Finding Broncos: Ben VanSumeren | LB

Measurements

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 237 pounds
Arms: 31-1/8 inches
Hands: 9 inches

Stats

Pros

Has enough athletic traits and awareness to work in certain coverages.
Can work in zone, as well as an A-gap blitzer.
Does well to sort through the trash to find the ball carrier.
Has solid movement skills and decent enough range.
Moves well laterally.
Motor runs hot at all times.
Has traits to excel on special teams.
Quick to accelerate.
Good reactionary quickness.
Quick to diagnose the play.
Blitzes with timing.

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Cons

Will get caught overpursuing.
Not good enough in coverage to carry tight ends in man.
Has a bad habit of grab-and-drag tackling, while lacking ideal grip strength.
Struggles to disengage and shed blocks.
Gives up his chest too easily when attacking.
Change of direction can be rough with wasted steps.
Has clean wrap-up tackling technique.

Overview

VanSumeren has enough traits to work in the modern NFL with solid athleticism and awareness. He isn't the best with getting off blocks, but he does well in avoiding blockers against the run. As a blitzer, he times it so well to limit blockers' ability to get to him. His usage in the NFL might be limited on defense, but he could be an excellent special teams player for years.

Fit with Broncos

While the Denver Broncos need help at linebacker, they also need help on special teams. VanSumeren is a little like Alex Singelton with his play style and maybe could develop on defense. However, he makes the most sense for the Broncos with his traits fitting with a special teams unit that needs to be revamped.

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