Garret Wallow NFL Draft Overview
Position: Linebacker
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 220 pounds
School: TCU
Garret Wallow 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Garret Wallow received interest from several Power Five schools. Arizona, Michigan, Kansas State and Northwestern were on offer. But to stay close to home, the three-star recruit chose the TCU Horned Frogs.
Wallow was a true freshman and his experience came on special teams, where he led in tackles. His big chance came in 2018. He started seven games, racking up 72 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and two deflections.
By 2019, he was an uphill climber on the defense. He earned All-Big 12 first-team honors. 2020 was another strong year as team captain. He accumulated 90 total tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, a pass deflection and 3 forced fumbles. Wallow again earned first-team All-Big 12 honors. He was invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl, cementing his status as a 2021 NFL Draft prospect.
At 6’2”, 220 pounds, Wallow has good fluidity in space from his former years as a safety. He has experience as a coverage player. His game lies in his explosiveness in both short and long range. His quick acceleration allows him to get through gaps in the line. He has exceptional pace and when at the correct angle, launces himself into opponents. His tackle for loss numbers indicate his proficiency at finishing the job.
In coverage, his explosiveness shows up, having the ability to launch out of his hip turns. He then tracks tight ends and receivers downfield. Wallow makes calculated decisions and has patience and persistence. His sideline-to-sideline speed and solid fluidity are plusses.
However, one would expect a former safety to make a lot of plays, which he does not. He also doesn’t have the overwhelming length needed to close the gap in tight situations. Wallow can react late on occasion as well. His smaller and lighter frame makes him a target for larger blockers.
Strengths
- Has experience at safety and linebacker;
- Good athleticism, slips around blocks quickly;
- Explosive, can launch out of his hip turns;
- Collects tackles with plenty of solo finishes;
- Team captain, good leader of the defense;
- Shows patience when scraping;
- Pursuit range is NFL-caliber;
- Recovers from blocks quickly and finds tackle chances;
- Shows special teams traits.
Weaknesses
- Below average play strength;
- Makes himself a static target for blockers to find;
- Relies on guesses and takes chances, pulling him out of position;
- Allows blockers to get too deep in his frame;
- Angles to ball and open-field tackling need major development;
- Not instinctive as an open-field tackler.
Teams with need at position: Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints
Projected: Round 5
NFL Comparison: Roquan Smith
Bottom line on Garret Wallow
Wallow has the mindset and athleticism to hunt for the football. Lateral explosiveness and awareness makes him great for coverage. He comes in smaller and lighter than the ideal NFL linebacker. However, he has demonstrated enough strengths to make him a good special teams player and a future starting 3-4 linebacker.
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