OLB, Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida

OLB, Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida

Pros:  Some versatility to play inside and in space. ... "Sam" linebacker who lines up in the stack and nine-techniques.

Cons:  Could be considered a bit of an inside-outside "tweener" by NFL teams. ... Not especially fluid dropping into coverage.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   Has legitimate first-day talent but didn't play on passing downs, so his value on Day One might not pan out.  Does a good job of playing around the line and can disengage from TEs and OTs.  Has a tremendous work ethic, which shines in his ability to consistently produce despite transferring to three different teams through his career.  A good overall build, good upper-body strength and a secure tackler, his one drawback is that there is little way to get a good read on his ability in pass coverage.  Without that information, 3 stars is as high as one can go.

Around MHR:

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft

No matter what school he did it at, McKenzie was productive. He had 129 tackles for Iowa State in 2006 and topped the 100 mark in his two seasons at South Florida. Does a great job against the run breaking down in the open field and making tackles. While he isn't necessarily a big hitter, McKenzie is a sound tackler who has several forced fumbles. Works hard until the whistle blows and can make plays all over the field. Good agility, which allows him to fluidly change direction. Great character.

From "Grading the Starting LB Prospects" at Buffalo Rumblings:

Third Round Grades
8.  Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida: Good athlete.  Quick with sideline-to-sideline range.  He's a very smart player, which helps him overcome stiff hips in coverage routinely.  By no means is he polished in this department, however.  Like Freeman, he's not physical and isn't necessarily a top-notch run defender.  Unlike Freeman, he's got ideal size (6'2", 243).  Solid upside, but a risky bet as a rookie starter.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• McKenzie has been slowed by a hamstring injury and was timed at 4.78 seconds, which is in the same range as many of the top linebackers at the combine. Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, for instance, ran a 4.8 in Indianapolis. McKenzie had a solid time in the 20-yard shuttle -- 5 yards to the left, 10 to the right, then 5 back to the original starting point. His time of 4.28 seconds was the fastest of any USF player.  [see more...]
• Nearly saw his football career come to an end as a junior in high school when he suffered a severely fractured leg, which required the insertion of a titanium rod to repair...Began his college career at Michigan St. in 2004...Transferred to Iowa St. and sat out the 2005 season...Started all 12 games at middle linebacker for the Cyclones and was named 2nd Team All-Big 12 in 2006...Opted to transfer yet again but was granted an NCAA hardship waiver and allowed to play without sitting for a year because his mother was sick...Was 2nd Team All-Big East in 2007 and earned 1st Team honors in 2008...Could project outside or inside at the next level depending on the scheme...Has a fantastic blend of physical tools and production and should test well in workouts...Won't be an ideal fit for everyone but should draw plenty of interest from teams  willing  to sacrifice size  in  exchange  for speed  and athleticism.  [see more...]
• A gifted athlete who plays near the line of scrimmage and shows the power to hold the point of attack and chase down the ball toward the perimeter. Has a good first step and is athletically gifted in space. Redirects very cleanly for his size. Showcases great range in zone coverage and an ability to run with tight ends down the field. A solid wrap-up guy.  [see more...]
• Here's a review of Matt's 2007 All-Overhyped Team  OLB: Tyrone McKenzie, South Florida
  Outstanding call; Tyrone McKenzie could be the first outside linebacker off the board in the 2009 NFL Draft.  [see more...]