CNNSI.com NFL Draft 2002


 
Grading System
Billy Silva | ILB | Northwestern | Big Ten Conference
Height Weight 40 Grade
6'3 244 4.75 3.35
Two-year starter that received All-Conference consideration as a junior. Registered 120/2/0/2/4 as a senior after leading the team in tackles the prior season when his numbers were 114/9/2/1/5. 85 tackles as a sophomore after starting half the season.

Relentless middle linebacker with a good head for the ball. Quick reading or anticipating the action, instinctive and takes good angles to the ballcarrier, working to get involved in the action. Moves well laterally displaying the ability to slide off blocks, plays with reckless abandon but always under control. Squares into his tackles wrapping up but not strong at the point of attack, slow shedding blocks meeting opponents head on and lacks overall speed. Not smooth or fluid changing direction, has difficulty readjusting to the action and not fast chasing the ballcarrier in pursuit. Does not play to his forty time nor is he effective in space and would classify him as a “two-down defender.” Late Seventh Round.

TFY Draft Preview
 


 
CNNSI