Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Willie Young (North Carolina St.) - 2010 NFL Draft Pick #213 by DET

---

Pre-Draft Analysis for Willie Young (2010 NFL Draft)

College: North Carolina State

• Position: Linebacker
• Height: 6'4"
• Weight: 251 lbs

Strengths:

• Size and Length: Young possesses an ideal frame for an outside linebacker, with long arms that help him disengage from blockers.
• Athleticism: He has good speed and agility, making him capable of covering ground quickly and making plays in space.
• Pass-Rushing Ability: Young showed promise as a pass rusher in college, demonstrating the ability to get to the quarterback with his quick first step.
• Work Ethic: Coaches praised his determination and work ethic, indicating that he was willing to put in the effort to improve his game.

Weaknesses:

• Consistency: While Young flashed potential, he struggled with consistency in performance, particularly in tackling and coverage.
• Technique: He needed refinement in his technique, especially in pass coverage and shedding blocks effectively.
• Injury History: Concerns about his durability were raised due to past injuries that limited his playing time.

Overall Assessment:

Willie Young was viewed as a project player with upside. His combination of size, speed, and athletic ability made him an intriguing option for teams looking for depth at linebacker. With proper coaching and development, he had the potential to become a solid contributor in the NFL. However, teams were cautious due to his inconsistency and injury history, which could affect his draft stock.

Projected Draft Round:

Young was projected to be selected in the 4th to 6th round of the 2010 NFL Draft, depending on the needs of teams and his performance leading up to the draft.