Tampa Bay Buccaneers - 2013 End of Season Roster Evaluation Joe Bussell
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Tampa
Bay
Buccaneers
2013
End
of
Season
Roster
Evaluation
Joe
Bussell
DE
–
Da’Quan
Bowers
Size:
6-‐3,
280
Production:
3
sacks,
3
QB
hits,
11
hurries,
4
tackles,
2
assists,
4
stops
Positives:
Bowers
has
good
size
for
the
position.
Good
thickness
in
his
thighs
and
midsection.
Solid
strength.
He
understands
pass
and
rush
lane
responsibility.
Average
bend
around
the
edge.
Good
in
a
straight
line
with
a
decent
top
end
speed.
Solid
at
stacking
blockers
in
the
run
game
and
squeezing
the
inside
gap
when
necessary.
Negatives:
Lacks
quickness
and
suddenness
of
movement.
Doesn’t
explode
off
the
line.
Slightly
below
average
athletically.
Seems
to
have
learned
zero
technique
or
how
to
use
his
hands
when
rushing
the
passer.
Shows
no
effective
pass
rush
moves.
Plays
off
balance
and
with
poor
leverage
on
nearly
every
play.
Ends
up
on
the
ground
a
lot
due
to
this.
Can’t
keep
his
shoulders
square
to
the
quarterback
when
rushing
and
gets
pushed
upfield
too
easily.
Gets
stonewalled
at
the
line
of
scrimmage
too
often.
Questionable
motor.
Thinking
while
moving
slows
him
down.
Only
rushed
from
the
defense’s
left
side
except
for
a
few
plays
all
season.
Summary:
Bowers
was
particularly
unimpressive.
The
staff
only
used
him
sparingly
and
mostly
in
passing
situations,
especially
late
in
the
year.
Has
some
technique
issues
that
need
fixing
but
his
physicality,
burst,
quickness,
and
athleticism
are
all
uninspiring.
The
one
good
characteristic
that
flashed
on
film
was
that
even
without
leveraging
using
the
proper
technique
he
was
still
able
to
stack
blockers
with
decent
consistency.
He
doesn’t
win
1
on
1
on
the
outside.
There
are
a
few
tools
to
work
with
on
Bowers
but
at
this
point
he’s
a
backup
or
situational
player.
I
might
even
recommend
trying
him
out
at
the
3-‐technique
to
see
if
that’s
a
better
fit.
He’s
better
in
a
straight
line
and
might
be
able
to
cause
disruption
of
the
pocket
from
the
inside.
He
would
get
moved
off
the
ball
too
easily
as
a
1-‐technique.
DE
–
Adrian
Clayborn
Size:
6-‐3,
281
Production:
6
sacks,
11
QB
hits,
31
QB
hurries,
43
tackles,
17
missed
tackles,
34
stops
Positives:
Violent
player.
Plays
with
raw
physicality
and
toughness.
Not
afraid
to
mix
it
up
with
anyone
and
will
fight
through
multiple
blocks
to
get
to
the
ball.
Strong
motor.
Very
good
movement
skills
for
his
size.
Good
strength
to
stack
and
shed
with
authority.
Very
good
athleticism
and
on
film
his
ability
to
stick
his
foot
in
the
ground
and
change
direction
jumped
out
at
me.
He
can
set
blockers
up
outside
and
get
inside
of
them
before
they
can
get
their
hands
on
him.
Teams
seem
more
apt
to
run
away
from
Clayborn
and
will
often
use
tight
ends
to
chip
off
the
line
of
scrimmage
or
double
team
him.
Shows
active
hands
and
good
use
of
a
couple
of
different
pass
rush
techniques.
Negatives:
Can
get
collapsed
inside
on
the
run
at
times.
Comes
out
of
his
stance
too
high
of
the
snap
too
often.
Seems
hesitant
and
like
his
game
speed
could
improve
(defensive
scheme
may
have
asked
him
to
be
more
hesitant).
Has
trouble
anchoring
off
of
lateral
movement.
