LB Darryl Sharpton, Round 4, #102 Overall

[Roy P]

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/p...;pageContainer

Read & React: Reacts aggressively to attack the line of scrimmage to stop the run, but is fooled by play-action. Lags when diagnosing the action, bouncing laterally before making the correct read and flowing to the ball. While slow to diagnose, Sharpton does have an explosive burst and very good acceleration to close.

Run defense: Inconsistent diagnosing the action, but has an explosive burst to close once he locates the football. Questionable angles to the ball, but has very good speed for the inside linebacker position and can get away with taking poor angles. Not as fast on the field as he is in workouts, though he can beat the back to the sideline and catch ballcarriers from behind. Undersized and lacks the explosive upper-body strength and use of hands to take on and discard blocks from offensive linemen and is too often engulfed by bigger blockers in close quarters. Relies on his good lateral agility to elude blocks, but will pick a side and attempt to fight through blocks, exposing cutback lanes. Doesn't have the balance to break down in space to make tackles against elusive backs. Doesn't protect his knees well enough for a player with his experience.