Film Watched: Iowa 2021, Kanas State 2021, Baylor 2020
Pro's:
Clued-up linebacker that answers most questions with physicality
Reads a defense well, anticipates blocs, and fires into contact to impede their intentions
Quick to make a decision and trusts his instincts, hitting the go button with no hesitation
Love his physicality upon contact. Will displace blocks with sheer power and force of will
Good length and power through his arms allows him to stack and shed
Challenges pocket protection on blitzes with brute strength, barging his way into the backfield
100% motor. No quit in him, lays his body on the line, and will hunt the ball down through the whistle
Durable, rarely off the field, and consistent play maker during his time in Ames
Con's:
Athletic enough to cover the run laterally, but exposed in pass coverage
Operates better between the tackles than in space
A little stiff, most notable when covering tight ends. Not fluid enough to mirror tight breaks
Vulnerable to sudden changes in direction when facing ball carriers in the open field
Lacks the quick twitch to explode to the ball in zone coverage
The Verdict:
“Is there such thing as a ‘phone booth’ linebacker? Mike Rose is a prospect who thrives in the heart of the action, where the space to operate is confined and only those with the mental quicks - and physicality to match them - prevail. He’s a true leader who will put his nose into trouble without blinking, and his tenacity and dedication to the cause rubs off on his teammates. Rose is a sure tackler who leaves a mark and has been produced remarkably consistently throughout a four year career at Iowa State. He may be a touch less athletic than you like, which certainly inhibits his effectiveness in the passing game, but it certainly hasn’t stopped him wreaking havoc behind the line of scrimmage. Rose projects as an early down Mike linebacker who may never command snaps on passing downs, but will be a valued contributor to an NFL defense.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.