FanPost

2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Ian Seau, OLB/DE

Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

School: Nevada
College Experience: Senior
Age: 23
Measurements: 6-3/250 lbs

71 Tackles, 34.5 TFL, 18 Sk, 8 FF, 1 FR, 7 PD, 1 INT, 1 TD

Overview

Yes, Ian Seau is the nephew of late NFL legend Junior Seau. No, he is not Junior Seau, but he's pretty good in his own right. He's not getting much attention, but I think he could be a day 3 steal. Seau is relentless getting after the QB at both DE and OLB, though he projects as a 3-4 OLB in the NFL. His production increased every year at Nevada, culminating with a 10 sack senior season. In addition, Seau is extremely creative coming up with pass rush moves, drawing inspiration not only from the likes of JJ Watt and Clay Matthews, but Kobe Bryant and Russell Westbrook. "I've tried to do a Euro Step into a bull rush before. It worked once, but for the most part it's kind of hard to make that transition. I haven't tried it in a game yet." Disappointing he hasn't found a way to make that work, but his repertoire is still extremely vast.

Strengths

  • Wide variety of pass rush moves
  • Motor for days
  • Elite first step
  • Elite instincts
  • Doesn't appear athletic, but great play speed and bend
  • Can disrupt the pocket standing up or with hand in the dirt
  • Aggresive hands and good technique
  • Plays through the whistle
  • Willing to sacrifice himself to get to the QB or ball
  • High character
  • Real competitor

Weaknesses

  • Played in weak Mountain West Conference
  • Can get lost in a sea of bodies
  • His frame is almost maxed out, limiting him to pass rushing OLB
  • Could improve strength
  • Not very athletic in space
  • Rarely dropped into coverage

Player Comparison: Rob Ninkovich, NE

How He Fits

Ian Seau will almost certainly be forced to play 3-4 OLB in the NFL due to his tweener frame and pedestrian athleticism, but that won't stop him from coming in and earning a spot on a roster. You can never have too many high motor pass rushers in the NFL. At worst, Seau is a situational pass rusher. He'll never be a Von Miller or Justin Houston, but his work ethic will earn him a call on day 3 of the draft. If the 49ers drafted him, personally, I'd give him the edge over Eli Harold and Ahmad Brooks. Seau's character blows Brooks out of the water and his skills are catching up. His name will draw attention, but he's confident he can make his own legacy, and so am I.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Niners Nation's writers or editors.