2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Danny Stutsman (LB – Oklahoma)

As the college football season inches toward its finish, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Danny Stutsman.

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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Danny Stutsman

Danny Stutsman (LB – Oklahoma)

6’4″ – 241 lbs.

Background:

Three-star recruit who stepped right into the defense, with 37 tackles over 141 snaps as a freshman. Took over a starting role the following year and had a huge line of 125-10.5-3.0. Currently on pace to match or exceed that as a junior.

Positives:

Has stuffed the stat sheet since arriving. Big and long for a modern linebacker, and can line up as a traditional off-ball player and occasionally off the edge. Works hard through the whistle and brings a tough temperament. Reads keys pretty well and generally flows toward the play direction, showing patience; more of a conservative temperament than a gambler. Willing to step in the hole and take on blocks to stuff the run. Plays off of blocks with effective knee-bends and good extension. Active hands to disengage.

Does a nice job of using his length to work around congestion to make tackles, and shows some ability to bring down the ball carrier while engaged. Active in pursuit toward the sidelines. Has controlled balance/footwork in zone, and can do a little bit of pattern-matching, with somewhat loose hips. Length allows him to disrupt passing lanes. Some ability to overpower backs with a bull rush on passing downs, either as an A-gap blitzer or occasionally from the edge. Could be a core special-teams player.

Negatives:

Overall athleticism is adequate, but range is more based on his motor, and may not be a true sideline-to-sideline player at the pro level. Can struggle to diagnose misdirection and play fakes at times, and lacks the recovery speed to get back in phase. A few instances where he lets his shoulders get turned and gets washed away from the ball. Has really improved this year, but missed nearly 15% of his tackles in 2022. May struggle to run with opponents in man coverage. Doesn’t always look like he has a clear plan when rushing the passer.

Summary:

A highly productive linebacker who combines a big frame with relatively advanced instincts and technique. He plays off of blocks well in the run game and looks especially good when he’s working downhill between the tackles, due to his combination of key-reading, contact balance, and length. While his technique and length allow him to do some work in zone coverage, he may not have the ideal athletic profile for man coverage duties at the next level. A pretty good player who could sneak into the second day in a linebacker class that’s not the strongest, but will probably be more of a third-day pick.

Projection: Round 4