Middle Linebacker

[ASHKUM BEAR]

I know there is speculation that LB is a big need and Chicago is known for its great history of MLBs. Going through the last 5 drafts, only 3 MLBs taken round 1. Two are from Alabama, Rolando McClain and Donta Highower, and Luke Kuechly Boston College. Size wise, 6-2 265 for Hightower and 6-3 242 for Kuechly and McClain. With this history, would the risk of taking a smaller Mosely 6-3 234 (15 reps on bench) at 14? Plus he has injury history, which may be because he is almost the size of a SS. The only MLB I feel worthy out of this group is Kuechly, and he is a difference maker/probowler. I'm not saying Mosely won't be good...but, he is small and has average speed, and won't fill the shoes of Chicago likeness. He has a high football IQ and that's helped him excel.

 

My suggestion is draft someone like Zumwalt this year, and reinvest next year. Also having hope that Bostic/Shea can grasp the MLB, because there's not much in terms of blue chip prospects next year draft class either.

[lemonej]

I know there is speculation that LB is a big need and Chicago is known for its great history of MLBs. Going through the last 5 drafts, only 3 MLBs taken round 1. Two are from Alabama, Rolando McClain and Donta Highower, and Luke Kuechly Boston College. Size wise, 6-2 265 for Hightower and 6-3 242 for Kuechly and McClain. With this history, would the risk of taking a smaller Mosely 6-3 234 (15 reps on bench) at 14? Plus he has injury history, which may be because he is almost the size of a SS. The only MLB I feel worthy out of this group is Kuechly, and he is a difference maker/probowler. I'm not saying Mosely won't be good...but, he is small and has average speed, and won't fill the shoes of Chicago likeness. He has a high football IQ and that's helped him excel.

 

My suggestion is draft someone like Zumwalt this year, and reinvest next year. Also having hope that Bostic/Shea can grasp the MLB, because there's not much in terms of blue chip prospects next year draft class either.

If you look at the Bears LBs on the roster Bostic is the heaviest at 6-1 246 and Jordon Senn is the lightest at 225. Williams the current starter at MLB is listed at 6-1 242.

[ASHKUM BEAR]

If you look at the Bears LBs on the roster Bostic is the heaviest at 6-1 246 and Jordon Senn is the lightest at 225. Williams the current starter at MLB is listed at 6-1 242.

Don't forget Shea, who is at 250 too. I guess I wasn't impressed with his 15 reps. He may turn out as good as a Kuechly, but my gut tells me different. LB is a need with Briggs career winding down, but not RD 1 imo. If the Bears do take him. I will become his biggest fan, I just hope Donald is the pick.

[Stinger226]

Don't forget Shea, who is at 250 too. I guess I wasn't impressed with his 15 reps. He may turn out as good as a Kuechly, but my gut tells me different. LB is a need with Briggs career winding down, but not RD 1 imo. If the Bears do take him. I will become his biggest fan, I just hope Donald is the pick.

Here is what draft scouts has to say about Mosley

 

Frankly: Underrated here. He is a must-draft, mobile mass of natural football genius who has no negatives and works full speed, full time. Mosley is even a blocker on punts, covers kicks and if you want more, just ask. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange

 

PLAYER OVERVIEW

 

The leader of the Crimson Tide's suffocating defense, Mosley is highly thought of among the scouting community and could end up as a top 10 pick in May. Mosley is as well-rounded and disciplined a linebacker as this draft class has to offer.

His 107 tackles in 2012 were the second-highest total by an Alabama linebacker in the past 25 years (DeMeco Ryans had 126 in 2003) and 48 more than the next Tide defender last season (fellow inside linebacker Trey DePriest). Mosley also recorded eight tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions.

 

Tough and athletic, with the keenest instincts of any linebacker I've scouted since Lofa Tatupu, Mosley is constantly around the ball and is often making big plays as a result. (11/14/13)

 

In an increasingly pass-centric league that demands defenses go with nickel coverage more than 60% of the time, Mosley has rare ability and range to blanket tight ends and running backs.

 

Mosley reminds Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart of another ultra-instinctive linebacker — the Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, the 2013 defensive player of the year.

 

"I've never seen a linebacker get his hand on the ball so many times. C.J. is so instinctive," Smart told USA TODAY Sports. "A lot of people think C.J. is undersized. That is the one knock against him.

 

6 foot 2, 234 pounds, 4.63 in 40-yard dash

 

Lowdown: Last season, Mosley was named the SEC defensive player of the year and won the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in the nation. Finishing as Alabama's leading tackler for the second straight season, Mosley had 108 stops (nine for loss) with five pass breakups. He diagnoses plays quickly, plays low and stuffs running backs on sight (see: LSU games). Very rarely was Mosley tied up by blockers or dragged downfield by ball-carriers. Has a clean, dominant skill-set. Mosley's ability against athletic tight ends one on one remains unknown. A team captain, Mosley brought attitude to the Alabama defense.

