Scouting report: Jasper Brinkley

6’2, 262 pounds | South Carolina | Middle linebacker
Strengths: With the size of a defensive end, Brinkley has the makings of a good 3-4 running stuffing middle linebacker. He possesses great strength that allows him to stack and shed easily. Sound tackler. Aggressive. Good on the blitz.
Weaknesses: While Brinkley has timed really well this offseason, he doesn’t play up to those numbers. He’s stiff in the hips and really struggles changing direction. Poor in coverage. Doesn’t react to the ball especially well. Weight fluctuated during his career. Had major knee surgery in 2007 and appeared a step slow in 2008 because of it.
Final word: The definition of a two-down linebacker, Brinkley is big and physical at the point of attack. However, if he’s asked to do more than go straight ahead, he struggles. A non-factor in pass coverage.
Round projection: 4