With The First Pick
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Virginia Football boasts plenty of defensive prospects vs. Clemson

By Cory Kinnan

Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Nick Grant (1) is unable to make an interception catch against the Florida Gators during the first half in the 2019 Orange Bowl game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2019; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Virginia Cavaliers cornerback Nick Grant (1) is unable to make an interception catch against the Florida Gators during the first half in the 2019 Orange Bowl game at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Virginia Football
Virginia Football boast plenty of defensive prospects vs. Clemson. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

The linebackers

Charles Snowden

The top name when discussing the Virginia safety is always the tantalizing defender Charles Snowden. With extreme length, listed at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, the Cavaliers will deploy Snowden as both an edge rusher and as an off-ball linebacker in order to maximize his talent.

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Snowden is coming off of a season with 11 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, five sacks, and four passes defended as he uses those long arms of his. In last week’s win over Duke, Snowden recorded one tackle behind the line of scrimmage and knocked down two passes on the day. He will look to harass Lawrence all day, both off the edge and from the second level as he will again be moved around.

Noah Taylor

Another hybrid linebacker who the Cavaliers love to move around, Noah Taylor is entering his Junior season looking to build off of a solid Sophomore year in 2019. A year ago, Taylor racked up 12 tackles for loss, six and a half sacks, two interceptions, and four passes defended.

Taylor picked up right where he left off in 2019 as he racked up a sack and a half and two tackles behind the line of scrimmage. As the Cavaliers look to do the impossible and beat Clemson, Taylor’s athletic ability and versatility will be relied upon heavily.

Zane Zandier

What is the athletic ceiling of linebacker Zane Zandier? That is the question that may determine the draft stock and status of the Senior Cavaliers’ linebacker. However, as it stands, Zandier brings a high level or intellect and instincts to the table for NFL teams, and is coming off a highly productive season with 49 solo tackles, 12.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage, five sacks, and an interception. Keep an eye on this guy as the season progresses.

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