Justin Strnad – Denver Broncos Roster Profile

PRO’S: Explosive linebacker whose speed in short areas can be devastating. Build up speed is lightning quick. Attacks gaps and into the backfield before blockers have got close to their sets. Range is phenomenal – will run all day and has that rare sideline to sideline speed. Athleticism aids him in man coverage but he excels in zone, dropping to his depth smoothly and effortlessly with the read and react quickness to make a play on the ball. Comfortable being moved around and offers blitz ability through inside gaps or from the edge.

CON’S: Skinny frame that doesn’t hold enough muscle mass to be a consistent factor in the run game. Too easily latched on to by blockers and without the requisite play strength struggles to disengage. Better hand usage in space when he build up speed can palm to the edge of a blocker, but in close quarters he can’t find his way through. Awkward tackler – form isn’t right unless he’s engaging square. Frame seems to slide down arms and is easily palmed off by the ball carrier. Play recognition is sluggish.

SIMON CARROLL: “Strnad’s impressive athleticism on an undersized frame will have poeple considering him as one of the new linebacker/safety hybrids that can be utilised in different ways by clever co-ordinators. He’s got a myriad of technique issues to clean up and could stand to add more weight if his frame can take it. Until then he’s a third down linebacker with the tools to be a playmaker”.