Matt Tamanini
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Ohio State DE Sam Hubbard’s 2018 NFL Combine results and draft projection
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Hey, I don’t know if you’ve heard this before, but Hubbard was supposed to play lacrosse at Notre Dame.
The journey from Notre Dame lacrosse commit to potential first-round NFL Draft pick has been an unusually winding one for Sam Hubbard . After playing safety at Archbishop Moeller High School, Hubbard first transitioned to linebacker and eventually to defensive end as he continued to add size during his red-shirt season in Columbus, and was never a full-time starter for the Buckeyes.
He now leaves Ohio State having been selected as a second-team All-Big Ten member despite the fact that he only started eight games in 2017 season. That fact not withstanding, Hubbard racked up 42 tackles during his redshirt-junior campaign, including 13.5 for loss (7 sacks). During his final year in the scarlet and gray, he also forced a pair of fumbles. Hubbard leaves OSU ranking 15th in sacks (17) and tackles-for-loss yardage (154).
While the 6’5, 265-pound. Hubbard still has some bulking up to do to be ready for the next level, his high motor will be very valuable for an NFL defense. He might not have the desired athleticism that some teams will be looking for from an edge rusher, but he is ready to play right away for teams that are looking for someone able to both blitz and keep contain on the outside. He is strong at the point of attack, and will never give up on a play until the whistle is blown.
A former Academic All-American— while earning a degree in Economics—, Hubbard should have no problem being able to pick up the increasingly complicated NFL defensive schemes. Hubbard could be a late first-round draft pick, if he shows well at the combine, at pro day, and thereafter.
Scouting Report
Here’s what the pros are saying in his NFL Combine Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS: Plays with consistent pad level and good bend at point of attack. Attacks with square pads and a wide, balanced base. Sinks hips and braces up with arm extension when setting the edge. Possesses good football intelligence and is very aware. Quick to spot play-action. Has stick-and-move hands to punch and peek past the blocker to find the football. Motor takes him to plays that others will quit on. Always finds himself in tackle-ready position and usually finishes. Expert level hand fighter as pass rusher. Will throw three or four straight slaps and chops to prevent tackle from getting his punch locked in. Shows tackles a strong charge before unleashing an effective spin counter back inside.
WEAKNESSES: More worker bee than twitchy athlete. Burst to the ball is just average. Doesn’t get early wins at the point of attack. Pursuit speed is just average and he’ll come up just short of the tackle at times. Can be a little tight when trying to corner and flatten as a pass rusher. Can be run up and past the quarterback. Arc-runner rather than move-maker as a rusher. Below average conversion of speed-to-power.
Player schedule
Stay tuned to Land-Grant Holy Land for performance and quote updates throughout the NFL Scouting Combine.
Continue reading...
Matt Tamanini via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Hey, I don’t know if you’ve heard this before, but Hubbard was supposed to play lacrosse at Notre Dame.
The journey from Notre Dame lacrosse commit to potential first-round NFL Draft pick has been an unusually winding one for Sam Hubbard . After playing safety at Archbishop Moeller High School, Hubbard first transitioned to linebacker and eventually to defensive end as he continued to add size during his red-shirt season in Columbus, and was never a full-time starter for the Buckeyes.
He now leaves Ohio State having been selected as a second-team All-Big Ten member despite the fact that he only started eight games in 2017 season. That fact not withstanding, Hubbard racked up 42 tackles during his redshirt-junior campaign, including 13.5 for loss (7 sacks). During his final year in the scarlet and gray, he also forced a pair of fumbles. Hubbard leaves OSU ranking 15th in sacks (17) and tackles-for-loss yardage (154).
While the 6’5, 265-pound. Hubbard still has some bulking up to do to be ready for the next level, his high motor will be very valuable for an NFL defense. He might not have the desired athleticism that some teams will be looking for from an edge rusher, but he is ready to play right away for teams that are looking for someone able to both blitz and keep contain on the outside. He is strong at the point of attack, and will never give up on a play until the whistle is blown.
A former Academic All-American— while earning a degree in Economics—, Hubbard should have no problem being able to pick up the increasingly complicated NFL defensive schemes. Hubbard could be a late first-round draft pick, if he shows well at the combine, at pro day, and thereafter.
Scouting Report
Here’s what the pros are saying in his NFL Combine Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS: Plays with consistent pad level and good bend at point of attack. Attacks with square pads and a wide, balanced base. Sinks hips and braces up with arm extension when setting the edge. Possesses good football intelligence and is very aware. Quick to spot play-action. Has stick-and-move hands to punch and peek past the blocker to find the football. Motor takes him to plays that others will quit on. Always finds himself in tackle-ready position and usually finishes. Expert level hand fighter as pass rusher. Will throw three or four straight slaps and chops to prevent tackle from getting his punch locked in. Shows tackles a strong charge before unleashing an effective spin counter back inside.
WEAKNESSES: More worker bee than twitchy athlete. Burst to the ball is just average. Doesn’t get early wins at the point of attack. Pursuit speed is just average and he’ll come up just short of the tackle at times. Can be a little tight when trying to corner and flatten as a pass rusher. Can be run up and past the quarterback. Arc-runner rather than move-maker as a rusher. Below average conversion of speed-to-power.
- Day 1 (Thursday, Mar. 1): Travel, registration, hospital pre-exam, orientation, interviews
- Day 2 (Friday, Mar. 2): Measurements, medical exams, interviews
- Day 3 (Saturday, Mar. 3): Psychological testing, NFLPA meeting, media, bench press
- Day 4 (Sunday, Mar. 4): On-field workout and position drills
Stay tuned to Land-Grant Holy Land for performance and quote updates throughout the NFL Scouting Combine.
Continue reading...