Green Bay Packers: 3 Potential Linebacker Prospects for 2021 NFL Draft
By Isaac Greig
Jack Sanborn – Wisconsin, Junior
Sanborn led the Badgers with 80 total tackles in 2019 and is one of the more instinctive coverage linebackers in this class. However, at 6’ 2”, 230 pounds and with just average athleticism, his skills may not translate well to the NFL. He needs to improve his footwork and mobility in order to increase his value as a prospect. He’s a late day 2 selection right now.
Hamsah Nasirildeen – Florida St, Senior
Whether he’s rushing the passer, stopping the run, or playing centerfield, Nasirildeen is an effective defender, with a nose for the football. He plays well in space and is great in coverage, however, at 6’ 4”, 215 pounds Nasirildeen will be a liability in the box on Sundays. He simply cannot operate his S/LB hybrid role with his lack of size, but if he can get serious about his strength training, we’re looking at a perfect nickel/dime linebacker and a potential first-round pick.
Jabril Cox – LSU, Senior
Transferring from North Dakota State for one hit it and quit it year, Jabril Cox is stepping into an ideal situation with LSU. With both starting inside linebackers from the Tigers’ 2019 team now in the NFL, the opportunity will be available for the 6’ 3”, 235-pound Cox to answer questions about the type of player he really is. At NDSU, he was productive stopping the run, rushing the passer, and in coverage. Let’s see if he can do that in the SEC.
When looking back at the 2019 season, it’s clear that the Packers defense suffered from a lack of playmaking ability at the linebacker position. This team is desperate for a player that makes tackles near the line of scrimmage and offers value on passing downs.
Sanborn, Nasirildeen, and Cox are all still developing their games, but all three could turn the corner in 2020 and work their way into first-round consideration.
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Nick Bolton, Dylan Moses, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are already in that discussion. All three players are solid run defenders that can play a pivotal role in the Packers defense. Look for all three of them to have a breakout year in the coming season, and make a bid for the Green Bay Packers first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.