2022 NFL DRAFT PROSPECT REPORT
- Name: Zakoby McClain
- Position: Linebacker
- School: Auburn
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 221lbs
Film Watched: Alabama 2021, Arkansas 2021, Georgia 2020
Pro's:
- Aggressive, snarling linebacker who plays with a serious disdain for anyone with a ball in their hands
- Possesses some serious muscle on his small frame. Does not want for play strength
- Brings urgency and violence to every contact engagement
- Audible pop when making contact with blocks, and looks to get control of the rep early
- The violence with which he makes tackles borders on grievous bodily harm
- Works throughout a play to reach the ball – relentless mindset with no plays off
- Nose for the ball and rarely finds himself in a poor location to make a play
- Alert to what’s happening around him in both the run and passing game
Zakoby McClain is a LB prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored an unofficial 4.91 RAS at the Combine out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1115 out of 2188 LB from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/LymziPB5eW #RAS via @Mathbomb pic.twitter.com/MbSLQ8w3RY
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 6, 2022
Con's:
- Small. Under six foot tall – size differential will likely show up more in the NFL
- Lack of length gives him a smaller tackle radius than desired, as well as issues shedding blocks
- Urgent more than quick, and isn’t always able to catch up plays from the backside
- Some stiffness to challenge him in man coverage, or against jitterbug ball carriers in open space
- Bigger targets likely to test his arm strength when making tackles at full extension
The Verdict:
“Zakoby McClain has a spot of Small Man Syndrome: a true warrior during his four years at Auburn, he plays the game as if he’s out to prove that his size will have no bearing on the contest. And in fairness, it hasn’t; McClain has not often been beaten in power on power situations, combating blocks well and driving through tackles at will. There’s a little sixth sense about McClain too; I wouldn’t say he knows what’s coming before the snap, but he has an innate feel for the flow of the game and is rarely caught out of position. McClain’s athletic profile is a little underwhelming, and challenges will come in open space. But the true test will be if he can continue to accommodate for a lack of length at the next level. McClain will likely make a roster as a committed special teamer, with added backup SAM linebacker value.”
Simon Carroll
Head Of NFL Draft Content
NFL COMPARISON: MANTI TE’O
PREDICTION: 6TH ROUND PICK
Rated 5 out of 5