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2014 NFL Draft: Scouting Linebacker C.J. Mosley

Could the Alabama linebacker be the man for the Broncos in the first round of the NFL Draft?

By Scotty Payne
Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

One Prospect who the Broncos are showing some interest in is Alabama Linebacker C.J Mosley. Mosley is a 6'2 234lb linebacker who has the potential to be a three-down linebacker in the NFL. According to CBSSports, Mosley is the top rated Inside Linebacker in the 2014 draft class, and is rated as the #22 overall prospect in draft.

Linebacker C.J Mosley had a solid four-year career at Alabama. During his career at Alabama Mosley totaled 319 tackles, 23 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, 5 interceptions, 3 defensive touchdowns, 24 pass deflections, and 2 forced fumbles.

Year Games Total Tackles Loss Sacks Int TD's PD FF
2010 13 67 1.5 0.5 2 2 12 0
2011 11 37 4.5 2.0 1 0 3 0
2012 14 107 8.0 4.0 2 1 4 1
2013 13 108 9.0 0 0 0 5 1

Mosley enjoyed a solid four-year career at Alabama. He was a key part to a national-championship defense as a junior and carried the Tide as a senior. Mosley's 108 tackles in 2013 are the second-highest total by an Alabama linebacker in the past 25 years(DeMeco Ryans had 126 in 2003).

C.J Mosley:

Height: 6'2 Weight: 234lbs 40 Time: 4.63(Unofficially)

Arm Length: 33 3/8" Hands: 10 3/4"

Bench Press: N/A Vertical Jump: 35.0 inches

Broad Jump: 118.0 inches 3 Cone Drill: 7.30 seconds

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.40 seconds

Film Room:


CJ Mosley vs LSU

C.J. Mosley vs Notre Dame (2012 National Championship)

CJ Mosley vs Auburn

CJ Mosley vs Texas A&M

Scouting Report:

Strengths:

  • Instincts: Mosley has exceptional instincts. Has great urgency, and reads and reacts quickly to plays. Mosley has outstanding eyes and anticipation against the run. Very good in coverage, great awareness with the ball in front of him. He clings to tight ends passing through zones and covers speed backs in man coverage. Mosley possesses an outstanding football IQ.
  • Tackling: Mosley is an excellent tackler. Hits with explosion and is a sideline to sideline player.
  • Dedication To The Weight Room/Film Room: Mosley is a great weight room worker, and is always in top notch shape. Mosley is a film junkie. Coaches will love both of these traits.
  • Leadership: Mosley is a leader on and off the field. Mosley lines up his teammates and directs traffic. Mosley is a highly competitive. Humble, selfless team player.
  • Versatile/Scheme diverse: Mosley can play in any defense formation, and can also play all three linebacker positions. Mosley is also an excellent special teams player.
  • Balanced Athlete: Mosley is a balanced athlete. Plays with very good knee bend, balance and base.
  • Plug and Play: Can start and contribute from day one.

Weaknesses:

  • Frame: Mosley has a narrow build, and may not have the ideal frame to play inside in the NFL.
  • Injury Concerns: Mosley struggled with elbow, hip, and shoulder injuries throughout his college career. He has long-term medical concerns and will need to be examined by NFL doctors. Reports are that teams are concerned about his knees.
  • Lacks elite size/speed: Mosley doesn't possess the elite size or speed that you would expect from a first round linebacker. His instincts made up for this in college.
  • Shed Blocks Better: Mosley relies on bull rushing blockers, and could improve his finesse moves to shed blockers. Mosley needs to use his hands better when trying to shed blockers as well.

Does Mosley Fit With the Broncos?:

If his medicals check out, then yes.

Mosley has elite instincts, high IQ, solid tackler, and is a three down linebacker. He could start from day one for the Broncos, and be productive.

Now the big questions are about his injuries and size. Reports are out there that teams are concerned about Mosley's knees and that he's entering the league dinged up. This could lower him or even completely remove him from teams draft boards. Also Mosley doesn't have the elite size or athleticism you look for in your Inside Linebacker in the NFL. He might be best suited as a outside linebacker in the pros.

I would rank Ryan Shazier and Kyle Van Noy ahead of Mosley on my draft board. He could be an option for the Broncos in the first round, but if the reports about his knees are true, Mosley could fall a bit on draft day.

If healthy, he could be a solid addition to the Broncos defense.

What do you guys think?

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