With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Nick DeLuca Scouting Report

By Jon Dove

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 17: Running back LeShun Daniels
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 17: Running back LeShun Daniels /
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North Dakota State’s Nick DeLuca is an underrated 2018 NFL Draft linebacker prospect coming from a smaller school.

Nick DeLuca has had a highly productive college career while playing against a lower level of competition. He isn’t someone who jumps off the screen, but consistently puts himself in position to make a play.

This is an instinctual linebacker that does a great job reading post-snap information. He plays with excellent balance which helps him adjust his movements based on his reads.

DeLuca flows nicely to the ball carrier showing the knack to cleanly pick through traffic. He is committed to using his hands which helps him work off blocks. These types of traits are what make DeLuca a high volume tackler.

In pass coverage, DeLuca keeps a wide base and his head on a swivel. He does a great job feeling the routes developing around him and reading the quarterback. His coverage skills mean that he can remain on the field in every scenario.

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He also can contribute as a blitzer thanks to his snap timing and natural feel for the game.

DeLuca is a solid overall athlete who flashes the burst to quickly close on the ball. The problem is that he appears to be over thinking his reads at times. This will make him a little hesitant which can result in him being a step or two late.

He needs to trust his reads and use his burst to pursue. However, North Dakota State faced a lot of unique offenses that required DeLuca to play sort of a spy role. That obviously had an impact on being more decisive.

Overall, DeLuca has all the tools needed to be a starter in the NFL. He may not be a flashy player, but will be a player who is always in the right position. The key to his draft stock will likely be how well he tests at the combine.

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