Josh Forrest NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Rams Rookie

POSITIVES

A two-year starter, Josh Forrest led Kentucky in tackles in each of the last two seasons. A tall, long athlete, Forrest has positional versatility at linebacker because of his role with the Wildcats.

Athletic on the tape, Forrest moves well enough to be a pass-rusher off the edge or through inside gaps. He has the length (33 ½” arms) to keep blockers off his frame and locks out fullbacks and tight ends to stack-and-shed.

When chasing the ball, Forrest has the quickness to run down outside plays and will show catch-up speed to recover if he’s late to his read. Forrest’s ability to move laterally makes him a possible 4-3 outside linebacker or an inside linebacker in all schemes.

The Kentucky defense unleashed Forrest as a playmaker, and he answered with sacks, hurries, interceptions and tackles. If teams buy into his potential, he could hear one call his name early on Day 3.

NEGATIVES

Forrest looks the part on tape but tested out average at the combine. General managers making a call on his stock must weigh the differences.

Already at nearly 250 pounds, Forrest has a top-heavy build without great lower-body strength. He could benefit from more balanced power that allows him to hold ground at the point of attack. When asked to contain the edge, Forrest too often surrendered ground with poor strength.

An upright player, Forrest makes himself a huge target for blockers and has to play with improved pad height and knee bend. Ideally a weak-side linebacker, Forrest’s timed speed and agility will raise eyebrows. With average instincts and too many false steps on tape, he’s a work in progress.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 249 lbs.

40 Time: 4.78s

3-Cone: 7.48s

Short Shuttle: 4.22s

PRO COMPARISON: Curtis Grant, Tennessee Titans
FINAL GRADE: 5.60/9.00 (Round 5—Backup Caliber)