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2020 NFL Draft: Testing will make or break Cal linebacker Evan Weaver

By Cory Kinnan

CORVALLIS, OR - OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears celebrates a tackle during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
CORVALLIS, OR - OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears celebrates a tackle during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Gordon #18 of the Washington State Cougars is hit by Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears after he passed the ball at California Memorial Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Berkeley, California. Weaver was called for a late hit on the play. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Gordon #18 of the Washington State Cougars is hit by Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears after he passed the ball at California Memorial Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Berkeley, California. Weaver was called for a late hit on the play. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Weaver on the blitz

Evan Weaver, part of his downhill motor, is a great blitzer from the second level as well. As previously mentioned, Weaver has tallied seven sacks from his middle linebacker spot over the past two seasons for the Golden Bears.

Disguising himself well from being identified by opposing offensive linemen, Weaver tends to find himself with a free run at opposing quarterbacks. Either through the A gap or around the edge, Weaver is an effective threat to get home on the blitz.

Not only that, but when coming off the edge, Weaver is effective at keeping contain to bounce the action back inside and at setting the edge, displaying great anchor strength to ground opposing offensive tackles. This has many wondering if Weaver would make a better 4-3 edge than middle linebacker at the next level, but due to his inability to shed blocks once they are engaged into his body, this seems to be a reach of a conclusion.

While his uphill range in coverage is a significant issue that has to be put under a microscope as Weaver plans to take the leap to the NFL, his downhill pursuit and motor is a strength of his game. As a blitzer, Weaver is a threat to hit a home run for the Cal defense when his number is called upon.

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