Ole Miss Texan
Hall of Fame
I've just started seeing a lot of love for this guy today and yesterday. He's never even been mention on these boards (or at least much at all) much less a possible 1st rd pick for us. Kind of sounds like Patrick Willis in the fact he played OLB up until his last year and then switched to MLB- so I guess those that didn't know him before hand thought he was only a MLB. Heck, I won't complain one bit if we select the best SEC linebacker- can't ever go wrong there...
I hadn't read much about him because I always thought he was more of a MLB. But after doing some reading last night/today, it sounds like he's able to play all three spots and is a great fit for the 4-3 defense. Hope we can turn this into constructive talk for those that have watched him a lot.
Jerod Mayo
6'2" 230lbs
Tennessee
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jerod-mayo?id=776
I hadn't read much about him because I always thought he was more of a MLB. But after doing some reading last night/today, it sounds like he's able to play all three spots and is a great fit for the 4-3 defense. Hope we can turn this into constructive talk for those that have watched him a lot.
Jerod Mayo
6'2" 230lbs
Tennessee
Overview
An athletic linebacker who made the move from outside to inside linebacker last season with spectacular results -- earning first team SEC accolades in leading the conference with 140 tackles. Mayo's speed and size may cause scouts to consider moving him back outside at the next level, but he seemed to gain more and more confidence at his new position as the season wore on, averaging 15 tackles over his final four games.
Analysis
Positives: Athletic build with good upper definition and the frame to add an additional 10 pounds without a significant loss of speed. ... Instinctive defender. ... Attacks the line against the run. ... Good change of direction and rare speed for the position in coverage. ... Good open-field tackler with the body control to break down in space and make the sure tackle. ... Flashes some explosiveness as a hitter. ... Good timing on the blitz and shows an ability to close when the ball is near.
Negatives: Physical, but might be better on the perimeter than the inside. ... Flashes strong hands to disengage from blocks, but often resorts to running around them rather than facing them up. ... Generally a wrap-up tackler, but will lower his shoulder to lay a big hit and sometimes slip off.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/jerod-mayo?id=776