Ja’Whaun Bentley NFL Draft scouting report

It is officially NFL Draft Season, the draft is just two weeks and two days out. But, will any of our guys get drafted from last year’s 7-6 team? I think we continue the streak of Boilermakers being drafted. We had a lot of talent on the roster that Coach Brohm & Co. highlighted their talents, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

I do think there is a potential that 2 or 3 of our guys get drafted and others signed as undrafted free agents. So, with all that said, lets take a look at our first player. Captain and Star Ja’Whaun Bentley.

Name: Ja’Whaun Bentley.

Size: 6’2”, 248 Pounds.

Position: Middle Linebackers

College Career Stats: 272 Tackles, 29.5 tackles for a loss, 1 Sack, 2 Interceptions (sophomore and junior year were injury riddled, playing 13 combined games)

Experts Say: Experts are saying that Bentley is headed to a 7th round or undrafted projected. They say he has great instincts and does a great job of playing down hill on the run. He has great hands to shed and fight off blocks. Experts also say that he shows above average skills as a coverage guy.

Experts have said that there are some cons in his game, as there are in everyone's. They say he has some stiffness and does not redirect very well after making a bad read. They also stated that he may not be able to cover well in man to man coverage.

My Opinion: I agree with what some of the experts say. But, I would say that Bentley is more of a 5th to 7th round projection. His instincts and natural ability cover up where he struggles. Bentley will be a steal for someone late to be a depth guy at linebacker or play a bunch of special teams. With his size, he could be a run stopper and play in running situations primarily, so that he is not exposed in man to man coverage. My guy feeling tells me that he will be drafted, I am hopeful the Colts take a shot on him late.

Best of luck in the upcoming draft, Ja’Whaun, Boiler Nation will continue to root you on!