OLB, Mortty Ivy, West Virginia

OLB, Mortty Ivy, West Virginia

Pros:  Wide strong-side linebacker with well-developed overall build. ... Holds up strong on the edge against tight ends and tackles, using his length to maintain distance or strength to rip off of blocks. ... Able to disengage to wrap up ballcarriers near the line.

Cons:  May end up moving inside in the NFL or being limited to the nine-technique when facing running situations. ... Lacks great lateral movement and will whiff on tackles in space because he lacks fluidity and hip flexibility.

Styg's Broncos Fit:  Another solid tackler who disengages well to make tackles at the line of scrimmage, but Ivy lacks the ability to consistently break down in the open field.  This looks like stiff hips and a general lack of athleticism, which shows up in his inconsistent coverage and poor drop-back skills.  Has a ton of hustle and knows how to close out downhill plays, which could make him an excellent special-teams contributor.  Doesn't have the best hands or the best hand-technique, and will want to prioritize this area of his game along with his flexibility.

Around MHR:

From "My Broncos Mock"

Round 6: Mortty Ivy, OLB, West Virginia. The Broncos are looking for a big of defensive leadership and talent. Mortty Ivy could bring both. While by no means is Ivy a physical beast he has a nose for the mental aspect of the game and also is a great leader. The Broncos are in serious need of a good Strong Side Linebackers and while Ivy is not a very famous or flashy player he could still battle for a starting job in the NFL. Ivy has a good ball skills and could have potential as an NFL pass rusher. Ivy has a bit of an injury concern but I would not be that scared of it. His injuries have never been way too serious and he had enough drive to with a torn acl to play all 11 games of the 2007 season.

Around SBNation:

From "Combine Linebackers" at Arrowhead Pride:

5. Mortty Ivy - Looks like another beast.  A bit on the slow side, but would be a good run-stopper at the point of attack.

From "25 top Big East Defensive Players in 2008" at Cards Chronicles:

7. MORTTY IVY, LB, WEST VIRGINIA

In his first year as a full-time starter, Ivy logged 89 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery for a touchdown and one interception for the Fiesta Bowl champions. He'll be making the move from the weak side to the strong side in his senior season, but if his performance in spring practice is any indication, it's a change that will suit him just fine.

"Mortty Ivy, wow, I thought he was great," first-year head coach Bill Stewart said. "I was about 10 feet away and I got out of the way. Man, he was hitting them. Mortty Ivy has had the spring of all springs."

From "Pump it Up!" at The Smoking Musket:

What I'm talking about it is the sack by the gentleman pictured above, Mortty Ivy. Rewind to the second half of the game. Ivy comes off the corner and is met by a Maryland blocker. Too many times in the past 14 games, that was the end of the pass rush. Not this time. Ivy overpowered the blocker and sacked Steffy, the MD quarterback. After the play, I jumped from the couch (remember I don't attend games) and let out a yelp.

It was about time.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• A well-built linebacker with a thick lower half and good base strength. Has a good first step out of his stance and really flies around the field with reckless abandon. Plays with natural leverage and is a powerful tackler on contact. Possesses good closing speed to the ball and exhibits impressive range in coverage. Knows how to set the edge and be stout at the point of attack on the outside.  [see more...]
• OLB Mortty Ivy (6-2, 239) clocked in with a much improved 4.78 40 time (compared to 4.88 at the Combine) and posted a 28½-inch vertical jump and 17 reps on the bench.  [see more...]