Sean Spence NFL Draft | Linebacker, Miami

Name: Sean Spence
Ideal position: 4-3 Outside Linebacker
Measurements: 5 foot 11 inches 222 lbs.
School: Miami (FL)

-When you watch tape you see two things as soon as he lines up. 1. That guy is the fastest guy on the field. 2. But man he is short and small. Since he doesn’t carry a first round grade he isn’t under the microscope but teams expecting a run stuffing LB will not be interested in Spence.

- Spence’s speed is very impressive, but most impressive is how quickly he reads the play. As soon as the ball snaps he seems to see the entire play, not just where the ball is going but how the play is supposed to be blocked.

-His change of direction skills are impressive, not only laterally but he is seamless from back pedal to sprint. His movement skills are very important because when a bigger body is on him he has a way of using his agile feet to maneuver around the block.

-Not a good fit for the 3-4 system, whether at OLB or at ILB. Lacks the strength to consistently beat OTs. When he does blitz through the C gap (outside the tackle) he usually gets stonewalled at first contact.

-Gives a nice “pop” when he hits the ball carrier and the way he runs his feet through the runner lets him hit with significantly more force than his frame suggests.

-Can stick with any tight end, and most slot receivers, which leaves him viable as a third down option. If a QB stares down a receiver on a curl or crossing pattern Spence has no problem jumping the route and disrupting the play.

-All signs point to him being an excellent student in the film room, which shows on the field. 216 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 3 FFs over the past two years, and even though the numbers don’t show it, Spence constantly makes the RB make their first cut in the backfield. If you ask any NFL DC, they will tell you just how important that first cut is.

-The best matchup for Spence would be a fourth round selection from the Titans, where he could play next to his college teammate Colin McCarthy, however that line of logic rarely works becomes a reality. Round 4 Possible destinations: Tennessee, Carolina, Denver, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, Chicago, Giants.