Lavonte David Scouting Report

Lavonte David

Position: Linebacker
School: Nebraska
Year: Senior
Height: 6'1
Weight: 225
Draft Stock: 2nd Round / #2 Outside Linebacker

Strengths
-Incredible Instincts. Always around the ball
-Has a knack for making big plays.
-Production. Set Nebraska's single season tackle record. Has made an impact from Day 1.
-Elite speed and quickness for a linebacker. Can go sideline to sideline.
-Sound tackler. Rarely misses a tackle. Does a good job of wrapping up defenders and taking them to the ground.
-Able to secure the tackle and strip the ball
-Good in run support. Doesn't take false steps
-Does a great job of shedding blocks
-Able to stick with tight ends running backs in man coverage due to good speed and quickness
-Does a great job of changing directions quickly and efficiently
-4 down linebacker
-Can make an impact in special teams on coverage units
-Loves the game. Loves to watch tape.
-Great motor. Never quits on plays

Weaknesses
-Size. Smaller for a linebacker. Can't keep on weight.
-Durable? No injury issues, but will his smaller size lead to more injuries in the NFL?
-Limited Position Flexibility. His only fit might be as a WLB in a 4-3.
-Footwork could get better

Summary
If Lavonte David was 6'3 250 we might be talking about him as a top 15 pick. But because he is 6'1 225 he's considered to be a Day 2 pick. David has been an impact player for Nebraska since day 1. He set the single season tackle record as a junior and as a senior he made plays that directly lead to wins. Against Ohio State he flat out took the ball away from QB Braxton Miller that swung the whole momentum. And against Penn State he stuffed a RB on fourth down which sealed a win. David has good speed and quickness but his best strength is his IQ. David is always in the right place at the right time and seems to be in on every tackle. This comes from his love for watching film and his eagerness to learn. Learning a playbook in the NFL should be no problem for him. The only real negative for David is his size. Because of his small stature he can run into trouble against bigger lineman when they lock onto him. This also means that he'll likely only fit with a 4-3 team as a Weakside Linebacker. If he was bigger he'd be an ideal MLB in any scheme. David will also add value on special teams coverage units because he is a good tackler and has good speed and quickness. Look for David to go somewhere in the 2nd round but could slide into the 3rd round because of his limited fit. Look for a team like Tampa Bay, Chicago, St. Louis, Minnesota, Cleveland, and Atlanta to really consider him.