The
scheme
never
allowed
Clayborn
to
attack
downhill
as
best
suits
his
playing
style.
Doesn’t
have
the
speed
to
really
threaten
a
tackle
around
the
edge.
Summary:
Overall
Clayborn
is
a
terrific
high-‐level
starter
that
should
notch
double
digit
sacks.
He
can
win
one-‐on-‐one
vs.
good
tackles
on
both
inside
and
outside
moves.
Whoever
faces
him
takes
a
beating
all
game
long.
He
can
collapse
a
pocket
and
when
Gerald
McCoy
rushes
the
A-‐gap
and
Clayborn
rushes
the
B-‐gap
to
the
same
side
they
create
havoc
for
an
offense.
He
misses
too
many
tackles
in
the
run
game
(possibly
a
side
effect
of
his
Erb’s
Palsy
condition?)
The
amount
of
stunting
the
coaches
asked
him
to
do
was
asinine.
It
didn’t
play
to
his
strengths
and
basically
took
him
out
of
plays
while
inviting
the
double
team
for
McCoy.
He
plays
both
the
run
and
pass
well
when
playing
the
5-‐tech
or
loose
5-‐tech.
When
he
slants
into
the
B-‐gap
he
gets
tremendous
penetration.
He
has
Pro
Bowl
potential
in
the
right
scheme.
DE
–
William
Gholston
Size:
6-‐6,
281
Production:
3
sacks,
2
QB
hits,
9
QB
hurries,
18
tackles,
6
missed
tackles,
14
stops
Positives:
Gholston
is
a
physical
specimen
and
the
ideal
size
for
a
4-‐3
defensive
end.
He
fits
the
mold
as
he
possesses
above
average
athleticism
and
strength
for
the
position.
He
anchors
well
and
doesn’t
get
pushed
off
the
line
of
scrimmage
against
the
run.
Held
his
own
against
some
very
good
tackles
in
Anthony
Davis
and
Zach
Strief
and
Anthony
Davis.
Pushed
them
around
a
bit
and
never
gave
up
ground
to
them.
Gets
good
penetration
against
zone
blocking.
Maintains
gap
responsibility
at
the
detriment
of
getting
to
the
QB.
Moves
inside
on
passing
downs
(not
the
best
way
to
use
him).
Good
first
step
and
works
with
leverage
off
of
it.
Very
high
motor
and
runs
to
the
ball
on
every
play
even
if
it’s
on
the
opposite
side
of
the
field.
Great
hustle.
Negatives:
Doesn’t
pass
rush
with
ferocity
(part
of
scheme
it
seems).
Doesn’t
flash
on
film
even
with
solid
athleticism.
Lacks
a
truly
dominant
pass
rush
move.
Played
limited
snaps
all
season
behind
Te’o-‐Nesheim
and
Bowers.
Summary:
Gholston
is
everything
that
Bowers
was
supposed
to
be.
Good
size
and
athleticism.
Plays
very
well
against
the
run
while
showing
an
ability
to
get
past
a
tackle
one
on
one
at
times.
Squeezes
the
inside
gap
against
the
run
when
necessary
and
his
discipline
to
his
lanes
tells
me
he’s
very
coachable.
Shows
terrific
hustle
and
motor.
Gholston
is
the
best
option
opposite
Clayborn
on
the
roster
right
now.
He
plays
the
run
much
better
than
I
expected.
The
issue
is
that
Gholston
doesn’t
flash
on
film,
he
just
does
everything
really
well.
The
right
scheme
and
coaching
could
elevate
his
play
to
the
next
level.
Still
not
a
dominant
pass
rusher
but
projects
as
an
above
average
starter
at
defensive
ends
that
will
cause
some
tackles
problems
in
both
the
rush
and
pass
game.
DT
–
Gary
Gibson
Size:
6-‐3,
285
Production:
168
snaps,
0
sacks,
3
QB
hits,
2
tackles,
0
missed
tackles,
2
stops
Positives:
Good
upper
body
strength,
especially
for
being
a
little
smaller
of
a
3-‐tech.
