Marcus Freeman SELECTED BY: Bears Round 5 (18)

SI Grade 3.59 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Three-year starter awarded all-Conference honors since his junior season. Totals last year included 84/9.5/3.5, when he struggled for most of the season with an ankle injury. Junior numbers included 109/9.5/1.5 when he also broke up five passes.

POSITIVES: Athletic linebacker coming off a disappointing campaign. Plays with a lot of quickness, effectively uses his hands to protect himself, and fluid moving in all directions of the field. Immediately alters his angle of attack, nicely redirects to the action, and effectively collapses from the outside to defend the run. Stays with tight ends in coverage, shows ability in pursuit, and covers a lot of area on the field. Plays with terrific explosion and flashes on the scene. Good footwork moving in reverse, and gets depth on pass drops.

NEGATIVES: Lacks top instincts and shows hesitation in his game. Slow shedding blocks and easily locked up at the point of attack.

ANALYSIS: Freeman was a highly considered prospect coming into his senior season, and a linebacker with a first-round potential. His ankle injury last season significantly slowed him down, and he moves toward April with a sagging draft grade. Freeman is an athletic prospect with a good degree of upside and a player likely to be under ?drafted, yet he is someone who could be very productive at the next level once he gets back up to speed.

PROJECTION: Fourth Round