2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Aaron Hansford
- Position: Linebacker
- School: Texas A&M
- Height: 6'2"
- Weight: 239lbs
Film Watched: Arkansas 2021, Colorado 2021, LSU 2021
Pro's:
- Former wide receiver with good measurables and a healthy athletic profile
- Brings pass-catcher movement to the linebacker position; excellent sideline-to-sideline range
- Closes on the football at terrifying speed
- Has the fluidity to react to quick changes in direction when making tackles
- Evasive. Avoids getting strung up on blocks, and is a slippery customer getting into the backfield
- Throws his whole body into tackles, and demonstrates good power to stop ball carriers in their tracks
- Healthy amount of core strength throughout his frame; isn’t easily manipulated by blockers
- Dangerous blitzer, even if his production behind the line of scrimmage doesn’t back it up
Con's:
- Raw. Played the linebacker position for just three full seasons
- Pre-snap play recognition is in the novice stage of development. Has to see it develop before making a move
- Instances of taking the wrong gap and leaving the defense vulnerable to big plays
- Pass coverage still feels a little alien to him; poor footwork, shallow dropbacks, and wild angles to the catch point
- Significant medical history; two separate seasons lost due to season ending injuries
The Verdict:
“An explosive athlete, Aaron Hansford will be an intriguing watch for scouts who look for the size and speed numbers first and the production and on-field performance second. Hansford’s undeveloped intangibles need to be put into context; he arrived at College Station as a wide receiver, and has just three full seasons playing linebacker. Considering that back story, racking up 153 tackles in 32 games is pretty impressive. Hansford has been able to produce for The Aggies with rare speed and agility that is paired with an aggressive mentality and good core strength. When it clicks, Hansford is like a heat-seeking missile to the football, and NFL teams will do well to expand his blitzing duties and unleash him on the quarterback. The passing game is a work in progress, but there’s immediate value as an early down thumper with the upside for much more.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: MARK NZEOCHA
PREDICTION: 5TH ROUND PICK
5/5