Decent
athleticism.
Extends
arm
well
and
turns
blockers.
Used
as
a
pass
rush
help
on
the
inside.
Solid
push
inside
and
penetrates
on
a
high
percentage
of
snaps.
Average
quickness.
Negatives:
Lacks
ideal
size.
Gets
washed
out
on
too
many
plays.
Doesn’t
manage
zone
blocking
well.
Can’t
win
1
on
1.
Penetrates
but
is
never
able
to
actually
make
a
big
impact
on
the
play.
Loses
sight
of
the
QB
or
ball
carrier.
Can
only
attack
or
read,
doesn’t
do
both
at
the
same
time.
Summary:
Gibson
appears
to
be
the
2nd
best
pass
rushing
DT
on
the
roster.
Generates
some
push
on
the
few
snaps
he’s
in.
Gets
turned
and
washed
out
by
guards
and
can’t
win
in
a
double
team.
At
times
he
shows
the
ability
to
stack
blockers
and
manipulate
them
but
does
so
with
no
consistency.
This
is
an
end
of
the
roster
guy
who
is
a
role
player
at
best.
DT
–
Derek
Landri
Size:
6-‐2,
288
Production:
124
snaps,
1
QB
sack,
1
QB
hurry,
5
tackles,
2
missed,
4
stops
Positives:
Better
size
than
Gibson
but
doesn’t
show
the
same
quickness
or
athleticism.
Understands
his
play
responsibilities.
Good
motor
and
hustles
to
the
ball
on
every
play.
Negatives:
No
push
inside.
Can’t
win
1
on
1
vs.
guards.
Struggles
getting
turned
out
of
the
hole,
and
gets
especially
washed
out
against
zone
blocking.
Ineffective
rip,
swim,
and
bull
rush
moves.
Only
used
as
a
pass
rusher
inside
but
teams
still
ran
at
him
knowing
he
was
a
liability.
Knows
where
he’s
supposed
to
be
but
loses
gap
responsibility
far
too
often
due
to
inept
physical
skill
set.
Summary:
This
is
another
end
of
the
roster
player
(if
that)
who
is
basically
just
a
big
body.
Not
athletic
and
doesn’t
possess
any
physical
skills
that
stand
out.
Only
used
on
passing
downs
but
never
beats
his
man
outright
off
the
snap.
His
1
sack
came
on
a
stunt
when
he
played
contain
and
the
inside
rush
pushed
EJ
Manuel
to
him.
Even
then
he
almost
missed
the
tackle.
DT
–
Gerald
McCoy
Size:
6-‐4.
295
Production:
10
sacks,
14
QB
hits,
56
QB
hurries,
30
tackles,
4
missed
tackles,
36
stops
Positives:
Explosive
1st
step.
Devastating
rip.
Splits
double
teams
consistently.
Great
leg
drive
generates
a
good
push
and
power.
Turns
blockers
and
sheds
with
very
good
consistently.
Great
athleticism
and
top
end
speed.
Works
efficiently
in
tight
quarters.
Diagnoses
and
reads
on
the
run.
Extremely
good
use
of
his
hands.
Penetration
inside
disrupts
the
pocket
without
leaving
his
pass
rush
lanes.
Wins
one
on
ones
consistently.
Sets
up
blockers
well
which
makes
his
swim
move
powerful.
Negatives:
Free
lances
at
times
when
in
pure
pass
rush
mode.
Scheme
asked
him
to
stunt
more
than
it
ever
should,
putting
him
in
contain
or
taking
him
out
of
the
play.
Can
get
run
out
of
plays
at
times
due
to
his
aggressiveness.
Summary:
McCoy
is
a
dominant
player
and
only
got
better
as
the
season
went
on
and
the
scheme
evolved
to
allow
him
to
disrupt
in
the
middle
more
often.
He’s
a
player
that
offenses
must
account
for.
Draws
double
teams
which
allows
one
on
ones
on
the
outside.
He’s
a
terror
for
an
offensive
line
to
deal
with
because
he
can
collapse
a
pocket
from
the
interior
and
push
QBs
into
his
other
rushers.
