| Strengths: |
Good size for an OLB, but would need to add weight to play DE in a 4-3. He has a pretty quick first step coming off the edge. Lined up all over the place and is pretty versatile. English will ‘lay the lumber’ and has solid tackling technique. Aggressive in the run game and isn’t afraid to go one on one with an offensive lineman. He uses his long arms and quick hands to get around the tackle. Good acceleration around the corner. Fast enough to track down players from behind and has good range. Has good balance to keep upright when ducking under lineman on speed rushes. He is a tough player who does anything he can to stop the offense (even continuing to chase down a play without his helmet). Fluid and athletic enough to learn to play in coverage even though he wasn’t asked to drop back much in college. Made a lot of plays behind the line of scrimmage. |
| Weaknesses: |
I question his lower body strength, but his upper body is well toned. Wasn’t asked to drop into coverage much in college so he is still raw in that area. Didn’t have many different pass rush moves besides the outside speed rush (Bull rush is almost non-existent). He is only average when working through trash. Has all the tools and is the prototype 3-4 OLB, but because of his lack of experience dropping into coverage he might only be a pass rush specialist in his first year. With good coaching and right situation, English could have a pro-bowl career as a pass rush linebacker. |
| Quick Hits: |
Larry English was a fifth year senior after he suffered a season ending injury early in his freshman year. He played insider linebacker and fullback in high school for Marmion Academy. He was a three time first team All-MAC as a defensive end and a two-time MAC Vern Smith Leadership ward winner at Northern Illinois. English has all the tools to be a top-notch player at the next level and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him have a big impact as a situational pass rusher early on in his career.
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