Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Jerod Mayo (Tennessee) - 2008 NFL Draft Pick #10 by NE

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Jerod Mayo (2008 NFL Draft)

Player Profile:

• Name: Jerod Mayo
• Position: Linebacker
• College: University of Tennessee
• Height: 6'1"
• Weight: 245 lbs

Strengths:

• Versatile Skill Set: Mayo showcased the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, making him a valuable asset for defensive schemes.
• High Football IQ: Known for his intelligence on the field, Mayo demonstrated excellent instincts and awareness, allowing him to read plays and react quickly.
• Solid Tackler: He was recognized for his tackling ability, often wrapping up ball carriers effectively and minimizing yards after contact.
• Leadership Qualities: Mayo was a team leader at Tennessee, often taking on the responsibility of calling defensive plays and motivating teammates.
• Strong Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his game was evident in his preparation and performance during practices and games.

Weaknesses:

• Inconsistent Coverage Skills: While Mayo was effective against the run, his pass coverage abilities were still developing and needed refinement.
• Limited Elite Speed: Although he had decent speed for a linebacker, he was not considered elite, which could impact his ability to cover faster offensive players.

Overall Assessment:

Jerod Mayo was projected as a first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft due to his impressive collegiate performance and potential for growth at the professional level. His combination of intelligence, tackling ability, and leadership made him a desirable choice for NFL teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps.

Projected Draft Position:

Mayo was expected to be selected in the top 15 picks of the first round, with several teams expressing interest in adding a player of his caliber to their defense.