C.J. Mosley, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Although linebackers Kahlil Mack and Anthony Barr may be catching most of the spotlight, make no mistake; when breaking down this years crop of inside linebackers Alabama's C.J. Mosley is head and shoulders above his peers.
Mosley was the heart and soul of one of the most dominating defenses in the country. After he tallied up 107 tackles in 2012 (which was the second-highest total in the past 25 years for the Crimson Tide) many expected him to jump to the pros. Instead, Mosley wisely came back for his senior year and fine tuned his game.
With his rare combination of athleticism (4.65 40-yard dash) and off the charts football IQ, Mosley is ready to step in and run an NFL defense. Players with the total package like Mosley don't come around often, which is why you should hear his name called on draft day within the first 10 picks.
How C.J. Mosley Fits Team Needs
If the season were to start today, the Minnesota Vikings starting middle linebacker would be either Desmond Bishop, (who is coming off an ACL injury) or third year man and seventh round draft pick Audie Cole. The Vikings parted ways with their former starting inside linebacker Erin Henderson in the off season after an average at best 2013 season followed by multiple off the field issues. Leaving the Vikings linebacking unit with the two players previously mentioned, two rookies from last year in Gerald Hodges (fourth round selection from Penn State) and Michael Mauti (seventh round selection also from Penn State), and arguably their best of the bunch former pro bowler Chad Greenway (starting weak-side linebacker).
Besides Greenway, who is on the wrong side of 30 years old and from the 2013 tape appeared to have lost a step, the Vikings have a very inexperienced unit. Cole was plugged into the starting lineup at the end of the season where he showed flashes of starting potential, posting a double-digit tackle game. The Vikings also signed former Cardinal (and former Viking) linebacker Jasper Brinkley. Brinkley was originally drafted by the Vikings and then released after starting on the inside for just one year. Last year for the Cardinals however, he posted a +9.3 run grade on during the 88 run snaps he played.
Plenty of question marks remain as a whole for the Vikings defense, specifically for their linebackers. But, here's what we know; Chad Greenway will be the starting weak-side linebacker as long as his body lets him, he has earned that role and it's his to lose until the day he retires. Then there is a five man battle as of today for two positions with Bishop, Cole, Mauti, Hodges, and Brinkley. I'm telling you now you can cross Brinkley off the list as he was clearly signed for depth and insurance purposes, in fact don't be surprised if he isn't on the 53 man roster come week one. Desmond Bishop is coming off an ACL injury, and although very productive when healthy, he simply can't be counted on until he proves he is 100 percent recovered. Its clear the Vikings trust Audie Cole to begin the season as a starter, and I don't blame them. In his limited playing time he showed enough potential and progression to plug into Mike Zimmer's new defense. However, If the Vikings still aren't convinced in the combination of talent and depth, or feel C.J. Mosley's talents are too good to pass up, then a transition from inside to outside for Cole would be the next move.
Mosley is the total package that would start from day one. He tackles well, can blitz the passer, and is the most polished middle linebacker in the draft in coverage. New head coach MIke Zimmer prefers to build his defense from the inside out and would be thrilled to start rebuilding his new defense with Mosley in the center of it all. Adding to a young core of talented defenders like Shariff Floyd, Harrison Smith, and Xavier Rhodes. Ranking near the bottom of almost every defensive category in 2013, the Vikings could justify drafting almost any defensive position with the number 8 pick, especially one with the rare talent that Mosley will bring to the table.
Potential Impact As a Rookie
For most rookies making the leap from college to the pros is difficult, but because of Mosley's intelligence and football smarts he is ready to step and start immediately. Mosley will have a tremendous opportunity to have a huge impact his rookie year because of his ability to stay on the field during nickel packages and other passing downs. It's hard to predict any rookies numbers in their first year, however if he is put in the right situation at the right time, Mosley has the talent to have similar production Panthers linebacker Luke Kuchley did during his rookie campaign.
What Mosley Does Well
When watching linebackers the first thing you look for is tackling. Mosley is a technically sound tackler who wraps up and drives through his opponent. Second is their ability to rush the passer, and with Mosley's athleticism and quickness he can get around the edge or bolt through the interior line with speed. Lastly, in a pass heavy league, the ability to cover tight ends and running backs out of the flats is a necessity, and this might be Mosley's best trait of them all. His exceptional instincts is off the charts helping him read plays and the quarterback like not many can. These three aspects all add up to Mosley being the most well-rounded and disciplined linebacker this draft has to offer.
What Mosley Struggles With
Mosley makes it difficult to pick his game apart being so rounded and athletic. The biggest worry teams will have is his durability. Mosley missed time with a dislocated shoulder in 2011 that cost him significant playing time. There was also reports of issues with his physical at the combine that had a ripple effect on his draft stock, sending him in the wrong direction. Although the numbers he posted in Indianapolis were more than adequate, the red flags from doctors all of a sudden make it difficult to invest a top-10 pick on him, now being projected in the late teens to teams like Pittsburgh and Green Bay. The medical reports could be blown out of proportion, but for now its something teams are double and triple checking as we inch towards draft day.
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