 

 

Three-year starter. Blessed with all the tools of the linebacker trade. Quick hands, quick feet, pass rush quickness, fluidness with good flexibility, acceleration, balance, the ability to redirect, and top level instincts. After all that, the best thing he may do is excel in pass coverage. Good route awareness. Plays square. Works through traffic instinctively. Wrap tackles. Is disruptive as a blitzer and is an impact hitter. He also has returned three interceptions for touchdowns in his career. Plays on all special teams. His 2012 stats: 107 tackles, 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions. Ourlads' Scouting Services

DRAFT NOTES: One of 10 players in nation to earn Unanimous All-American status, Butkus Award winner (top linebacker in country), All-SEC first team selection.

 

 

Mosley lines up as an inside linebacker in Alabama’s base 3-4. He is a 4th year senior and while he wasn’t listed as a full time starter his first two years, he got significant playing time and was among the Tides leading tacklers both years. At about 6’2 – 240 with long arms, Mosley has all the tools to be a top NFL linebacker. He possesses very good overall athleticism with speed, flexibility, change of direction and body control. To go along with his size he has very good play strength.

Mosley is alert and instinctive. He is a quick reactor who is consistently around the ball. He is proficient defending the run, in pass coverage, and rushing the passer. He shows his strength and power at the point by shedding quickly and is an explosive, aggressive tackler. He has the speed and range to stop both the inside and outside run and moves easily through trash. Many linebackers are used strictly in zone coverage, but that is not the case with Mosley. He is often put in man situations versus running backs and tight ends and does an excellent job. He can drop, pedal, and turn as well as any linebacker in football. He can react to the ball in the air and has good hands. While not used much as a pass rusher, he is effective when used. He knows how to use his speed and has the hand use to get rid of blocks.

The beauty of a player like Mosley is that he can play in any scheme. He is a fit to play inside in a 3-4, and he has the traits and athleticism to play any of the three linebacker positions in a 4-3. When Oakland drafted Rolando McClain in the first round a few years ago, they thought they were getting a tough smash mouth inside player. It turned out he was more of a finesse player. Mosley, on the other hand, might not have McClain’s size but he is a much more physical player. He should easily be a first round pick.

 

One of the best things you can say about Mosley is that he can play a number of positions. He was an inside linebacker for Alabama in a 3-4 front, but he can also play all three linebacker positions in a 4-3.

He has good size at 6023 – 234, and he has the frame to play at 240. He didn’t work out at combine but ran 4.61 at his pro day.

 

Mosley is highly instinctive, tough, and aggressive. He can play the run, drop into coverage, or rush the passer. He has the athleticism to play man coverage on backs and tight ends. This gives defenses a lot of flexibility. Throughout his career. He was always one of Alabama’s leading tacklers.

 

He will be a similar player to kuechly. Fact is anybody notice that Panthers defense became reverent once he was drafted. A stud defense needs a stud LB. He will not be good as Urlacher was but his present will make people around him better.

 

 

 

 

 

[ASHKUM BEAR]

Here is what draft scouts has to say about Mosley

 

Frankly: Underrated here. He is a must-draft, mobile mass of natural football genius who has no negatives and works full speed, full time. Mosley is even a blocker on punts, covers kicks and if you want more, just ask. - Frank Cooney, The Sports Xchange

 

PLAYER OVERVIEW

 

The leader of the Crimson Tide's suffocating defense, Mosley is highly thought of among the scouting community and could end up as a top 10 pick in May. Mosley is as well-rounded and disciplined a linebacker as this draft class has to offer.

His 107 tackles in 2012 were the second-highest total by an Alabama linebacker in the past 25 years (DeMeco Ryans had 126 in 2003) and 48 more than the next Tide defender last season (fellow inside linebacker Trey DePriest). Mosley also recorded eight tackles for loss, four sacks and two interceptions.

 

Tough and athletic, with the keenest instincts of any linebacker I've scouted since Lofa Tatupu, Mosley is constantly around the ball and is often making big plays as a result. (11/14/13)

 

In an increasingly pass-centric league that demands defenses go with nickel coverage more than 60% of the time, Mosley has rare ability and range to blanket tight ends and running backs.

 

Mosley reminds Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart of another ultra-instinctive linebacker — the Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly, the 2013 defensive player of the year.

 

"I've never seen a linebacker get his hand on the ball so many times. C.J. is so instinctive," Smart told USA TODAY Sports. "A lot of people think C.J. is undersized. That is the one knock against him.

