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NFL Draft Profile: Scooby Wright OLB Arizona

By Chris Schisler

Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) reacts during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2015; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Arizona Wildcats linebacker Scooby Wright III (33) reacts during the first half against the New Mexico Lobos in the 2015 New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
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In 2014 Scooby Wright was one of the most feared pass rushers in college football. After injury took him off the field for most of the 2015 season, his draft stock is a real mystery. The Ravens probably wouldn’t zone in on Wright with the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. However pass rushers (in the long-term) are a major need for the Ravens. If Wright could fall into the second round, the Ravens could potentially be the team that swoops him off the board.

Wright is an interesting player in this draft class because it is so hard to know how to evaluate him. Wright was a dominant pass rusher in the 2014 season. In that season he had 15 sacks and 31 tackles for a loss. Though in 2015 Wright played in just three games, recording two sacks. Wright had a great Sophomore season with the Wildcats but he was a raw player and an unfinished product. He lost an opportunity to grow as a football player in 2015.

Strengths:

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  • Has a Robert Mathis-like knack for the sack fumble
  • Great straight line speed for a linebacker, accelerates quickly
  • High motor and emotionally driven football player
  • Decent tackler but room for improvement
  • Versatile player, can theoretically man any linebacker position
  • Strong lower body, explosive first step, fires off the ball
  • Strong arms help fight off blocks, doesn’t get stuck in the trash

Concerns:

  • Can take himself out of play with bad angles
  • Is he a one year wonder or was that great 2014 the start of something special?
  • Lean body, could bulk up a bit, not ideal frame
  • Is he a pass rush specialist or an every down player?

Where Would I Draft Him?

I think there is a lot to like in Wright. This is a strong linebacker who can get after the QB, and that is a very important value in the NFL. That being said he isn’t the best outside linebacker in this draft class. Joey Bosa is the clear number one in this position. With a strong combine Wright could jump into the conversation as the next best thing. I have a high second round grade on Wright. He could easily outshine that evaluation but that’s where I think he has great value.

Next: Baltimore Ravens: The Toughest Home in the NFL

If he falls to the second round, despite flashing some signs of first round talent, the Ravens would be very intrigued. He isn’t in play with the sixth overall pick. He could be a player the Ravens would target if they traded down from their first round positioning. However I still see defensive back, wide receiver and offensive line as the most likely directions for the Ravens first pick in the draft.

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