2018 NFL Draft: Darius Leonard Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
South Carolina State’s Darius Leonard is a fluid 2018 NFL Draft linebacker prospect with some potential.
Darius Leonard utilized the draft process to bring more attention to his game. His strong performance at the Senior Bowl and Combine helped raise his 2018 NFL Draft stock. It’s possible that he has worked his way into the 2nd day of the draft.
Leonard features good length and overall size for the linebacker position. He has just enough bulk to hold up against contact. However, it’s his quickness and ability to eat up space that makes him a interesting prospect.
He is someone who can cover a lot of ground and make plays from sideline to sideline. Leonard also shows promise in pass coverage where he has the athleticism to close on the football. He has good hands with the ability to pull down interceptions.
His snap awareness and short-area burst give him the ability to make an impact as a blitzer.
Leonard has the natural athleticism needed to succeed at the next level. However, there are some problem areas in his game.
Leonard doesn’t show strong instincts and will play hesitant to often. He rarely works downhill mainly looking to make a tackle a few yards down field.
His hesitation also makes it difficult for him to work through traffic. Too often, blockers are able to reach him at the second level.
Leonard flashes the ability to deliver some big hits, but overall he’s more of a catcher allowing the ball carrier to initiate the contact. He needs to show a more aggressive side and attack. The hesitation and struggles making good reads limit his ability to make an immediate impact.
He’ll hear his name called during the draft because of the upside his athleticism brings. However, Leonard will need time to develop into a some capable of seeing the field.