Terrell Manning scouting report

Terrell Manning LB N.C. State #35
Ht: 6’3″Wt: 233  
Strengths:
An explosive athlete. Excellent closing speed, and gets up to full speed quickly. Good instincts; quick to diagnose run/pass and adjust accordingly. A true playmaker who is all over the field. Strong edge rusher; has the speed to line up off line of scrimmage and disguise his blitzes; too quick for most offensive tackles to step out and block. Does a really nice job avoiding blocks from running backs/fullbacks with quick footwork in tight spaces. Start-and-stop ability is impressive. Has the skills to play middle or weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 scheme; could play inside in a 3-4. Smart player; involved in getting the defense set.
Weaknesses:
Plays a little too reckless at times; his athleticism is an asset, but he needs to tone it down just a bit and become more disciplined. Doesn’t always takes the best angle in pursuit; trusts his speed a little more than he should. Won’t be able to make up for mistakes with speed/athleticism as often at next level. Tackling is sloppy at times; needs to do a better job squaring up the ball carrier and wrapping him up. Missed two games due to left knee surgery in 2011.
Comments:
Manning is slightly undersized, but his athleticism more than makes up for what he lacks in pure strength. What stands out most about Manning, aside from his speed, is his ability to use his athleticism to shed blocks at an impressive rate for a guy his size. He may not be a great fit for every scheme, but he should be high on the draft boards of those teams which favor athleticism at the linebacker position.
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