2016 NFL Draft: Scooby Wright an Underrated Prospect
The NFL Combine and team Pro Day can sky-rocket an average player up the draft boards. It can also adversely affect a playmaker who is better suited for game day. Let’s take a look at one 2016 NFL Draft prospect that falls in the latter category.
Scooby Wright’s impressive resume includes being voted as a unanimous All-American and the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2014. In the same year, he received a trio of defensive honors in the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and Chuck Bednarik award.
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He finished that season with 163 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 14 sacks and six forced fumbles. Fast forward to April 2016 and Wright is constantly being mocked as a late selection on day two, or even early selection on day three. How is it possible for such a highly productive player to be so underrated?
Sure, in 2015 he only played three games because of a torn lateral meniscus in his knee and a sprained right foot. But did any of these experts watch what he did when he returned for the Arizona Wildcats bowl game? Wright went nuts for 15 tackles, 3.5 of which for a loss and two sacks against New Mexico.
He didn’t wow any scouts at the NFL Combine or the Wildcat’s Pro Day, but no many expected him too. His passion and potential shines through on game film. Not all highly productive players’ skills in college translate to NFL, but Wright’s will. Just ask current Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. I’m sure he remembers this clip below well, with Wright eluding the blocker and making the strip sack. He has the wherewithal to not only strip the ball, but also the concentration to hang on to it. These instincts are crucial for any linebacker to translate to the NFL.
Draft analyst from NFL.com Lance Zierlein stated “he has predictive instincts and initial quickness that puts him ahead of most blockers en route to the ball. Wright has the toughness and instincts to become a quality, starting inside linebacker.”
“Wright has the toughness and instincts to become a quality, starting inside linebacker” – Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein
Zierlein compares Wright to Zach Thomas, the former NFL Star who wasn’t drafted until the 5th round. Pro Football Focus compares him to Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict. Neither are bad comparisons, but when I watch highlights of what he can do he reminds me of one player only. Fantasy IDP league players will remember this guy vividly.
That brief fantasy legend was none other than Chris Borland of the San Francisco 49ers. For about a six game stretch in 2014, Borland was a statistical monster. Unfortunately, he ended his NFL career short after just one season with long-term concerns about head injuries. 49ers fans and fantasy IDP owners alike shed a tear. I see a similar intensity and skill set in Wright which can fit in either a 3-4 or 4-3 defense.
This GIF below shows Wright’s impressive initial burst, a similar trait that Borland possessed. Despite being fooled and poor form, the center is able to extend both arms and push Wright. His impressive upper body enables him to deter the arm block, and his straight line speed is not affected at all. To complete the play you also see his arm strength with a high, yet legal, tackle. This type of burst and strength is obviously crucial for any linebacker to succeed in the NFL.
So, where in the draft should Wright be selected? I know I am in the minority with this one, but I project his NFL production to be well worthy of a 1st round pick. An ideal fit would be with the Green Bay Packers. Their current middle linebackers are 2nd year pro Jake Ryan, and my fellow University of South Florida alumni Sam Barrington. While both of these guys are solid players, they are better suited for rotational roles. Wright can start for Green Bay on day one and become the defensive captain in a couple of years.
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Wright has everything you want in a middle linebacker. Don’t be surprised if a team agrees and takes him earlier than expected. Even though he was a recognizable name in college, he will still become the steal of the 2016 draft. You’ll hear some people use the term “unathletic” when they speak of Wright. Please take a look for yourself at this highlight reel below. This clip should help you make a determination on your own if Wright has the necessary athleticism for the NFL.