In the middle to later rounds, NFL teams without too many needs love taking versatile, do everything type prospects. But finding a guy who is both versatile enough to fill multiple roles as well as willing to sacrifice his favorite position and his overall body for the team is no easy task.
Well, a player like that has been found by myself and many NFL teams thus far in this draft, and his name is Brian Duncan.
Far too often, the versatility attribute is handed out because a running back can occasionally catch passes, a defensive back can play free and strong safety, and a defensive end in college can play outside linebacker in 3-4 systems. Those transitions and skill sets are somewhat versatile and show that the individual prospect has skills that can help in a few areas.
But former Texas Tech linebacker Brian Duncan has experience in two different schemes and at three positions. When I asked Brian where he can and has played in his Texas Tech career, he said that he “can play the Mike, weakside and strong side linebacker, and defensive end.” He also brought up the fact that players like himself can “open up spots on a roster” for an extra skill position guy or a developmental guy.
Brian went from more of a coverage linebacker in his first two years at Texas Tech, but this past season under Tommy Tuberville he played more of a pass rushing linebacker, and uped his previous two year sack total (half of a sack) to a drastic improvement of 7 sacks.
“I was where I was supposed to be, when I was supposed to be this season, and I found success.” Brian sure did, as he talked about the fact that he wasn’t sure if the pass rushing role was the best move for him, but the coaches obviously did.
At the NFLPA game, he played a mix of defensive end, outside and inside linebacker and spoke about his comfort at each one because he’s played all three over his career and understands the nuances of the position.
Brian also pointed out his other potential role in the NFL: special teams. “Special teams is where it’s at for me. I love special teams.”
As far as finding a niche in the NFL, there are plenty of teams that could use a guy who can fill two or three spots on a roster and is willing and able to be productive on special teams. But, to be a backup in the NFL, he needs to improve his overall skill set.
“I think I need to improve dropping back in coverage, and my overall footwork.” That does make sense, as he was more of a rusher and will likely be best fit as either a short area 3-4 inside linebacker or an attacking 3-4 outside linebacker. He also spoke about his need to play the run better as an outside contain man or an inside run stopper.
Brian said “it’s going to be a big adjustment” in moving to the NFL game, but talked about how he’s talked with Jamar Wall, former Texas Tech grad about the draft process and how he can develop throughout and last in the NFL.
Brian pointed out that his Pro Day is likely to be somewhere around March 14th, and he’s planning on running in the 4.50-4.60 area in the forty and benching 225 around 25-30 times.
We wish the best to Brian, and I hope his versatility and willingness to move around gives him a longstanding career in the NFL.
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