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- Oct 1, 2011
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http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/bryce-hager?id=2552307
Analysis
Strengths
Once he diagnoses, can explode to the ball. Great pursuit on the perimeter against run. Moves with ease laterally and chases with good angles. Former running back with a muscular build and expected to have good speed scores at his workout. Shows good range in coverage and can play man or zone effectively against the pass.
Weaknesses
Not a downhill linebacker. Won't beat offensive linemen to the spot against run. Delays in diagnosing interior runs. Play speed is inconsistent. Doesn't bring strong thump behind his pads as a hitter when asked to be face-up tackler. Needs to be clean and free-running to the ball to be effective.
Draft Projection
Round 6 or 7
Sources Tell Us
"The only way I could see him playing inside is if a team is 2-gapping up front and keeping him clean. I think he has to be a 4-3 outside 'backer. I might want to see if he can catch the ball at all because he could have some fullback potential." -- NFC area scout
NFL Comparison
Colin McCarthy
Bottom Line
With his burst to the ball and ability to cover, Hager would be best suited for a 4-3 defense looking for an athletic linebacker who can make plays outside of his area. Hager might end up a late-round pick, but teams like his production and chase traits.
Analysis
Strengths
Once he diagnoses, can explode to the ball. Great pursuit on the perimeter against run. Moves with ease laterally and chases with good angles. Former running back with a muscular build and expected to have good speed scores at his workout. Shows good range in coverage and can play man or zone effectively against the pass.
Weaknesses
Not a downhill linebacker. Won't beat offensive linemen to the spot against run. Delays in diagnosing interior runs. Play speed is inconsistent. Doesn't bring strong thump behind his pads as a hitter when asked to be face-up tackler. Needs to be clean and free-running to the ball to be effective.
Draft Projection
Round 6 or 7
Sources Tell Us
"The only way I could see him playing inside is if a team is 2-gapping up front and keeping him clean. I think he has to be a 4-3 outside 'backer. I might want to see if he can catch the ball at all because he could have some fullback potential." -- NFC area scout
NFL Comparison
Colin McCarthy
Bottom Line
With his burst to the ball and ability to cover, Hager would be best suited for a 4-3 defense looking for an athletic linebacker who can make plays outside of his area. Hager might end up a late-round pick, but teams like his production and chase traits.
