Round 1, Pick 19 - Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon

Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

Ht: 6’ 1 ¼” Wt: 239

EMQB’s analysis on the pick:  Weatherspoon is a lightning-fast outside linebacker whose specialty is pass defense.  Atlanta was in need of speed on their defense and Weatherspoon will provide plenty of that.  

Pro Football Weekly’s scouting report: An intense, fast-flowing, productive, search-and-flow weak-side ’backer with first-round measurables, Weatherspoon is not universally liked amongst scouts. Is viewed by some decision makers as a potential locker-room toxin because he talks too much and carries a prima donna attitude. Is not for everybody and would be best served landing in a strong, veteran locker room where teammates hold him accountable.

NFL projection: First-round pick.

GM Jr’s scouting report:  Weatherspoon is a player that did not initially jump off the film at me, but with every good play he made he grew on me and combined with his athleticism made it clear that he has all the physical talent to be a very productive starting middle/inside linebacker in the NFL.  While he lacks the ideal height at basically 6’1, he is very well built and definitely has the strength to be a force at the POA vs blockers and as a tackler when he keeps his knees bent and plays aggressively.  I am always concerned about defends who lack great instincts as it usually comes with a lack of consistent production, but at least Weatherspoon is consistently around the ball making tackles vs the run and in coverage.  An added bonus is that Weatherspoon has been a productive player on all four of Missouri’s primary special teams units, which will help him make an impact as a rookie while he develops as a linebacker.  Overall, Weatherspoon has moved up draft boards higher than I have him rated because he impressed with his athleticism at the Combine and at his Personal Workout, but he does not make as many game changing, impact plays as 1^st round linebackers do.  He would be a very good choice in the 2^nd round and would be best suited to go to a team that asks their inside linebackers to be very strong in coverage and are not as concerned about their willingness to be physical players at the POA.  He will be a solid, productive, starting linebacker in the NFL given a season or two as a backup.  He has the combination of playing strength, athleticism and competitiveness to be a productive linebacker in any defensive scheme. 

Lindy’s Sports scouting report:  Not all scouts are convinced Weatherspoon can be an elite linebacker at the next level.  He has only adequate size and tends to run around blocks.  But Weather spoon’s speed and productivity will convince a team to pick him in the top 50. 

Pro Football Weekly 2010 Draft Preview available @ http://www.pfwstore.com/detail.aspx?ID=695

GM Jr. 2010 Draft Guide available @ http://gmjrnfldraft.com/

Lindy’s Sports 2010 Draft Guide available @http://www.lindyssports.com/product.php?cn=332

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