Ryan Shazier, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State: First to second round pick.
During his time at Ohio State, Ryan Shazier was a three-year starter for the Buckeyes. He finished as the 15th leading tackler in the history of Ohio State. He led his team in tackles in 2012 and 2013. Another thing, Shazier was on pace to break schools records if he decided to come back to school to play in his senior season. In his junior season, Ohio State ranked ninth nationally against the run. A lot of that had to do with Shazier and his presence in the run game.
The former Buckeye has a unique skillset where he can play in either scheme in the NFL. Shazier can also play each linebacker position. In my opinion, I believe a 4-3 team could make Shazier great. His skillset projects as an elite weak-side linebacker in the NFL. To show how productive Shazier was, he had 143 tackles last season. His skillset reminds me a lot of Lavonte David when he came out of Nebraska. A team could fall in love with Shazier at the end of the first round. But, he could also end up falling into the middle of the second round.
How Shazier Fits With The Giants
The Giants need a WILL linebacker in their 4-3 scheme, and Shazier could easily fit that role. At 6'1", 240 pounds, Shazier won't blow anyone up. But he makes a ton of good plays because of his effort. The Giants have lacked quality play at the linebacker position for years. By drafting Shazier, the Giants could immediately insert him next to Jon Beason in the starting lineup.
Potential Impact As A Rookie
When rookies plays tough positions like weak-side linebacker or even wide receiver, they seem to have a tough time in their first NFL season because transitioning to the faster play is hard for these rookies. But in my opinion, I believe Shazier has had plenty of college experience by playing in the Big Ten as a three-year starter. Shazier would be an immediate upgrade over Jacquian Williams.
What Shazier Does Well
Shazier is one of the most athletic people in this class. He has a 42 inch vertical which allows him to bat down passes. He also is great at reading the eyes of opposing quarterbacks. His best trait is how he is an instinctive linebacker who can break down plays with the best of them. He is ferocious in the running game, and he uses his long arms to his advantage. Shazier also has a motor, where he never gives up on a play.
What Shazier Struggles With
Even though he was one of the most productive players of all time in the Big Ten, Shazier had times in college where he was inconsistent. He often gets lost off the ball. This means that it takes a few seconds before Shazier gets started on the play. He needs to do a much job at the next level of anticipating plays better. If he can improve this, Shazier can become an elite linebacker in the NFL with his rare athleticism.