Skill-wise, he's the 2013 template for inside linebackers: rangy, coverage-first athletes who can keep a scheme diverse. A former safety, his pass defense is tantalizing -- he gets insane depth on his drops, and breaks on underneath routes like a corner. That kind of asset in the front seven cannot be understated.

However, his finesse doesn't translate as well against the run. His first instinct is to slide around blocks, which works in college but is less effective against bigger, more athletic interior NFL linemen. Instead of meeting guards at the line of scrimmage, he lets them reach him at the second level, opening up all sorts of cutback lanes and gaps (inconsistent tackling doesn't help). He could stand to finish plays better, too -- many times he's a step away from a TFL, a sack, or an interception.

So there's a trade-off here. He's got the most potential of any inside linebacker this year, but coverage ability is wasted if an opposing offense is always in 2nd and 4. You're betting on his intermittent physical play becoming consistent. A worthwhile gamble near the end of round one, and even better if you can move him outside if he doesn't adapt. He has a real burst off the edge, and with more technique he could be an untapped asset as a rusher.