He
penetrates
extremely
well
against
the
run
and
causes
chaos
in
the
offensive
backfield.
He’s
the
perfect
3-‐tech
DT
and
very
much
deserved
the
All-‐Pro
award
he
received.
DE
–
Steven
Means
Size:
6-‐3,
260
Production:
80
snaps,
0
sacks,
1
QB
hit,
2
QB
hurries,
4
tackles,
2
stops
Positives:
Decent
quickness
and
leg
drive.
Shoots
out
low
out
of
his
stance
and
initiates
contact
with
the
blocker.
Plays
low
and
is
a
handful
for
guards
to
handle.
Often
puts
guards
on
their
heels
with
a
straight
pass
rush.
Adequate
but
unimpressive
bend
and
speed
around
the
edge.
Gives
a
solid
2nd
effort.
Average
athleticism
for
the
position.
Negatives:
A
little
light
in
size
for
the
position.
Slightly
stiff
in
the
hips
but
it
really
shows
up
in
coverage.
Too
much
forward
lean
on
some
pass
rushes
causes
him
to
play
a
little
off
balance.
First
step
is
unimpressive
and
he
looks
lost
at
times
when
trying
to
determine
what
pass
rush
moves
he
should
use.
Summary:
There
is
potential
here
with
Means.
He
has
some
tools
and
decent
athleticism
to
work
with
but
he’s
a
little
lighter
than
ideal.
He
didn’t
play
against
the
run
hardly
at
all
so
it’s
tough
to
know
how
he’d
fare
in
that
regard.
He’s
better
than
Te’o-‐Nesheim
at
rushing
and
creates
a
little
more
of
a
push.
Means
played
very
few
snaps
until
week
17
when
he
played
20.
Means
should
be
a
very
good
special
teamer.
It
would
also
be
interesting
to
see
if
he
could
drop
a
few
pounds
and
play
linebacker,
though
he’d
probably
be
more
of
a
3-‐4
OLB.
If
he
learns
some
pass
rush
moves
and
technique,
he
could
be
a
contributor
in
the
right
role
on
defense.
DT
–
Akeem
Spence
Size:
6-‐1,
307
Production:
1
sack,
1
QB
hit,
5
QB
hurries,
23
tackles,
5
missed
tackles,
14
stops
Positives:
Big
bodied
with
a
hefty
frame.
Possesses
great
upper
body
strength.
Powerful
swim
move.
Eats
up
double
teams
on
the
inside
which
allows
one
on
ones
for
the
rest
of
the
defensive
line.
Surprisingly
athletic
for
his
size
and
stature
when
dropping
into
coverage.
Chases
down
the
line
of
scrimmage
well.
Anchors
adequately.
Better
when
playing
tilted
nose.
Negatives:
Plays
off
balance
and
doesn’t
seem
to
understand
leverage.
Plays
high
and
doesn’t
use
lower
body
to
provide
a
more
powerful
push.
Gets
pushed
around
too
much.
Doesn’t
win
when
going
1
on
1
against
guards.
Doesn’t
shed
blockers
with
authority.
Not
skilled
at
using
his
hands
to
free
himself
from
blockers.
Fails
to
initiate
contact
at
times,
instead
letting
linemen
get
the
first
shot
and
putting
him
at
an
immediate
disadvantage.
Summary:
Spence
possesses
some
very
good
physical
tools
but
they
don’t
translate
to
production.
He
can’t
beat
blockers
one
on
one
and
can’t
split
double
teams.
His
1
sack
came
1
on
1
against
a
center
who
was
out
of
position
and
at
a
disadvantage
off
the
snap
due
to
alignment.
A
cut
up
of
his
tackles
would
show
that
most
of
them
came
against
zone
blocking
where
he
chased
down
the
line
of
scrimmage.
The
one
true
advantage
of
Spence
is
that
as
a
1-‐tech,
teams
think
they
need
to
double
team
him
to
keep
him
at
bay
which
allows
McCoy
better
rushing
opportunities.
