Joey The Tooth is back for another round of prospect analysis for the 2022 NFL Draft, and this time, he’s taking a look at four standout linebackers.

Be sure to buy a copy of the IDP Guys Rookie Draft Magazine (which covers offense and IDP), in which Joey will be doing a deeper dive on the players you see in these articles.

Also, be sure to follow Joey on Twitter to keep up with all his analysis.

Darrian Beavers, Cincinnati

Pros

• Has a great feel for zone coverage

• Plus lateral quickness, tracks RBs well

• Constant motor

• Long, strong frame

• High-level IQ with great instincts

• Powerful tackler

• Much improved pass rusher

Cons

• Good quickness, lacks speed

• Lacks explosiveness

• Not quick enough or agile enough for man coverage

• Over-pursuit at times due to pace of playstyle

Summary

Beavers has improved during his time in Cincinnati. In 2021, it was his ability to rush the passer, which is where he may make his stamp. He lacks the twitch to play man defense, though could be used as a blitzer and has the lateral quickness to play 1st and 2nd down. Beavers is still a bit of a work in progress.

But, he’s an excellent student of the game. Coaches will love that.

Draft Grade: 5th Round

Brian Asamoah, Oklahoma

Pros

• Very good lateral agility and quickness

• True sideline-to-sideline mobility

• Solid in both zone and man coverage

• Reads and jumps routes well

• Fights well in trenches during run defense

• Excellent burst to blow up screens

• Sound tackling

Cons

• Lacks power for the NFL game

• Gets thrown off pass rush with RB chips

• Block shedding, better at avoiding contact than winning through

• Takes plays off, inconsistent motor

Summary

Asamoah has a lot of traits you love in an NFL linebacker: Sideline-to-sideline twitch and speed, plus coverage ability, sound tackling, and good burst and agility. The problem is that you don't see it every play. Hopefully, that is something that changes in the NFL. He needs to add some strength as well to be a high-impact player.

Asamoah may take more time than other prospects to reach his potential but has many of the tools that could make him successful at the next level.

Draft Grade: 4th Round

Leo Chenal, Wisconsin

Pros

• Explosive athlete

• Strong at point of attack

• Elite run defender

• Big hitter

• Possibly best pass rusher ILB in draft

• High motor

• Good bull rush and swim move

Cons

• Poor, poor coverage skills

• Weight (260 lbs) limits his lateral agility

• Height (6'2") and length limit role as a pass rusher

• Needs to play under control

Summary

Leo Chenal is a blast-from-the-past style LB. He will smash you in the mouth. He is a terrific run defender. He shoots gaps, does a good job holding his lanes, and tackles well. Chenal is a phenomenal pass rusher and I honestly think he should focus more of his craft on rushing the passer. He would fit very nicely as an OLB edge rusher.

Draft Grade: 4th-5th Round

Damone Clark, LSU

Pros

• Very good lateral agility

• Strong long frame

• Block shedding

• Shooting gaps and wrapping up

• Is a plus pass rusher with good burst

• Plays well at the line in run defense

Cons

• Bites on misdirection

• Stiff in coverage, not best in man

• Bites on play action

• Doesn't take great angles to the football

Summary

Clark has plenty of tools and athleticism to become an NFL linebacker. He showed improved playmaking in 2021, setting career highs in sacks, TFLs, and INTs. He is a great run defender and pass rusher and does his best work in a 1st and 2nd down role.

To start his career, he may be a liability in coverage, getting beat in play action and by athletic move tight ends. Good coaching could bring out the best in him.

Draft Grade: 4th-5th Round

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Illustration attribution:

Nathan Cheatham