College:  Montana 

Height:  6’3”

Weight:  235

Positives 

Instincts:  A knack for always being around the ball, instincts are what make up linebacker Jordan Tripp, and I can’t emphasize that enough.  His football smarts put him a step ahead of his opponents, helping him change directions smoothly and mirror quarterbacks form inside, and outside the pocket.  As well as putting him in the right position more times than not when running with receivers out of the flat, and down the sideline.  In the run game, his instincts help track down ball carriers, by reading the play before it develops, and plugging the hole to make the play.  The same can be related back to Tripp’s ability to blitz, by finding the proper gaps and using his quickness to pounce towards the ball.  Bottom line, Tripp is one of the smartest players on the field, with an ability to read and react quickly, to make the play.  

Playmaker:  Stemming off of his sharp instincts form above, Tripp is a big play waiting to happen.  I dare you to watch a defensive Montana highlight and not find the linebacker in the middle of the play.  Tripp seems to be always around the ball.  No matter the location with his surprising down field speed, Tripp is able to travel quickly form north-to-west and sideline-to-sideline to track down the ball.  

Negatives

Size/Athleticism:  Get use to this one, the biggest “flaws” in Tripp’s game is often related back to his lack of dominating size or athleticism.  Already on the small side in size, Tripp is limited in his strength potential, in the fact that he has likely reached his peak physically.  When digging a little deeper, Tripp relies on more suave and finesse, than brute strength, which is often looked at a positive in his game.  The fact that Tripp missed time to injury recently raises more red flags in association to his size, as it begs the question if Tripp has enough of what it takes, to play 16 games in the NFL.    

Small School:  Even I will admit, this one is a weak excuse, and gets overused far too often during the scouting process.  However, the fact remains, Tripp’s success, although dominant, can’t be put on the same level as his peers who had similar success against consistently tougher opponents.  At times a men among boys, Tripp put together big time highlights, against small school competition.  But knowing if he can play at the same level in the NFL is something no one can predict.   

NFL Comparisons: Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins 

Chris Borland is king of this comparison, but Tripp has eerily similar qualities when it comes to the fundamentals of the position.  Tripp is slightly bigger than Thomas, but still is labeled as undersized and unathletic enough to play the position.  Both players however, possess a keen awareness and instincts for the position, allowing them to always be in the right spot at the right time.  Just like Thomas, Tripp will almost certainly be drafted later than his potential indicates, but will be a highly productive linebacker because of his mental capacity, leadership, and intensity.  

Draft Outlook 

Tripp earned a Senior Bowl invite, after earning First Team All-Big Sky and FCS All-American both twice in his collegiate career.  From their he continued to catch the eye of NFL personnel and scouts, as he held his own against top-tier competition, something that was a mystery up until that point coming from a small school.  Tripp solidified him self as a draft able prospect in Mobile and has watched his stock continue to rise since the week of practice.  A sixth round floor has to be considered a steal for Trip at this point, while hearing his name called in the top-100 picks is something that people should start to seriously consider.  Especially considering his ability to step in and produce on special teams right away.  

Best Fits 

Tripp best equates to a outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme.  Considering what teams that run this system are in need of outside linebacker help, the Vikings, Lions, Broncos, Falcons, and Bills all would make sense as possible landing spots.  Although they run different systems, the Eagles, Forty-Niners, Saints, and Chargers could all have interest in Tripp and his production.