Brian Asamoah II
LB Oklahoma 6-0 226 JR #24
GRADE: 84 OVR RANK: TBC POS RANK: TBC
ARM LENGTH: 32 5/8″ // HAND SIZE: 10″
40YD: 4.56 (94%) // 10YD: 1.55 (98%) // VJ: 36 1/2″ (86%) // BJ: 10’04” (92%)
BP: 23 (76%) // SS: ( %)// 3C: ( %)
Projection: Will LB in a 4-3, who, with time in an NFL weight room could become a starter you win with. Will start as a valuable piece in sub-packages. Draft Projection: Day 3 ~ GrindingTheMocks.com
Ravens Fit: Asamoah is a outstanding cover LB and the Ravens are certainly missing that. But sometimes his play strength reminds you of a box Safety and the Ravens really need a do-it-all starting LB who can cover as well as play the run. Asamoah has the processing and athleticism to play the run in the NFL but he will need more play strength to be consistent in this, certainly in the Ravens defense. He could develop quickly into a starter as a Will in a 4-3 defense but the Ravens are still trying to make that spot Patrick Queen’s. He would be a valuable sub-package contributor but the Ravens won’t get him at that value.
Overall Fit 
2/5
Vs Run
He moves quickly and reads the game at a good level, processing run/pass quickly and different types of run. Against both Zone and Gap runs, he can use his processing and his explosion to position quickly to make a play on the ball carrier. Against Zone he is particularly good at anticipating vertical movement from the Offensive Linemen. And against Duo, he is able to get ahead of the Drive man from the double team. He uses different tactics to shed blocks, such as rips and swipes and can tackle all types of runners with his length and physicality. Bigger runners with a head of steam can take him backwards but he competes and gets them to the ground. He does not, however, have nearly enough play strength to be a consistent defender of the run at the point of attack.
He cannot take on blocks with effective use of hands, when he does attempt to stay off blocks by engaging the offensive player, his hand timing and placement are poor and he does not have the play strength to leverage his gap and therefore make the tackle in the gap. If he can process quickly enough and use his athletic ability to stay clean, he can make plays against the run but even bigger TEs will cause him problems in terms of stacking and shedding at the point of attack. There are also times on the interior, especially against inside zone, when he doesn’t read his keys effectively against RBs who are not pressing their own keys well and betraying their intentions with their posture.
He can make plays outside of his assigned area against the outside run. It’s in this phase of run defense that he’s able to keep blockers away from him more easily given the space. His processing comes into it, as he’s able to filter through the traffic and take terrific angles to the football. His explosion and processing allow him to get a headstart on the OL and other blockers, while his speed adds up to give him great range. He always plays with a high degree of effort, competitiveness and aggression. He’s a very sure open field tackler despite having a propensity to tackle high at times.
Coverage
Where he really excels is as a coverage LB. As a Zone defender he has good awareness, can read the QB and route progressions and maintain proper leverage. He’s able to consistently take away options for the QB. In Man coverage, his athleticism and hip fluidity for his size allow him to mirror even quicker WRs in short spaces in underneath areas. He moves well laterally, has great lateral explosion and good drive mechanics to plant and drive on the ball in man coverage.
SUMMARY
Terrific coverage LB who can play equally well in Man or Zone underneath. Physically tough and sure tackler but wins in the run game with explosion and processing – play strength deficient
PRODUCTION
JR: 1 Sack, 2 QB Hits, 87 Total Tackles, 3 FFs, 1 PBU
SO: 3 Sacks, 7 QB Hits, 60 Total Tackles, 1 FF, 1 INT, 2 PBUs
INJURY: None
RAVENS FIT
Athleticism 4
Intelligence 4
Versatility 2
Grit 3
Scheme 2
