Phillip Wheeler LB 6'2 245 Georgia Tech

Wheeler did not do much as a freshman, and then redshirted a year later. He had a fine RS sophomore season though, finishing the year with 64 tackles, 11.5 for loss, four sacks, and four interceptions. As a junior, he had 89 tackles, 14.5 for loss, and nine sacks on the year. Wheeler closed out his career with 88 tackles, 8.5 for loss, and 5.5 sacks.

Wheeler is an excellent athlete that makes plays all over the field. He has great speed, and can run plays down sideline to sideline. He has shown an ability to impact the game in many ways. He is an active defender willing to stop the run, but has also shown the ability to slip through the line as a blitzer and get to the quarterback. Wheeler has also shown the ability to drop back into coverage and locate the ball and make plays. He quickly diagnoses the action all over the field, and combined with his speed is always around the action.

Wheeler has packed on some weight, but he still has trouble getting off blocks. He does not sort through the trash well, and can be taken out of plays once a lineman gets a hold of him. He will need to use his hands better in the NFL to reach his potential.

Wheeler is a big play linebacker that can make plays all over the field. He has trouble getting off blocks, but if allowed to play in space, he is a big playmaker. He has the talent to really blow up in workouts, so do not be surprised to hear his name called in the second round.