LSU Football 2013 NFL Draft Profiles: Kevin Minter

Position: Middle Linebacker
Combine Height/Weight: 6-0, 246 pounds
LSU Listed Height/Weight: 6-2, 245 pounds
Hand Size: 9 3/8 inches
Arm Length: 32 inches
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.81 (4.67 at LSU Pro Day)
20-Yard Shuttle: 4.47
3-Cone Drill: 7.37
Bench-Press Reps (of 225 pounds): 25
Vertical Jump: 34.5 inches
Broad Jump: 119 inches

Strengths

A true middle-linebacker that was incredibly productive in 2012...aggressive versus the interior run and fearlessly attacked the A and B gaps...pursued very well versus the outside run...diagnoses plays quickly and attacks...looked fluid in coverage and anticipated well...attacks blocks with his shoulder pads, but also shows the quickness to avoid lead blockers and pulling guards...active player that rarely took a play off.

Weaknesses

Size is less than ideal...height can occasionally lead to him getting caught out of position on misdirection plays...aggression can leave him vulnerable to play-action...testing numbers raise the question whether he's athletic enough to play sideline-to-sideline versus NFL-level offenses.

Verdict

Kevin Minter was probably college football's best middle linebacker last season. Few matched Minter's production in 2012, and he raised his game with the opponent. Performances versus Florida, Clemson and Texas A&M were linebacking clinics that jump off of the film. Still, with his testing numbers were a bit of a disappointment, and with his lack of size it raises some questions as to where he fits in best. He's a true 4-3 Mike, but may be best behind a defensive line that can keep blockers off of him, and in a scheme that limits his liabilities in coverage. However, he's reportedly a favorite among personnel men, and should get drafted somewhere between the 20th and 40th picks.