Harry
ASFN Consultant and Senior Writer
Evan Weaver nearly broke Luke Kuechley’s record for most tackles in a season. So how did Weaver do it without superior speed or core strength? Answering this question seems to be the key to understanding why the Cards think Weaver can make an NFL roster. I did some deep diving into his style as well as asking for help from some colleagues. If Weaver can make this work it could change draft evaluations of ILBs.
The first clue was Weaver’s ability to quickly, accurately diagnose plays. Responding rapidly and avoiding a false step in the direction of a fake allowed Weaver to position himself better than the average would-be tackler. Like a skilled QB keeping his eyes locked downfield, Weaver keeps his focus on the ball rather than getting distracted by blockers.
The next problem was getting by those blockers to the target. Weaver also has a superior ability to diagnose blocking schemes. Those quick twitch first steps permit him to avoid back-side cutoff blocks. He uses his hands effectively to rip aside blockers trying to redirect him or tie him up. Similarly his solid, well-timed punch knocks blockers off balance. He has an intuitive understanding of leverage.
When stepping up inside he invariably picks the correct gap. Though not fast, he has a great motor and never quits on a play. Consequently if a ball carrier using another gap gets delayed or cutbacks Weaver is often there to make the play. He typically takes the most efficient line to ball carriers off to his side.
He has outstanding tackling technique. When he contacts a ball carrier that player rarely escapes. Yards after a Weaver contact are few.
There are concerns. He’s not an effective blitzer, though he can surprise with a bull rush and collapse a pocket from time-to-time. With regard to pass defense, he can get a shallow drop and be moderately effective in zone coverage. He is not effective in man coverage. He be seen as a 2 down linebacker and a special teams ace.
BTW, it should be noted Bear’s Coach Wilcox uses a defense that focuses on the linebackers controlling plays. This does somewhat exaggerate LB tackle totals.
The first clue was Weaver’s ability to quickly, accurately diagnose plays. Responding rapidly and avoiding a false step in the direction of a fake allowed Weaver to position himself better than the average would-be tackler. Like a skilled QB keeping his eyes locked downfield, Weaver keeps his focus on the ball rather than getting distracted by blockers.
The next problem was getting by those blockers to the target. Weaver also has a superior ability to diagnose blocking schemes. Those quick twitch first steps permit him to avoid back-side cutoff blocks. He uses his hands effectively to rip aside blockers trying to redirect him or tie him up. Similarly his solid, well-timed punch knocks blockers off balance. He has an intuitive understanding of leverage.
When stepping up inside he invariably picks the correct gap. Though not fast, he has a great motor and never quits on a play. Consequently if a ball carrier using another gap gets delayed or cutbacks Weaver is often there to make the play. He typically takes the most efficient line to ball carriers off to his side.
He has outstanding tackling technique. When he contacts a ball carrier that player rarely escapes. Yards after a Weaver contact are few.
There are concerns. He’s not an effective blitzer, though he can surprise with a bull rush and collapse a pocket from time-to-time. With regard to pass defense, he can get a shallow drop and be moderately effective in zone coverage. He is not effective in man coverage. He be seen as a 2 down linebacker and a special teams ace.
BTW, it should be noted Bear’s Coach Wilcox uses a defense that focuses on the linebackers controlling plays. This does somewhat exaggerate LB tackle totals.
