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Junior Colson Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell
Strengths:
- Skilled pass-coverage linebacker
- Shows man-coverage skills against tight ends
- Covers the flat well
- Covers a lot of ground in zone
- Gets depth in his drop
- Gets in position to disrupt throwing lanes
- Good size
- Speed to the sideline
- Burst to eat up ground
- Rangy
- Solid tackler
- Athletic upside
- Fits a 4-3 or 3-4 defense
Weaknesses:
- Not physical
- Not instinctive
- Needs to work on taking on and shedding blocks
- Needs to improve reading his keys and diagnosis
- Will have some plays where he doesn’t wrap up
Prospect Summary:
Over the past three seasons, Colson was a solid linebacker for Michigan. He made his way onto the field in 2021, recording 49 tackles and two passes defended. Colson had his best season in 2022, totaling 101 tackles, six tackles for a loss, two sacks and one pass breakup. In 2023, he totaled 95 tackles, two tackles for a loss and two passes broken up.
The passing-driven NFL has a real demand for linebackers with pass-coverage skills, so there is going to be a market for Colson’s services. He is a skilled zone-coverage linebacker who does a good job of covering the flat. Colson demonstrates athleticism in space and is adept at tracking down receivers to make tackles in the open field. Colson moves well in zone coverage and also shows some ability to cover tight ends or backs in man coverage.
Colson has room for improvement in the ground game for the NFL. He is not physical, so he will need to work on taking on and shedding blocks. As a run defender, Colson is better in pursuit, where he can track down backs to make tackles. Colson does not have great instincts, which can leave him to often react a step late.
In the 2024 NFL Draft, Colson could be a second-day or mid-round pick.
Prospect Comparison:
Devin Bush. Colson is similar to Bush. They both showed some pass-coverage ability but were not very instinctive. Lacking instincts came back to hurt Bush in the NFL.
RELATED LINKS:
2024 NFL Mock Draft - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
