Justin Strnad Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’-3″
Weight: 235 pounds
School: Wake Forest
NFL Combine Testing Data
40-Yard Dash: 4.74 seconds
Vertical Jump: 29”
Justin Strnad 2020 NFL Draft Profile
Many of the colleges that showed interest in Justin Strnad from Palm Harbor, FL were mid-majors. Colleges that were interested in Strnad were Ball State, Buffalo, Duke, Wisconsin, South Florida, Marshall, amongst many others. On February 4, 2015, Strnad signed his letter of intent to play for Wake Forest. Originally, Strnad was recruited to play as a safety at 190 pounds. After signing with Wake Forest, he put on weight to play linebacker which ended up working out for the best for his career development.
Strnad redshirted his freshman year and in 2016, rarely played as a backup and special teamer. Strnad started to make an impact on the field during his RS sophomore season. Although he played as a backup, Strnad led his team with three INTs and 10 special team tackles. He also accumulated 51 tackles, eight and a half TFL, four and a half sacks, and a forced fumble. Because of his play in limited playing time, Strnad started every game the following season amassing 105 tackles, eight and a half TFL, a sack and a half, and two forced fumbles.
As Strnad was on the cusp to breaking out during his RS senior year, he suffered a torn bicep injury that kept him out the remainder of the year. In only seven games, he had 69 tackles, five and a half TFL, 2 sacks, and an interception. As a result of his play over the previous two seasons, Strnad was invited to the Senior Bowl. However, he did not participate because he was taking time to recover from his torn bicep.
Strengths
- Sideline to sideline athleticism;
- Long and rangy;
- Hard hitter;
- High motor;
- Experience playing on special teams.
Weaknesses
- Inability to disengage blocks with linemen;
- Undersized;
- Overpursuit;
- More of a reactive than instinctive player;
- Durability issues.
NFL Comparison: Kenny Young
Teams With Need at Position: San Fransisco 49ers, Cinncinati Bengals, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens
Projection: 4th-5th Round
Bottom Line on Justin Strnad
Considering the direction of the NFL becoming more of a passing league, Strnad should fit right in. Because of his history playing as a safety, Strnad is the perfect prototype for a sub-LB in a zone scheme. He has the potential to make an immediate impact on a football team considering his 2 years of experience playing on special teams on Wake Forest.
However, Strnad will still need to familiarize himself with playing as a linebacker as he does not have much experience doing so. This is what led to his instincts being mediocre. In addition, Strnad will to learn how to chop his feet when engaging with runners to avoid missed tackles. Strnad’s high motor, athleticism, and special team experience will keep him on an NFL roster. With improvements from the previously mentioned issues, Strnad can be a late-round gem as a starting linebacker.
Main photo:
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