re: Who Is Your 3RD RD Pick? Any #59's still around?

next up Bobby Wagner LB Utah State

SR BOWL WEIGH IN NUMBERS
6-2 241
hands 9 7/8
arms 30 5/8
wingspan 79 1/8

Really excellent tackler who is constantly improving. Over 114 tackles each of the last three seasons including more than 130 each of the last two. Also has shown some ability in coverage, picking off four passes in his college career at Utah State. Tons of experience and a great leader on the defensive side of the ball. Solid size for an inside linebacker, but not great height. Pretty solid quickness and could be effective blitzing off the edge or up the middle. Can get engulfed by blockers if they get to the second level quickly. At his best when he is attacking the play. Very instinctive and is always around the ball. 10.5 tackles for loss and four sacks this season indicate to me that he is very effective blitzing. Fundamentally sound, and is not often out of place. This is a kid coming from a school in Utah State who doesn’t play a ton of great competition, but he has a chance to be a very good pro if he continues to play at this kind of intensity. He has solid measurables and athletic ability, and if he can continue to be a leader I think he has a chance to be a starting inside linebacker in the NFL.
12/17/2011
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He possesses a shorter frame with decent length for his size and above-average natural athletic ability to his game. Wagner exhibits solid instincts inside vs. the run game. Does a good job finding the football inside and when he does locate it he breaks down well and will wrap with his longer arms, running his legs through contact. He possesses good range in pursuit, is an above-average athlete with a good burst and natrual straight-line speed toward the perimeter. Showcases solid base strength when taking on blocks inside. Can stack and shed on contact and has some natrual power when fighting off blocks. At times will run himself out of plays, but when he locates the football can extend his arms, shed and uses his "plus" first step to shed and wrap on the ball carrier off his frame. Nevertheless, doesn't do a great job keeping himself clean when picking his way through traffic and has a tendency to get picked off too easily at times because of his inconsistent awareness.

He looks comfortable in the pass game. He stays balanced in his drop, keeps his eyes in the backfield and is routinely flowing toward the action. However, doesn't feel routes developing around him well and too often is a bit slow to react and close on the throw. He feels the screen game better though and showcases a good initial burst/range when closing from the backside. Is used a lot as a rush guy off the edge in obvious passing down situations. He exhibits slightly above average get off speed, extends his arms into contact and can create a pop while keeping his pad level down. Doesn't look overly natrual when trying to change directions and counter off his speed rush, but has a good motor and closes well.

Impression: A good athlete with some balance and coordination in all areas of his game. He's a 'plus" tackler who can shed on contact and make plays as a blitzer.
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The now three-time All-WAC ‘backer reached an entirely new level of production, notching 140 tackles, 4 sacks, and 10.5 tackles for loss. More importantly, he exhibited skills that will make him a quality starter at the next level.

Rather than a prospect who thrives by beating down lesser teams, Wagner has done some of his best work against high quality competition. Though only listed at 6’1?, 232 lbs., Wagner possesses very long arms, which allow him to keep blockers at bay. As a result, BYU’s big offensive linemen failed to faze him.

The same was true in the Auburn game, in which he exhibited another valuable commodity, pass rush ability. Most linebackers merely are blitzers: they get to the quarterback when given unobstructed access to the quarterback. Wagner, on the other hand, has flashed the potential to be a true pass rusher, a defender who uses his length and quick hands to win one-on-one matchups with offensive tackles.

The Aggies ultimately failed to secured upset victories in both matchups, but Wagner may be able to notch a surprise win on draft day. With his impressive skill set, it’s possible that he could come off the board before much more heralded prospects. In fact, the folks at NFL Draft Scout have him rated as their 50th overall prospect, ahead of a very big name in Vontaze Burfict.
12/15/2011





Video
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Sounds like a safer all around LB selection. Maybe not as flashy as others but maybe more solid in his whole game. One to watch how his stock moves up or down.

Looks like he was a big part of U St. almost upsetting Auburn (videos). Anyone see that game?

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Markelle Martin
-not gonna do Martin the safety today. Jenkins & Harper are set (no matter whatcha think about them). To go safety I think it would take a greater must pick value. He might be the 2nd to 4th best safety in this class. That still could be as a 3rd Rd selection though.