Grading System

BOSS BAILEY

Position: OLB Class: Sr School: Georgia Conference: SEC Ht., Wt.: 6'3, 233 40 Time: 4.5 Grade: 4.28 Selected by Detroit Lions Round 2, pick 2 (34 overall)

BIO: All-Conference selection as a senior after tying for the team lead in tackles with 114, also posting 9 1/2 tackles for loss, six sacks and breaking up four passes. Second-team All-Conference choice as a junior in 2001 totaling 65-6-1, breaking up 10 passes. Sat out the 2000 season after tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament on the first play of the season. Started every game as a true sophomore and totaled 66 tackles with 5 1/2 sacks. Younger brother to Redskins cornerback Champ Bailey. Recently ran a forty at 4.35 with a vertical jump of 45.5 inches. POSITIVES: Gifted athlete who, like his brother, offers great potential for the next level. Breaks down well, plays with forward lean and easily redirects to the action. Gets leverage on opponents, holds his ground against blocks and rarely off his feet. Makes plays sideline-to-sideline and displays speed to the flanks. Quick reading the action, snuffs out the ball carrier and displays great range. Gets depth on pass drops, has a burst of speed yet at the same time disciplined and plays within himself. Does not bite on play action passes, wraps up tackling and brings opponents down on initial contact. Displays good pass defending skills; backpedals in reverse, smooth turning his hips and easily stays with tight ends or opposing running backs anywhere on the field. NEGATIVES: Lacks size and can be engulfed at the point of attack. For all his skills in pass coverage, does not make many plays when the ball is in the air. Has torn knee ligaments twice previous to this year and had the joint cleaned out towards the end of the campaign. ANALYSIS: Assuming his knee checks out and he can stay healthy, an immediate starter at the next level who should have a productive career in the NFL. PROJECTION: Mid First Round Photo: Andy Lyons/Getty Images