Grading System

NICK BURLEY

Position: OLB Class: Sr School: Fresno St. Conference: WAC Ht., Wt.: 6'3½, 243 40 Time: 4.8 Grade: 3.52

BIO: Full time starter the past two seasons and All-Conference choice both years. Posted 71 tackles last season, leading the team with 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks after 42-13-8 the prior year. Started three games as a red-shirt sophomore posting 40-9-2. Had an above average combine session when placed at linebacker. POSITIVES: Undersized edge rusher who must now learn to play off the line of scrimmage. Quick off the snap with a nice first step from a three point stance, rushes the edge with speed and uses his hands to slide off blocks. Immediately alters his angle of attack, smooth changing direction and pursues the ball carrier from the backside with speed. Disciplined, recognizes the action and rarely off his feet. Effective when playing in space. NEGATIVES: Lacks size, bulk and easily knocked from his pass rush angle or handled at the point by a single blocker. Has difficulty if teams run in his direction. ANALYSIS: Combines athleticism and intelligence but a lack of size makes him a prime candidate for outside linebacker in a three-four alignment. PROJECTION: Early Fifth Round