Kentrell Brothers NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Vikings Rookie

POSITIVES

One of the most productive linebackers in college football during the 2015 season, Kentrell Brothers is an active and instinctive two-down tackler. A three-year starter, Brothers is NFL-ready.

With a thick build and ideal balance, Brothers is able to stay off the ground and flow laterally to track the ball. His instincts are off-the-charts good, and he uses timing, patience and angles to attack the ball. A high-effort player, Brothers plays through the whistle and knocks blockers off their game with active, strong hands.

A reliable coverage linebacker on hook/seam routes, Brothers can play on intermediate and short drops. He’s an excellent breakdown tackler and rarely lets a ball-carrier through his grasp.

NEGATIVES

Short and short-armed (30 ¾”), Brothers must overcome his physical limitations to make plays on Sundays. He’s a choppy runner in space, and with short legs it takes more effort for him to cover ground on the go.

Brothers isn’t overly powerful or explosive in his playing style. He’s a smooth glider but doesn’t twitch or hop to the ball. With a lack of speed, tracking the ball can be a struggle for Brothers outside the hashes, and if he makes a wrong initial read, he’ll be lost in pursuit.

As a coverage linebacker, Brothers struggles to match steps with speedy targets. Improved pass-drop depth will help Brothers make the plays in zone coverage he’s missing now.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 245 lbs.

40 Time: 4.89s

3-Cone: 6.99s

Short Shuttle: 4.11s

PRO COMPARISON: Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos
FINAL GRADE: 6.00/9.00 (Round 3—Future Starter)