| MLB Brandon Spikes, Florida | |||||
| Pos. Rank: 3 | Grade: 3rd Round | Height: 6-3 | Weight: 249 | 40: 5.01 | Year: 4-Sr. |
The Good: Explosive middle linebacker prospect who also displays the ability lined up in a three-point stance. Plays with a nasty streak, attacks assignments, and really gets after the action. Flows well laterally, wraps up point of attack and brings ball-carriers down on initial contact. Breaks down well, displays a burst of speed and remains disciplined with assignments. Does an above-average job diagnosing the action and effectively chases down all carriers from behind. Strong at the point and aggressive in all aspects of the game. Forceful up the field on the blitz and sells out. Defeats blocks and jars ball-carriers with hard hits.
The Bad: Lacks great lateral speed. Struggles in coverage and better in the box. Possesses
only a short area burst, which he cannot sustain.
The Verdict: Spikes has been a productive defender in college the past three years and plays with a violent nature that intimidates opponents. He's a two-down linebacker best suited to play on the inside of a 3-4 defense but could be a productive starting NFL defender if plays in the right system and is coached properly.
