FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Ty’Ron Hopper.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ty’Ron Hopper
Ty’Ron Hopper (LB – Missouri)
6’2″ – 221 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who originally attended Florida, where he played sparingly for two years before rotating in much more heavily in 2021, starting the last four games and totaling 62-8.0-2.5 in a season in which he approached 500 snaps. Transferred to Missouri and has been starting there for two years, with 77-13.5-2.5 in 2022 and 55-6.0-3.0 this past year.
Positives:
Has three years of SEC production between two different programs, and has played behind both even and odd fronts. Patiently reads his keys. Has good knee-bend and square shoulders, using his length to get extension when playing between the tackles. Shows the flexibility to dip his shoulder and avoid blockers when flowing to the ball. Because of his leverage and sound base, takes on blocks better than his size would suggest. Smooth mover who looks good pursuing ballcarriers on outside rushes; shows above-average speed overall. Uses his hands well to stay connected to linebackers when pattern-matching, with the athleticism to carry them down the seams. Occasionally shaded over slot receivers, showing off his overall range and relatively quick feet. Shows some burst as an A-gap blitzer, and the team has also rushed him off the edge a little bit. Closes fast when he finds a lane.
Negatives:
Frame is on the smaller side for a pro linebacker, and could be asked to add another ten pounds of bulk or so. Not the most instinctive player, and takes false steps more often than you’d like. Can struggle to locate the ballcarrier when defending the run between the tackles. Gets pulled up by play-fakes in the passing game. Some out-of-control movements and will struggle to break down in space at times. Hasn’t been a very reliable tackler, and missed tackle rate has increased in each of the past two seasons. Wasn’t as effective in coverage this past season as he was in his first year with the Tigers.
Summary:
Another of the mid-round possibilities at linebacker, he is a three-year SEC contributor with above-average range and athleticism, who uses his hands well to carry opposing tight ends down the seams, and who looks fast when blitzing. He’s a little bit smaller than your typical pro linebacker, although he has better contact balance and functional strength than anticipated. Looks a bit more pro-ready than some of the other linebackers in his draft range, although given the amount of playing time he had in school, doesn’t play with quite the level of discipline, awareness, and consistency you’d like to see. Would be best in a streamlined defense that gives him straightforward responsibilities to let him play fast.
Projection: Round 5
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