Declaring himself eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft with the conclusion of Georgia’s Capital One Bowl victory over Nebraska (according to The Telegraph), Alec Ogletree is quite possibly the most athletic linebacker in the entire upcoming draft class. Ogletree, who’s gifted with an elite combination of size and speed, has more range than most NFL inside backers.
Possessing long, lanky arms and a still developing, yet sculpted 6’3, 232 pound frame, Ogletree truly looks the part and continually showcases an explosive element to his game.
Converting from safety to linebacker during his stay at Georgia, Ogletree has the rangy, explosive and fast skill set to be a dynamic, three-down player at the next level. Able to turn and run down the seams with tight ends or slot receivers, Ogletree provides flexibility for next level defensive coordinators in that he can stay on the field during obvious passing situations. And with receivers getting larger and faster, a prospect of Ogletree’s size and speed becomes that much more exciting for potential NFL teams.
Ogletree’s plus marks as an athlete and physical specimen cannot mask the clear struggles he’s had in-line versus the run. Seemingly unwilling to step downhill and meet the lead blocker in the hole, Ogletree has yet to consistently display the aggression to initiate contact with the blocker and forcefully shed for the tackle. I don’t see the gap responsibility or run fitting skills to stamp Ogletree as a blue chip inside linebacker, but his still developing frame and instincts could change that with improvement at the NFL level.
Moving forward, Ogletree’s questionable interior run fits lead me to believe that his best fit in the NFL will be at the weakside linebacker position. An exceptional athlete as described early and throughout this report, Ogletree has the ability to hold up in extended coverage and make a play on the throw. Beyond simply his size and speed, Ogletree possesses great vertical skills and can attack throwing lanes with his length.
Again, Ogletree fits the cover linebacker bill that teams are searching for in the ever-changing NFL game, and as such, could be a top 50 or even a top 32 overall selection when the draft process is all said and done.
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