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Shaquille Leonard (South Carolina St.) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #36 by IND

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Shaquille Leonard (2018 NFL Draft)

Player Overview:
Shaquille Leonard, a linebacker from South Carolina State University, was known for his incredible athleticism, intelligence on the field, and leadership qualities. His performance during his college career made him a standout prospect heading into the 2018 NFL Draft. Strengths:

• High Football IQ: Leonard displayed an impressive understanding of defensive schemes, often being able to read plays before they developed.
• Versatile Athlete: His ability to play multiple linebacker positions made him a valuable asset for any defense.
• Strong Tackler: Leonard was known for his physicality and technique when tackling, consistently bringing down ball carriers effectively.
• Leadership: He served as a team captain, demonstrating strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate teammates.
• Excellent Range: His speed and agility allowed him to cover a lot of ground, making him effective in pass coverage as well as run support.

Areas for Improvement:

• Level of Competition: Coming from a smaller program, there were concerns about how he would handle the transition to the NFL and compete against top-tier talent.
• Injury History: Leonard had some past injuries that raised red flags regarding his durability and longevity at the professional level.
• Pass Coverage Skills: While he was solid in coverage, there were questions about his ability to match up against elite tight ends and running backs in the NFL.

Overall Projection:
Shaquille Leonard was projected to be a mid-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Many analysts believed that his skill set, combined with his intangibles, would make him a valuable addition to any linebacker corps. His potential to develop into a starter at the next level was evident, especially for teams looking for a dynamic and versatile player on defense.