Will Derting LB 6’ 233 Washington St.
By: Robert Davis

As long as he’s on the field, Will Derting has been one of the best linebackers in college football over the past three seasons. As a sophomore, he earned all Pac 10 honors after posting 86 tackles with 12 of them for loss. His junior season, he again earned All Pac 10 honors after finishing the season with 93 tackles, 11.5 for loss, and 3.5 sacks despite playing most of the season with a cast on his wrist. A knee injury caused him to miss half the season, but Derting finished his senior season with 35 tackles.

There may not be a more instinctive linebacker in the draft. Derting reads and reacts as well as any linebacker coming out this year. There is no hesitation in his game. Derting shows the ability to change direction and close on the ball carrier very well. Toughness is definitely not something Derting lacks, as he played most of his junior season with a dislocated wrist, and still had a standout season.

Size and durability issues surround Derting. He lacks the ideal size for linebacker at the next level, and he has been consistently injured during his college career. He has missed time due to two knee injuries, a high ankle sprain, and a dislocated wrist in his five years at Washington St. He will also undergo knee surgery before the draft. His health is something that will definitely be checked into extensively.

Derting will play in the NFL as long as he can stay healthy. His combination of talent, instincts, and toughness will allow him to overcome his lack of bulk. The current knee injury will play a role in where he ends up being drafted. He probably will not hear his name called until the second day of the draft, but his impact could be much greater.