Baltimore Ravens scouting reports: Jordyn Brooks the downhill thumper

Jordyn Brooks is one of the 2020 NFL Draft most interesting linebacker prospects and is someone the Baltimore Ravens should target on day two of the draft.

Breakdown:

Jordyn Brooks is a talented and productive linebacker from Texas Tech University. In a conference known as the BIG-12, there’s typically not a lot of defensive talent to scout. This is even more evident when it comes to the Red Raiders, who aren’t known for having any defense to back up their usually explosive offense. Brooks is a sight for sore eyes, however, as he plays fast and is a punisher in the run game.

Brooks fits the mold of the modern-linebacker in that he isn’t overly tall but has the speed and instincts to make up for it. Combined with his track record, Brooks looks destined to become a productive linebacker in any defense at the next level.

Notable stats for Jordyn Brooks (full stats here) 2016-2019:

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• 360 career tackles (108 in 2019)
• Minimum of 78 tackles each season
• 20 TFLs in 2019

Strengths:

• Compact build at 6’0″ 240-lbs. with speed to compliment (4.54 40-yard time)
• Incredibly productive throughout his four seasons in Lubbock
• See-ball, attack-ball mentality
• Elite at shooting the gap; gets skinny to slip into the backfield quickly and effectively
• Dude is a stud vs. the run; downhill player
• Good angles to get to the ball quicker
• Great open-field tackler; tape matches production

Weaknesses:

• Asked to be a run-support and spying linebacker more than anything at Texas Tech, so his pass coverage needs a lot of work
• Will be limited to being a two-down player until coverage sees improvement
• Would like to see more effort in block shedding; looks to out-run blocks instead of countering with his hands

Fit with the Ravens:

The Baltimore Ravens need a quality starter at inside linebacker and Jordyn Brooks can be just what the doctor ordered. Brooks can also be had on mid-to-late day two, as well. Overall, his value will exceed wherever he gets taken.

Brooks would be one of Baltimore’s starting inside linebackers from day one. I could see a very C.J. Mosley-like presence vs. the run early on in his career. Brooks does an excellent job to get into the backfield and his read-and-react time is stellar. Considering how much investment the Ravens have made in improving their run defense, Brooks would be a great addition to cap it all off. Brooks’ inexperience in pass coverage could make him a two-down player early on, but Baltimore may be able to work around this and keep him shallow and near the line.

Don’t let his day two status fool you, Jordyn Brooks will be a key player and early starter in his career. Brooks will put up the numbers to get him some Defensive Rookie of the Year votes if the talent around him can compliment his downhill play style. The Baltimore Ravens can do exactly that.