Covers a good amount of ground when dropping into zone
Very fast and explosive athlete
Always around the ball
Terrific change of direction
Smooth hips
Form tackler; approaches with near leg and near shoulder
Explodes through ball-carrier; lays the wood
Fires out of stance
Finds a way to make plays
Good ball skills
Good football IQ
Solid pass-rusher
Vocal leader
Three-year starter and durable
Good amount of upside
Weaknesses:
Needs to get more extension with arms when shedding blocks
Occasionally overpursues play
Needs more gap discipline
Average height and bulk
Could fill harder against run
Hand use needs to be improved
Sometimes gets out of control
Summary: Weatherspoon is an extremely talented weakside linebacker prospect who brings the playmaking ability and athleticism a lot of teams are looking for. His ability to blitz gives him scheme versatility, but he isn’t a 3-4 outside linebacker. Weatherspoon is going to be drafted in the top 40 picks with the potential to go in the top 15 or 20.
Player Comparison: Ernie Sims. Both WILL linebackers have outstanding athleticism and playmaking ability.