Truth
is,
offenses
could
leave
a
guard
man-‐up
on
Spence
and
they’d
win
most
of
the
time.
There
is
a
lot
to
work
with
here
but
Spence
needs
to
be
coachable
to
get
it
out
of
him.
DE
–
Daniel
Te’o-‐Nesheim
Size:
6-‐3,
263
Production:
616
snaps,
1
QB
sack,
9
QB
hits,
14
hurries,
10
tackles,
7
missed,
9
stops
Positives:
One
of
the
better
players
on
the
roster
at
using
his
hands
to
keep
the
tackle’s
hands
off
him.
Can
get
in
a
blocker’s
kitchen
with
a
good
shoulder
dip
off
the
snap.
Respects
his
lane
responsibilities
and
never
deviates.
Gets
solid
leverage
off
the
snap.
Negatives:
Slow
off
the
snap
and
slow
top
speed
for
the
position.
Played
5-‐tech
a
lot
and
got
turned
off
the
ball
consistently
by
even
mediocre
tackles.
He
can’t
win
1
on
1.
Plays
with
his
head
down
a
lot.
No
speed
or
bend
around
the
edge
and
is
purely
a
run
defender,
but
doesn’t
do
that
well
either.
Gets
moved
around
too
much
and
cleaned
out
of
the
play
too
easily.
Summary:
Te’o-‐Nesheim
is
a
good
locker
room
presence
but
a
liability
on
the
field.
He’s
a
special
teamer
at
best.
Lacks
speed,
strength,
and
savviness
to
be
a
good
defensive
end.
He
gets
beaten
way
too
often
to
play
616
snaps.
He’s
a
run
defender
that
doesn’t
really
defend
the
run
very
well
either.
He’s
a
solid
tackler
when
he’s
around
the
ball,
but
that
isn’t
much.
The
1
sack
that
is
attributed
to
him
was
a
McCoy
sack
that
Te’o-‐Nesheim
was
late
to
get
to.
LB
–
Jonathan
Casillas
Size:
6-‐1,
227
Production:
199
snaps,
0
sacks,
0
QB
hits,
5
QB
hurries,
18
tackles,
3
assists,
3
missed,
8
stops,
0
interceptions,
8
passes
defensed,
121.2
QB
rating
against
Positives:
Smooth
movement,
very
fluid.
Flows
to
the
ball
well
in
the
run
game.
Has
some
range
in
zone.
Seems
to
have
some
spring
in
his
legs
but
it
doesn’t
translate
on
the
field
for
some
reason.
Decent
(average)
athleticism
and
decent
speed.
Negatives:
Appears
slow
to
recognize
and
react
to
plays.
Not
sudden
or
quick
in
his
movement.
Gets
caught
in
trash
and
will
overrun
plays.
Poor
tackler.
Doesn’t
attack
with
speed
and
authority.
Lacks
effort
and
hustle
at
times
if
the
play
goes
to
the
opposite
side.
Ends
up
in
no
man’s
land
too
much.
Doesn’t
process
information
efficiently
and
is
slow
to
read
and
react.
Summary:
Casillas
appears
to
be
a
special
teamer
and
backup
LB
at
best.
He
possesses
decent
athleticism
and
speed
that
doesn’t
show
up
on
film.
He
underwhelms
and
nothing
about
his
game
pops.
He’s
slow
to
read
and
react
and
ends
up
getting
to
the
ball
late
and
when
the
play
is
already
over.
Doesn’t
attack
downhill
and
has
no
pass
rush
moves.
He
winds
up
in
space
with
no
one
around
him
a
lot
of
the
time.
He’s
just
kind
of
there
on
the
field
taking
up
space.
There’s
a
little
bit
of
athleticism
to
coach
up
and
get
him
to
hustle
some
more,
but
if
he
lacks
instincts
for
the
position
he’ll
always
be
a
3rd
or
2nd
stringer.
Watson
is
clearly
the
better
player
in
just
about
every
facet.
