Green Bay Packers: 3 Potential Linebacker Prospects for 2021 NFL Draft
By Isaac Greig
Nick Bolton – Missouri, Junior
Bolton is an undersized linebacker (6’, 230 pounds) approaching his second season as the leader of the Tigers defense. With 74 solo tackles and 7 passes defended in 2019, Bolton’s game is very balanced. He’ll be an every-down linebacker in the NFL.
Bolton is an explosive, rangy athlete with nimble feet. That athleticism gives him safety-esque coverage skills. In fact, he graded as the top coverage linebacker in 2019, via Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His awareness in zone coverage is elite and he easily sticks with college tight ends and running backs. Add in his delayed pass-rush ability along with his quarterback spy instincts, and Bolton has as much third-down value as any linebacker in this class.
He’s just as effective against the run. Bolton hits the hole with purpose and consistently finishes tackling opportunities. He has the flexibility and hand strength to make off-angle tackles and is a pro with the gator roll. Bolton has a high football IQ and is the engine that makes the Missouri defense run. He makes plays all over the field and can sift through traffic with ease.
However, due to Bolton’s lack of size and length, he’s too easily swallowed by larger linemen and struggles to disengage. That lack of length also gives him limitations as a pass-rusher. He hasn’t been beaten much in coverage yet, but NFL tight ends are skilled at using their frame to separate from shorter linebackers and win contested catches. There are also concerns about his long speed.
Bolton’s limitations don’t scare me much. He won’t be the focal point of an NFL defense, but he profiles as a Will or Nickel linebacker that can still be productive in the slot and stay on the field in dime situations. This role would allow him to play in space and cover smaller skill players, highlighting what he already does well.
That role offers so much value in the game today. Like many teams in the NFL, the Packers don’t have anybody they can rely on to assume those responsibilities. Nick Bolton might be flying under the radar right now, but with another successful season in 2020, he will be on the radar for the Green Bay Packers.