Chris Covington NFL Draft 2018: Scouting Report for Dallas Cowboys' Pick

POSITIVES

—Well-built that combines enough speed and physicality to be effective in NFL.

—Can open up and run with the best of them.

—Moldable prospect that has baseline athleticism and is still learning position.

—Natural athlete who is ultra-competitive.

—Good tackler who brings some "pop" and runs behind his pads.

NEGATIVES

—Converted QB with limited experience at the position.

—Underwhelming diagnose skills and doesn't read and react like other linebackers yet.

—Technical aspects of position are undeveloped.

—Doesn't have functional hand usage to take on blocks and disengage.

—Overruns gaps and loses leverage.

OVERALL

Chris Covington is a sturdy athlete with the requisite athleticism and power to compete for a role in the NFL. As a converted quarterback who began his collegiate career as a passer, the questions about Covington's long-term linebacker projection linger. He'll have to spend a couple of years learning the nuances of the linebacker position before being expected to do too much, but the foundation is there to warrant a look during training camp.

GRADE: 5.30 (Priority Free Agent)

PRO PLAYER COMPARISON: Avery Williamson, New York Jets