Alabama Football 2015 NFL Draft Profiles: Trey DePriest

Trey DePriest

Position: Inside Linebacker
Combine Height/Weight: 6-0, 254 pounds
Hand Size: 9.0 inches
Arm Length: 31.675 inches
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.92 (pro day)
Bench-Press Reps (of 225 pounds): 21
Vertical Jump: 26 inches
Broad Jump: 9' 01"
Short/Long Shuttle: 4.93/DNP
3-Cone Drill: DNP

2014 Season: 88 tackles (41 solo,) 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble. First-Team All-SEC

Strengths

DePriest's strengths lie mainly in his size and instincts for stuffing the run; in battering the line of scrimmage, particularly against iso plays. He is rarely blocked one on one and can penetrate the middle with a quick first step. He is a competent defender in complex zone schemes, but is more suited as run defender on standard downs. He is also a very durable player, starting 39 games over the course of three seasons, missing only two starts to minor injury.

Weaknesses

His greatest weakness is one SEC teams routinely targeted, man coverage. DePriest would often get beat over the middle, particularly in play-action. Occasionally iffy pursuit angles, and lack of great speed, further meant Depriest often ran himself out of plays, was unable to move horizontally in passing situations, or put himself in positions to miss tackles. As most scouts have noted, his sheer size results in a more upright bearing.

Verdict

Trey DePriest is a competent athlete for 3-4 team needing depth on the inside or an able run-stuffer. His lack of pass coverage skills make him a liability in many scenarios, so he is much more of a situational player than an every-down ILB. DePriest looks to be a late-round pick, or could even slip and be an UDFA. Still, he will get invited to a camp. His ability to make a roster depends entirely on the team, as he is not a player suited for every NFL squad.