LB
–
Lavonte
David
Size:
6-‐1,
233
Production:
1,048
snaps,
8
QB
sacks,
5
QB
hits,
17
QB
hurries,
110
tackles,
15
assists,
11
missed,
83
stops,
5
interceptions,
4
passes
defensed,
73.5
QB
rating
against
Positives:
Exceptional
quickness,
speed,
instincts,
athleticism,
and
is
a
great
tackler.
Wraps
up
with
good
form.
Sifts
through
trash
as
well
as
an
LB
I’ve
ever
watched
on
film.
Plays
in
every
package.
Terrific
in
coverage
–
could
play
safety
if
asked
to.
Great
range
and
flies
sideline
to
sideline.
Always
around
the
football.
Shoots
the
gap
with
lightning
quickness.
Elusive
and
hard
for
blockers
to
get
their
hands
on.
Almost
never
gets
blocked
cleanly.
Exceptional
play
recognition
and
is
an
excellent
blitzer.
Physical
for
his
size
and
willing
to
mix
it
up
with
much
larger
players.
Smooth
and
fluid
in
his
movements.
Makes
the
position
look
easy
to
play.
Stays
tight
around
the
edge
on
blitzes.
Total
package
for
a
weakside
linebacker.
Negatives:
Slightly
undersized
but
plays
much
bigger
than
his
body
type.
Aggressiveness
leads
to
over
running
a
few
plays.
Summary:
This
guy
is
a
stud
and
a
perennial
Pro
Bowler.
Played
at
an
All-‐Pro
level
in
only
his
second
season
in
the
NFL.
The
only
knock
on
David
is
that
he
lacks
ideal
size.
That’s
made
up
for
by
his
speed,
physicality,
and
intelligence
on
the
field.
He’s
everything
you
want
in
a
linebacker
and
is
a
weapon
that
can
be
used
in
a
variety
of
ways.
David
is
a
joy
to
watch
on
film
because
he’s
the
total
package.
LB
–
Mason
Foster
Size:
6-‐1,
242
Production:
789
snaps,
2
QB
sacks,
6
QB
hits,
12
QB
hurries,
73
tackles,
20
assists,
21
missed
tackles,
38
stops,
3
interceptions,
2
passes
defensed,
104.1
QB
rating
against
Positives:
Good
thickness
and
build
for
a
MLB.
Fights
through
blocks
and
sheds
well.
Attacks
downhill
with
physicality.
Stays
on
the
field
in
nickel.
Decent
strength
and
good
play
recognition.
Very
good
instincts
as
a
blitzer
and
enough
closing
speed
to
make
the
tackler.
Smart
player
that
tends
to
be
around
the
football
a
lot.
Negatives:
Only
average
athleticism
and
speed.
Needs
to
improve
lateral
movement
and
change
of
direction
abilities.
Not
a
sideline
to
sideline
player
and
can
struggle
to
get
vertical,
too.
Good
feel
for
zone
coverage
but
doesn’t
shadow
well
in
man
coverage.
Gets
sucked
up
into
the
line
of
scrimmage
on
play
action
too
easily.
Poor
tackler
and
misses
way
too
many
opportunities
to
bring
down
the
ball
carrier.
Summary:
Foster
is
a
solid
football
player
due
to
his
football
IQ
but
is
average
in
athleticism,
speed,
and
quickness
for
a
MLB.
Natural
position
is
probably
more
likely
SLB.
He’s
always
around
the
football
and
he’s
a
physical
player.
Not
afraid
to
deliver
the
blow
on
the
tackle
but
overall
misses
way
too
many
tackles.
He’s
particularly
adept
at
blitzing
as
moving
straightforward
is
the
movement
his
body
is
most
comfortable
with.
He’s
an
adequate
MLB
but
if
asked
to
drop
to
the
deep
middle
in
a
Tampa
2,
he
struggles
to
get
vertical
and
change
direction
to
the
football
when
necessary.
Not
a
position
of
need
but
could
use
an
upgrade,
too.
