ILB, Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina

ILB, Jasper Brinkley, South Carolina

Pros:  Prototype size and strength for the inside linebacker position.

Cons:  Relies on his physical attributes and is still developing his instincts and technique. ... Too often looks to slip blocks instead of using his size advantage.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   I really love this prospect, and I think Denver should take a long, hard look at him.  He is a prototype for the 3-4, at 6'2", 260lbs, and he brings more than adequate physicality with those measurables. After an early transfer from a military college, he managed amazing production as a sophomore only to lose his entire junior season torn ACL injury.  He managed to return partway through the 2008 campaign, but couldn't duplicate his earlier production.  He isn't really a coverage backer, but he can drop back, with decent feet.  He needs to work on his hand placement and possibly include some explosiveness training in any rehab he does.  Watch for his "jump" scores at his pro day to see if he is getting back to his sophomore levels in these areas.  At his sophomore levels of production, he could be a three star prospect.  As it is he needs to check out medically.  One star for a bundle of possibility and potential.

Around MHR:

From "Updated Mock":

I am a huge fan of Brinkley.  He will get drafted about two or three rounds later than he should because statistically he struggled in 2008 after a severe knee injury in 2007.  Going into this season, he is fully healthy, and quite honestly is a tackling machine.  Denver could groom him as their starting MLB of the future behind Andra Davis.

Around SBNation:

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

•  the key thing is that he is healthy. That's the main red flag surrounding Brinkley among NFL personnel. When he is at full speed he can run under 4.7 in the 40, a scary element to go along with being 6'2'' and 270 pounds. It is definitely not fun for opposing running backs to see Brinkley coming their way. Nor is he fun to see in blitz packages, as Brinkley is great at getting into the backfield and taking care of quarterbacks.  [see more...]
• Twin brother, Casper, also played for the Gamecocks and is currently with the Carolina Panthers...JUCO transfer from Georgia Military College...Immediately stepped in and assumed a starting job in 2006, earning 1st Team All-SEC honors and leading the team in tackles by a wide margin...Played in four games in 2007 but suffered a knee injury, which required surgery, and wound up redshirting...Returned in 2008 and was solid but carried too much weight and did not appear to be 100% healthy...Should be even better in 2009 now that he's a couple of years removed from that knee injury...A bit one-dimensional but certainly possesses intriguing triangle numbers and worked out much better than anyone expected at the Scouting Combine...Prototypical two-down  thumper whose best  fit might come inside  in a 3-4 scheme.  [see more...]
• Jasper Brinkley was considered one of the top linebackers in the country entering the 2007 season, but a torn ACL limited his season to four games. He was not fully recovered even during the 2008 season, but his strong performance at the scouting combine showed that he is back to 100% and is a much better athlete than people assume. He offers great size and could play in the middle in a 3-4 scheme. As long as he is healthy, he is a real low risk, high reward type player that is going to be a big value due to his injury problems in 2008.  [see more...]
• Possesses a thick, massive frame for the position with intriguing body control and footwork for his size. Is very agile and balanced in and out of his breaks. Does a nice job slipping blockers inside and getting after the ball. Showcases good power on contact and is a sound wrap-up tackler in all areas. Displays good instincts and awareness off the snap count and can be an effective blitzer from inside.  [see more...]