College: Alabama
Height 6’2”
Weight 234LBS
This year’s inside linebacker class is led by CJ Mosley, Mosley is an immediate starter and impact player to any team that drafts him this May.
Strengths
Tackling: If you know anything about the Saban way at the Alabama football program, you know you have to tackle well and be fundamentally sound to get playing time on defense. Mosley has the speed to tackle well in space, and possess great fundamentals that result in very few miss tackles. Instantly from day one of his NFL career Mosley will be a 100+ tackles a year player once he suits up on Sundays.
Coverage: In his first couple of years at Alabama, Mosley was the go to cover linebacker in the nickel defense package. His first big time start came against Notre dame in the 2012 BCS national championship game and we all know how that ended. Mosley’s ability to cover allows him to become an instant 3 down linebacker in the NFL, which defense coordinators love to have in today’s pass heavy league.
Instincts: One thing for a linebacker that can be overlooked sometimes, but is very important is their natural instinct’s they may possess to play the position. CJ Mosley definitely shows that he has great instincts, whether it’s meeting the running back in the hole, running up the field with a tight end, or even showing his ability to be a leader for the defense on the field.
Weaknesses
Size: At 6’2” 234LBS I would like to see Mosley put on an extra 10-15 LBS to help him endure the brutal 16 game schedule of the NFL.
NFL Comparison: NaVorro Bowman
This NFL comparison for me was an instant match. Mosley has the ability to tackle in space and also cover almost anyone in the middle of the field. His playing style is quite similar to NaVorro Bowman, and with 15 more lbs like Bowman added there is no stopping his potential.
Draft outlook: CJ Mosley is a top 15 talent in this year’s class and is a definite 1st round pick.
Best fits: Any team that decides to take Mosley wouldn’t be making a mistake. I see the Lions, Vikings, Giants, and Steelers being early suitors for his services. http://draftbreakdown.com/players/cj-mosley/