Trey Adams leads 7 LA Rams PAC-12 2020 NFL Draft targets

University of California ILB Weaver

Inside linebacker Evan Weaver hails from the University of California, where he has played for four seasons. The senior prospect stands 6-foot-2 and weighs 234 pounds, a good size for playing over the middle of the defense. While he may push to a playing weight of up to 240 pounds, he already enters the NFL with sufficient strength to hand playing over the middle.

The Rams need to develop pass-coverage ability from the interior linebackers, and Weaver has the right skill set to develop that forte. While some analysts discount his talent, he has shown that he can cover over the middle in zone coverage.  Since that will be the likely majority of coverage he will be asked to do for the Rams, that will be a good starting point to learn the role. He already has some good blitz/pass-rushing ability. He is not the most athletic player on the field, but he may likely be one of the most effective. He can shed blockers and is a tackling machine up the middle, rarely missing any ball carrier in his range.

He’ll fall to the Rams because he lacks sideline to sideline range.  His pass coverage is adequate within limits, but he struggles to cover elite running backs or tight ends over the middle. More of a “space defender” when the ball is in the air.

He will no doubt be a priority selection for special team play. He can rush the punter or kicker, as well as cover and tackle.  Part of the linebacker group, Weaver will join Group 3 and will arrive at the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, February 25.

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