock's take on the inside linebackers
Paul Domowitch
INSIDE LINEBACKER
BEST
Luke Kuechly
Boston College
6-3 ¼, 242
Arm: 31
40-yard dash: 4.58
225-bench: 27
Projected Rd.: 1 (picks 11-20)
Mayock: ``Kuechly is special. He’s innately gifted. Takes great angles. Has great instincts. And he’s the best zone pass-dropping linebacker I’ve ever seen coming out of college. If you want a comparison, it’s Sean Lee, who’s turned into a really good inside linebacker in the NFL. That’s who Kuechly’s like. He has a great feel for the game and is really good in the pass game. And let’s face it, that’s what the NFL has become – a pass-first league. Every once in a while a Kuechly or Sean Lee is going to get caught with a big body on him in the run game. But that’s the way it goes. He’ll go between 11 and 20 and is one of the safest picks in the draft.’’
RISER
Mychal Kendricks
California
5-11 1/8, 239
Arm: 31 5/8
40-yard dash: 4.47
225-bench: 24
Projected Rd.: 2
Mayock: ``The neat thing about this kid is he not only ran an impressive time at the combine, but he also was extremely productive at Cal. So the productivity lines up (with the speed). The speed is phenomenal. People are worried about his size. But I think he could start inside in both a 4-3 and 3-4. Some teams also are looking at him as a WILL.’’
SLEEPER
Jerry Franklin
Arkansas
6-1 1/8, 241
Arm: 33 ¼
40-yard dash: 4.69
225-bench: 15
Projected Rd.: 7-FA
Mayock: ``I think there ought to be a rule that if you’re a four-year starter in the SEC like this kid, you gotta get a combine invite. I mean, the guy made 50 starts in the SEC and didn’t get an invite. I know he’s a try-hard tough guy without a lot of physical ability, but I don’t care. You’re going to get him late or as a priority free agent. He’s going to be a core special teams player, and just might end up as a starter for a team some day.’’
We should take the best DT, LB, or S available— Dish- I agree with Dish ...— petergou
- Agree, if Luke K is there you have to take him.— EDDYEDEAGLES
- Jerry Franklin...............Positives: Has a wide trunk and thickly-built frame with good enough length (33 1/4-inch arms). Strong and stout against the run, filling lanes with power and an attacking mentality. Big, aggressive hitter who can lay the wood. Has good awareness to quickly locate the ball, keeping his eyes up and on point. Has good balance and short-area burst to stay on his feet through contact. An opportunistic defender, tallying five interceptions and four fumble recoveries with two defensive TDs. Started 50 games the past four seasons with 376 career tackles.....Negatives: Very average athletically with limited explosive qualities and lateral range to the sideline. Lacks functional strength to shed and take on blocks at the point of attack. Lacks fluidity to hold up in space or drop in coverage. Washed out and caught in traffic in the middle of the field. Questionable instincts and recognition skills with inconsistent reads, easily biting on fakes. Hits up high and misses more tackles than he should.
— Romus - For what it's worth, I believe Kuechly is going to be, barring injury, a perennial all-pro. Before we traded for Ryans, I would have traded up for him, but now I wouldn't. I also believe that if the Eagles trade down, it won't be more than a few spots, (i.e no lower than 20). The Eagles also need to find, and groom, Vick's replacement. I like Kafka, but don't think he's a long term answer.— jhnesunshine
