RE: NFL Draft Profile - Darius Leonard, LB, South Carolina State #10
Strengths: Leonard can play inside linebacker or outside linebacker in a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme. He's well balanced, with the ability to play in space and cover downfield. He has NFL strength and balance that can set the edge if needed. He is a smart player and a polished tackler who rarely takes a bad angle. During his senior season in 2017, Leonard recorded 114 tackles with 12 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, one pass batted, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
Areas for Improvement: On tape, there is little to not like. He did play against a lower level of competition at South Carolina State, but he was terrific during Senior Bowl week.
Other Notes: Leonard was a 2017 Walter Camp All-American and 2017 American Football Coaches Association first-team All-American. He was also a 2016 and 2017 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year. Leonard was a defensive standout at the 2017 Senior Bowl, leading the South with 14 tackles.
Draft Projection: Leonard should be a second- or third-round selection. Go watch his 2016 tape vs. Clemson; he can play at the NFL level and could be a star. He reminds me of current Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham when he came out of Vanderbilt.