OLB, Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.

OLB, Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.

Pros:  A bit shorter than scouts would like, but a well-built athlete with room for additional mass. ... Instinctive defender who flows to the ball quickly

Cons:   A bit smaller than scouts would like. ... Likes to avoid blockers rather than facing them up and struggles in disengaging.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   Like his backfield mate Laurinaitis, Freeman is an instinctual player who relies on his athleticism and intelligence to read plays and find the right spot to be in.  Recurring lower body injuries keep hindering him, and he has shown toughness to play through some of them.  Breaks down very well in short space, and tackles with good force.  Needs to get better at disengaging from blockers, and too often relies on his athleticism to go around them.  His injuries, recurring knee ligament damage, are definitely a concern.  As a player that doesn't project ideally for Denver's 3-4, this instinctual player only comes in at 3 stars.

Around MHR:

From "Something to Watch this Saturday":

Marcus Freeman, LB, OSU, A classic speed outside LB with good size, Freeman has great pass rush skills and good size for an OLB in a 4-3 scheme.  Will likely play the weak side LB in a 4-3 scheme or inside in a 3-4, similar to Jarrod Mayo who the Pats drafted this year, but I think he  needs some work on his coverage skills. Likely a top 25 pick, although with DJ signed for years and the signing of Boss Bailey, I think not likely going to be a Bronco.

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

 An instinctual player, Freeman quickly moves on the ball and takes good angles. Freeman can make plays all over the field and hustles. Equally strong against the run and pass, Freeman is an ideal weak-side linebacker in a 4-3. Closes quickl on the ball carrier. He's sneaky as a pass rusher and can work through open lanes on the interior nicely. Naturally intelligent and was impressive in the classroom.

From "Ranking the NFL Draft Starting LBs" at Buffalo Rumblings:

7.  Marcus Freeman, Ohio State: Is sliding back up draft boards after solid performances at both the Scouting Combine and his Pro Day.  An underrated athlete, but doesn't play as big as his 240-pound frame would indicate.  Not a physical tackler.  Might not hold up well against the run at the NFL level, but has good potential.  Polished in coverage, though he lacks good ball skills.  Short by NFL standards.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• Ohio State outside linebacker and Wayne graduate Marcus Freeman has performed as of late as if he is trying to persuade the Detroit Lions to select him with the first overall pick in April's draft.
  
  Although being selected with the No. 1 pick seems highly unlikely for the former Buckeye, Freeman is proving that he belongs among the elite linebackers entering the draft. He has performed brilliantly in each of his last three showings, starting with the Senior Bowl, NFL draft combine and Pro Day.  [see more...]
• Marcus Freeman played in January's Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. Freeman had a solid week of practice and impressed coaches with the fact that at the end of every play he always seemed to be around the ball. Freeman proved that to be true during the actual game as well, where he led all tacklers with 8.  [see more...]
• A three-year starter for the Buckeyes...Was a highly-regarded recruit and Parade All-American coming out of high school...Redshirted in 2005 after he injured his knee in the season opener...Underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus after the 2007 season...Was overshadowed by James Laurinaitis but is a fine pro prospect in his own right...Could play any of the three linebacker positions depending on scheme but his  ideal fit will most  likely be on the weakside in a 4-3.  [see more...]
• Freeman was a highly touted recruit who thought about entering the draft after his junior year and then saw his senior year hampered by a series of ankle injuries. He is a good tackler with great instincts, but lacks the explosion and playmaking ability to be big time impact player. He projects best on the weakside in a 4-3 scheme, where his tackle ability and awareness should make him an NFL starter, though he is unlikely to become a star.  [see more...]
• Freeman has a good deal of upside and should do well in the NFL. He has great speed, quickness, and a base to build upon. He has suspect technique, but he is a highly teachable player. He will likely sit for at least a season, and will be a strong special teams player. If placed in a defense that will allow him to flow to the ball and keep blockers off of him, he could be a strong force at outside linebacker.  [see more...]
•  A good overall athlete with an explosive first step and good closing speed on the ball. Breaks down well in space and does a nice job taking proper angles and exploding his hips through contact. Showcases good lateral mobility and exhibits the type of footwork needed to redirect cleanly. Displays a strong base and has the ability to take on tight ends at the point of attack.  [see more...]