 

6 foot 2, 234 pounds, 4.63 in 40-yard dash

 

Lowdown: Last season, Mosley was named the SEC defensive player of the year and won the Butkus Award, given to the best linebacker in the nation. Finishing as Alabama's leading tackler for the second straight season, Mosley had 108 stops (nine for loss) with five pass breakups. He diagnoses plays quickly, plays low and stuffs running backs on sight (see: LSU games). Very rarely was Mosley tied up by blockers or dragged downfield by ball-carriers. Has a clean, dominant skill-set. Mosley's ability against athletic tight ends one on one remains unknown. A team captain, Mosley brought attitude to the Alabama defense.

 

 

Three-year starter. Blessed with all the tools of the linebacker trade. Quick hands, quick feet, pass rush quickness, fluidness with good flexibility, acceleration, balance, the ability to redirect, and top level instincts. After all that, the best thing he may do is excel in pass coverage. Good route awareness. Plays square. Works through traffic instinctively. Wrap tackles. Is disruptive as a blitzer and is an impact hitter. He also has returned three interceptions for touchdowns in his career. Plays on all special teams. His 2012 stats: 107 tackles, 4 sacks, 7 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions. Ourlads' Scouting Services

DRAFT NOTES: One of 10 players in nation to earn Unanimous All-American status, Butkus Award winner (top linebacker in country), All-SEC first team selection.

 

 

Mosley lines up as an inside linebacker in Alabama’s base 3-4. He is a 4th year senior and while he wasn’t listed as a full time starter his first two years, he got significant playing time and was among the Tides leading tacklers both years. At about 6’2 – 240 with long arms, Mosley has all the tools to be a top NFL linebacker. He possesses very good overall athleticism with speed, flexibility, change of direction and body control. To go along with his size he has very good play strength.

Mosley is alert and instinctive. He is a quick reactor who is consistently around the ball. He is proficient defending the run, in pass coverage, and rushing the passer. He shows his strength and power at the point by shedding quickly and is an explosive, aggressive tackler. He has the speed and range to stop both the inside and outside run and moves easily through trash. Many linebackers are used strictly in zone coverage, but that is not the case with Mosley. He is often put in man situations versus running backs and tight ends and does an excellent job. He can drop, pedal, and turn as well as any linebacker in football. He can react to the ball in the air and has good hands. While not used much as a pass rusher, he is effective when used. He knows how to use his speed and has the hand use to get rid of blocks.

The beauty of a player like Mosley is that he can play in any scheme. He is a fit to play inside in a 3-4, and he has the traits and athleticism to play any of the three linebacker positions in a 4-3. When Oakland drafted Rolando McClain in the first round a few years ago, they thought they were getting a tough smash mouth inside player. It turned out he was more of a finesse player. Mosley, on the other hand, might not have McClain’s size but he is a much more physical player. He should easily be a first round pick.

 

One of the best things you can say about Mosley is that he can play a number of positions. He was an inside linebacker for Alabama in a 3-4 front, but he can also play all three linebacker positions in a 4-3.

He has good size at 6023 – 234, and he has the frame to play at 240. He didn’t work out at combine but ran 4.61 at his pro day.

 

Mosley is highly instinctive, tough, and aggressive. He can play the run, drop into coverage, or rush the passer. He has the athleticism to play man coverage on backs and tight ends. This gives defenses a lot of flexibility. Throughout his career. He was always one of Alabama’s leading tacklers.

 

He will be a similar player to kuechly. Fact is anybody notice that Panthers defense became reverent once he was drafted. A stud defense needs a stud LB. He will not be good as Urlacher was but his present will make people around him better.

 

You must be a saleman!! Because you are selling him, and I like. If he is all that, then he should be drafted top 15 or higher. I still will stick with Donald, Pryor as my one/two, but Mosely slides ahead of CB.

[jason]

Simple fact is, his size is a slight concern, and that's enough since it's not a position of immediate need. If Donald, HHCD, and Pryor are gone, then maybe ILB is on the list, but I hope not. There are plenty of high upside guys in later rounds.

[ParkerBear7]

I would be concerned about his ability to stay healthy in the NFL and agree that S and DL would be my first two priorities.

 

 

[lemonej]

Don't forget Shea, who is at 250 too. I guess I wasn't impressed with his 15 reps. He may turn out as good as a Kuechly, but my gut tells me different. LB is a need with Briggs career winding down, but not RD 1 imo. If the Bears do take him. I will become his biggest fan, I just hope Donald is the pick.

 

Yea I noticed you put his reps at the Combine in your post and I have always been on your side with most of your post but, if you have noticed over the years the MLB position has gotten smaller and faster because most of the MLBs are playing in a 4-3 and that may require them to be able to cover and move since most teams start out in 3 WR and 1 back sets.

[Guest TerraTor]

I'd take Zumwolt later

 

Our DT and S position are just more pressing

[lemonej]

Just heard Brad Biggs says Mosley is considered a "Yellow" meaning he has injury issues that a lot of teams are concerned with. So don't be surprise if he drops a bit.