Devante Bond NFL Draft 2016: Scouting Report, Grade for Buccaneers Rookie

POSITIVES

A transfer to Oklahoma from Sierra Community College, Devante Bond sat out the 2013 season after being short on credits to transfer to the University of Miami.

Bond has ideal measurables for the linebacker position and untapped athleticism waiting to be used. He possesses natural athletic ability in his pass-rush sets and has the tools to beat college blockers to the ball.

While attacking the run, Bond is a fast and fluid athlete, with the speed to run by offensive linemen at the first and second level. Bond also uses active hands to disengage from blocks when tied up. He’s reliable in coverage opportunities and has the quickness and agility to make plays on third down. A high-motor, effort player, Bond goes full speed the entire game.

NEGATIVES

An ankle injury cost Bond four games in his senior season, so he heads to the NFL draft with limited starting experience (and limited field experience in general after starting only three games in 2014).

Bond’s inexperience shows up in big ways on inside rushing downs. He has a tendency to get gashed by interior runs and doesn’t have the strength to fit inside against guards and centers working to isolate linebackers on blocks. An outside linebacker at Oklahoma, Bond doesn’t have the bulk to meet blockers in the hole or the quickness to slip them underneath.

Playing most often as a pass-rusher at OU, Bond will have to transition to a stand-up role on first and second downs. With average long speed and poor instincts, that move will take time. He does have the tools to bump down to a pass-rusher role on third down but may need to add strength and size first.

COMBINE RESULTS

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 235 lbs.

40 Time: 4.70s

3-Cone: 7.07s

Short Shuttle: 4.36s

PRO COMPARISON: Chris Carter, Baltimore Ravens
FINAL GRADE: 5.00/9.00 (Priority Free Agent)