I'm not buying into his hype of running a 4.3+ at his pro day. Realistically teams have to take the medium of his Indy run and his pro day run in evaluation of his speed.
More importantly the question is can he cover? Ray Lewis was not the fastest guy when he came out. But he surely knew how to read and could cover people with the best of them. To that end, almost everyone, scout and coaches, seem to give Willis a thumb up in coverage. He's not, however, considered as the best in stopping the run.
I'm hearing from my friend who works for a football agency, as well as some radio discussions here in Pittsburgh, that Willis is an ideal inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He covers well, he shoots the gap well, and he can rush QBs.
We know Pittsburgh is going to play a lot of hybrid 3-4 and 4-3 this season. James Farrior is getting old and Porter is gone. Linebacker is probably a top priority in Steeler town. There is a mild speculation here that the Steelers may need to trade up a few spot to get Willis, but I think that's not likely, given that they are also looking for a first rated CB.
I don't see Willis going in the top 10 since there is so many top rated guys there. But it could get very dicy when it gets to San Fran. There might be a few trades there. One thing is certain. Willis will not pass the 15th spot.
More importantly the question is can he cover? Ray Lewis was not the fastest guy when he came out. But he surely knew how to read and could cover people with the best of them. To that end, almost everyone, scout and coaches, seem to give Willis a thumb up in coverage. He's not, however, considered as the best in stopping the run.
I'm hearing from my friend who works for a football agency, as well as some radio discussions here in Pittsburgh, that Willis is an ideal inside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. He covers well, he shoots the gap well, and he can rush QBs.
We know Pittsburgh is going to play a lot of hybrid 3-4 and 4-3 this season. James Farrior is getting old and Porter is gone. Linebacker is probably a top priority in Steeler town. There is a mild speculation here that the Steelers may need to trade up a few spot to get Willis, but I think that's not likely, given that they are also looking for a first rated CB.
I don't see Willis going in the top 10 since there is so many top rated guys there. But it could get very dicy when it gets to San Fran. There might be a few trades there. One thing is certain. Willis will not pass the 15th spot.
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