FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Kentucky linebacker Trevin Wallace.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Trevin Wallace
Trevin Wallace (LB – Kentucky)
6’2″ – 241 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit out of Georgia who appeared in 12 games with one start as a freshman, finishing with 32-4.0-2.0. Started six of 12 appearances the following year, including the last five, and posted 54-5.5-2.5 with two interceptions. Made this season by far his most productive, with 80-8.5-5.5 and an interception before declaring.
Positives:
Favorable development trajectory culminating in a productive junior year. Middle linebacker with good length and the frame to add additional bulk. Smooth athlete with solid range for the position and a good motor to pursue out toward the sidelines. Plays with toughness between the tackles and doesn’t shy away from contact when he has to step into the hole and take on blocks. Pretty consistent about keeping his shoulders square to the line. Looks fluid flowing laterally and has some burst into his tackles. Pretty reliable wrap-up tackler with a wide radius. Tools suggest he has the potential to develop into a relatively versatile coverage linebacker with additional seasoning. Quick feet allow him to get depth in zone coverage when working in short zones. Relatively fluid linebacker who didn’t play a lot of man coverage during the games reviewed but flips his hips pretty well and has the speed to turn and carry tight ends down the seams. Was a pretty productive blitzer this year.
Negatives:
Has less than two years of starting experience to his name. Instincts are still a work in progress, leading to false steps. Can struggle with contact balance when playing the run between the tackles; doesn’t appear to have great technique for taking on blockers, and that tends to undermine his functional strength. Difficult for him to disengage and needs to continue improving his hand usage. Not the most patient or advanced processor when working in zone coverage. Can get pulled out of position by play-fakes and misdirection.
Summary:
An athletic, long-limbed middle linebacker who became a full-time starter for the first time this past season and has the type of range that teams look for in a modern player at the position. At this point in his development, there’s still a lot of work to do, mostly with regard to developing his awareness/feel, improving his functional strength and cleaning up his technique when taking on blockers between the tackles. In a relatively thin linebacker class, could start getting consideration in the mid-rounds if teams like his trajectory and feel like they can iron out the kinks in his game. Would be best as a run-and-fit linebacker behind a big defensive line that lets him flow freely without having to work through too much trash.
Projection: Round 5
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
