LB Darius Leonard SCSU
Strengths: Has sideline to sideline range and speed. Quick to diagnose the play and typically puts himself in position to make the stop. Plays well in space, good open field tackler who does not allow ballcarriers to beat him to the edge. Wrap up tackler who punishes ballcarriers and receivers in the open field. Good in zone coverage and can make plays in short, medium, and deep zones. Shows proficiency as a blitzer, timing well and finding gaps in the OL to apply pressure and get to the QB. Has the speed to make plays from behind and does so often. High effort player who never gives up on a play.
Weaknesses: Occasionally struggles in man coverage, seems to lose track of his assignment. Struggles to fight off blocks and will be taken out of a play at times when a OL gets to him. Has used athleticism and speed at times to cover for poor angles taken to the ballcarrier. Level of competition is concerning, though he performed well against higher level competition.
Other: Colts plan to use Leonard as a 4-3 WILL.
Player Comparison: Derrick Brooks