LB
–
Adam
Hayward
Size:
5-‐11,
235
Production:
194
snaps,
0
sacks,
0
QB
hits,
1
QB
hurry,
11
tackles,
1
assist,
3
missed
tackles,
7
stops,
0
interceptions,
1
pass
defensed,
127.1
QB
rating
against
Positives:
Stout
and
physical.
Strong
and
thick
build
with
a
big
frame.
Special
Teams
captain
for
multiple
years.
Clogs
holes
and
isn’t
afraid
to
take
blockers
head-‐on.
Sheds
decently
enough
with
his
strength.
Uses
good
leg
drive
in
the
hole.
Incredibly
smart
in
presnap
recognition
and
relaying
those
messages
to
his
defense.
Doesn’t
make
a
lot
of
tackles
but
spills
the
run
very
well.
Negatives:
Stiff.
Whatever
the
opposite
of
“range”
is
,
he
has
that
as
he
doesn’t
cover
a
ton
of
the
field
quickly.
Indecisive
at
times.
Get
him
moving
left
and
right
and
he
loses
a
lot
of
his
physicality
and
can’t
anchor.
Slow
through
the
hole
and
lacks
a
good
ability
to
change
direction.
Liability
in
coverage
and
doesn’t
shadow
well
in
man.
Can’t
get
vertical
fast
enough
on
Tampa
2.
Loses
sight
of
the
ball
carrier
at
times
when
he
drops
his
head
into
a
blocker.
Summary:
Hayward
is
a
very
good
special
teams
player
and
has
been
for
a
long
time.
That’s
where
his
true
value
is.
He’ll
continue
to
be
a
backup
MLB
at
best
and
should
only
be
used
to
fill
in
if
the
starter
goes
down
with
an
injury.
He’s
a
bit
of
a
weak
link
if
offenses
decided
to
throw
at
him.
Oddly
they
don’t
target
him
as
he’s
savvy
enough
to
be
just
within
range
of
the
target
to
make
them
look
covered.
A
few
plays
here
and
there
he
gets
blown
up
or
pancaked
and
that
leaves
big
holes.
Can’t
get
to
the
edge
when
the
run
goes
that
way.
He’s
a
smart
player
that
has
good
value
on
special
teams.
Will
never
be
a
starter-‐caliber
LB
at
this
point.
LB
–
Dakoda
Watson
Size:
6-‐1,
226
Production:
263
snaps,
2
QB
sacks,
2
QB
hits,
3
QB
hurries,
28
tackles,
6
assists,
2
missed,
17
stops,
1
interception,
0
passes
defensed,
67.9
QB
rating
against
Positives:
Superb
athleticism
and
very
good
speed.
Surprisingly
physical
and
a
good
tackler
for
his
size.
Gets
low
and
willingly
takes
on
downhill
blocks
by
the
FB.
Displays
a
willingness
to
be
physical.
Very
good
in
chase
and
pursuit.
Runs
well
in
coverage.
Better
man
coverage
than
zone.
Very
good
blitzer
due
to
his
closing
speed
and
is
good
at
finding
the
necessary
alleys
to
get
to
the
QB.
Negatives:
A
little
lighter
than
the
ideal
SLB.
Comes
off
the
field
in
nickel.
Needs
to
learn
a
better
feel
for
zone
coverage.
A
little
aggressive
and
is
susceptible
to
play
action.
Slightly
inconsistent
in
his
play
from
game
to
game.
Summary:
Watson
was
a
pleasant
surprise
on
film.
Shows
a
good
ability
to
do
everything
well.
He
doesn’t
flash
but
does
everything
really
well.
Size
and
durability
is
a
concern
but
he’s
a
2
down
linebacker
that
projects
as
a
solid
starter.
He
can
cover
a
tight
end,
take
on
a
block
by
the
fullback,
and
attack
the
edge
as
a
very
good
pass
rusher.
Watson
found
a
groove
late
in
the
season
and
if
he
continues
to
improve
upon
his
technique
and
becomes
more
consistent,
he’ll
be
an
above
average
starting
linebacker
in
the
league.
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