Jake Ryan
Michigan, SLB
Height: 6.3
Weight: 235
Age: 23
Check out all of The War Room content
Athleticism: C
Range is average to above average, but could improve after his second season back from an ACL tear. Can get juked out of his cleats in the hole. Lacks burst to cut off the edge as a mike, but takes good pursuit angles to make up for his lack of pure speed.
Run Defense: C+
Better defending than edge than the middle of the field. Will get engulfed by interior linemen, but can crash the edge and gain inside and outside penetration into the backfield. Has just enough power and athleticism to elude blocks on the edge. Does not have enough power in his hands or the ability to lock out to hold his ground against interior blocks.
Coverage: C-
Lacks the athleticism to hold up well in coverage on third down. Gets adequate depth in zone, but angles aren’t very sharp and lacks the range to hold up against receivers out of the backfield. Physical in zone with receivers off the line and succeed in jamming.
Tackling: C+
A productive tackler, but is questionable in space. Dives a bit too much when in space and does not square up as he should. When he does make the tackle, he is a secure wrap tackler who provides some pop without leaking much yards after contact.
Intangibles: A-
Excellent instincts. Does a great job of reading run vs. pass and identifying the ballcarrier on read-option and playaction. Strong motor, and hustles and is active on nearly every down. Effective blitzer, capable of shaving the corner and getting penetration on the bull rush.
Red Flags: Injury (Right ACL Tear)
Bottom Line: A starter since his freshman year, Jake Ryan has been a playmaker for the Wolverines the past four years. After transitioning from outside to inside linebacker in 2014, Ryan did not appear quite as effective and projects best to move outside once again in the pros, with the potential to start as a Sam linebacker in a 4-3 defense.
Comparison: Tank Carder
Grade: 7.9 (4th Round)
Thank you for reading. Follow me on Twitter – @LWOS_Sibo. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo: