| Nate Irving ILB N.C. State | ||
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Ht: 6’1″
Wt: 240 |
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| Strengths: | ||
| Starter for the majority of his three healthy years at N.C. State. Plays faster than his timed speed; a good sideline-to-sideline defender. Explosive off the snap, does a great job getting into the backfield. Isn’t a powerful pass rusher, but does a nice job making himself small and slipping through holes in the line (21.5 tackles for loss in 2010). | ||
| Weaknesses: | ||
| Missed entire 2009 season due to injuries suffered in a car accident. Coverage skills are lacking. Doesn’t have the fluid athleticism to stick with elite pass-catching tight ends and running backs. Instincts in zone coverage aren’t great. | ||
| Comments: | ||
| If not for missing the entire 2009 season, Irving could have established himself as a 1st or 2nd round pick by now. His 2010 season was impressive, but there are still some holes in game. He shows a lot of potential and is worth a mid-round pick. If he improves his coverage skills he could develop into a solid starter at inside or strong-side linebacker. | ||
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