Joe Schobert NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Browns Rookie

POSITIVES

A former walk-on at Wisconsin, Joe Schobert was a utility player for the Badgers defense, playing both as a pass-rusher and as a true off-the-ball linebacker.

Schobert impresses with first-step quickness, and against elite competition like Iowa and Alabama, he was able to make plays on the edge and in space. A versatile player, Schobert flashes a unique skill set and on-par overall athletic ability. What Schobert lacks in length and long speed, he makes up for with quick, smooth start-and-stop speed.

As a pass-rusher, Schobert had production. He’s slippery at the corner and does a great job getting under the hands of blockers to dip and drive on the pocket.

When asked to drop into coverage, Schobert isn’t a burner, but he has enough quickness to hang with slot receivers and tight ends. Schobert flashed as reliable in coverage and had success eliminating targets. He’s patient and aware when playing the ball in front of him and wins with instincts and a football IQ that gets him in place to make a play.

NEGATIVES

Missed tackles are the first thing that must be discussed in NFL draft rooms. Schobert was credited with 10 missed tackles by Wisconsin coaches and doesn’t have the strength to be a truly dynamic wrap-up hitter.

A lack of length (31 ½” arms) will be a question mark for Schobert if teams view him as an edge-rusher. With poor length, poor height and average agility, he’s best suited to a 4-3 scheme, which takes away much of the production he put on the field in college as a rusher.

Schobert isn’t flashy or overly explosive and lacks the traits to impress teams. With average strength to go along with a small frame, it’s questionable if he can get on the field to show off his skills. Throw in average instincts, and Schobert is more of a project than his numbers would suggest.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 244 lbs.

40 Time: 4.76s

3-Cone: 7.11s

Short Shuttle: 4.30s

PRO COMPARISON: Arthur Moats, Pittsburgh Steelers
FINAL GRADE: 5.70/9.00 (Round 4—Backup Caliber)