Dan Connor LB 6’2 231 Penn St. 4.65

Connor came to Penn St. with lofty expectations and he has delivered on those, then some. Despite only starting four games as a freshman, he had 85 tackles, 4.5 for loss, a sack, and an interception earning Freshman All American honors. As a sophomore, he had 76 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks. It all came together as a junior, where he was arguably the top linebacker in college football. He finished the year with 113 tackles, nine for loss, five sacks, and two interceptions on the year. Connor saved his best for last, as he finished his senior season with 145 tackles, 15 for loss, 6.5 sacks, and an interception.

Connor is an all around standout linebacker. He is a player that can make the big play, but also the type of player you count on to lead your defense and consistently be around the action. He is athletic, and has the quickness and speed to cover in space. The rare trait he has, is that he has a knack for finding the ball and making a play on it that most linebackers do not possess. He also has the toughness and strength to stick his nose in between the tackles and stuff the run. He is the prototypical linebacker, and has everything you look for in a linebacker prospect.

Connor is about as complete a linebacker as you can find, but he could stand to add a few more pounds to his frame. He will need more bulk and strength to hold up at the point attack in the running game against NFL blockers. Nothing stands out about him physically, but he is not lacking in any area either.

Connor may be a better prospect than Paul Posluszny who was taken in the second round by the Bills last year. He may not be an explosive athlete that will hear his name called in the Top 10 but he should make an immediate impact in the NFL, and will be a first round pick.