Evan Weaver (California) - 2020 NFL Draft Pick #202 by ARI
What The Experts Thought Before The Draft
Pre-Draft Analysis for Evan Weaver (2020 NFL Draft)
Player Overview:
Evan Weaver is a linebacker from the University of California, known for his tackling ability and leadership on the field. He had a standout college career, demonstrating significant improvement and production during his time with the Golden Bears.
Strengths:
- Tackling Ability: Weaver has a reputation for being a sure tackler, consistently bringing down ball carriers and minimizing yards after contact.
- Football IQ: He possesses a high football IQ, allowing him to read plays effectively and react quickly to opposing offenses.
- Work Ethic: Weaver is known for his strong work ethic and dedication to improving his game, making him a reliable teammate and leader.
- Production: He recorded impressive statistics during his college career, including a high number of tackles, showcasing his ability to be around the ball.
Weaknesses:
- Speed: While he is a solid player, Weaver lacks elite speed which may limit his effectiveness in coverage against faster opponents.
- Coverage Skills: His ability to cover tight ends and running backs in the passing game has been questioned, raising concerns about his versatility as a linebacker.
- Injury History: There were minor concerns regarding past injuries that could affect his durability at the next level.
Projection:
Evan Weaver was projected to be selected in the later rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft, likely as a special teams contributor and depth linebacker. His work ethic and production could give him a chance to carve out a role in a defensive scheme that values his strengths.
Conclusion:
While not the most athletic linebacker in the draft, Evan Weaver’s tackling ability, intelligence, and leadership qualities made him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for a reliable and hardworking player to add to their roster.