| OLB Donald Butler, Washington | |||||
| Pos. Rank: 10 | Grade: 3rd-4th Round | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 245 | 40: 4.65 | Year: 4-Sr. |
The Good: Instinctive and athletic linebacker who can be used at a number of positions. Explosive filling gaps up the field in run defense, squares into ball-carriers and wraps up at the point of attack. Displays skill in coverage, fluid turning his hips to transition with opponents, and works to keep the play in front of him. Remains disciplined with assignments and stays with the action. Effectively diagnoses plays and rarely caught out of position.
The Bad: Possesses more of a short area burst of speed which he cannot sustain. Struggles getting off blocks once engaged at the point of attack.
The Verdict: Butler has his game on an upswing and has moved up draft boards the past seven months. He plays bigger and faster than his size/speed numbers, and he would be effective as a run-defending middle linebacker but also shows enough coverage skills to be placed on the outside. Offers a good degree of upside potential and is a solid developmental prospect who will eventually see action on the next level.
