Get to know Bobby Wagner
The Seattle Seahawks wheeled and dealed like they normally do in this year’s NFL Draft. They started with 6 draft picks and ended up with 10. The team had a few holes to fill in the draft with Linebacker being a big concern. The Seahawks augmented that issue by drafting a monster of a linebacker.
With the 47th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks selected Bobby Wagner – LB – Utah State.
Another shocker to the masses, Pete Carroll grabbed another off the board guy in Bobby Wagner. He starred at linebacker for Utah State University, playing inside and outside.
He was crucial in the Utah State win over Idaho after securing a late game interception to win it for his team. He also had a great showing in the heartbreaking, last second loss against Auburn during the season.
My assessment
This guy is a monster. Plain and simple. He is big and very strong. He picks up opponents in perfect form tackling and throws opponents to the ground at times, demonstrating that strength. He blows blockers up a lot of the time and goes through or around them, making them useless in many plays.
He is not overly fast, but has quick closing speed when chasing people down.
Potential starter? I think so
When Wagner is in pursuit of QB’s and runners, he wraps up well, cutting the legs out from under the ball carrier and dragging them down.
When he hits someone down field, he squares up perfectly and hits them, following through with his tackles.
He doesn’t miss tackles very often at all.
He has good hands and can knock passes out of the air and intercept them. He had a few impressive tipped interceptions to himself at Utah State.
Wagner plays with a lot of passion and energy and is aggressive on every play.
If he’s not the one making the tackle, he is usually in the vicinity of activity.
His coverage skills are decent. He plays well in both the backfield and down field. He has good vision and sniffs out routes and cut lanes and is waiting for ball carriers on the other side.
I see one possible issue with Wagner’s game at the next level.
His level of aggressiveness is good, but gets him in trouble at times, as he has been known to overrun plays once in a while or run past his targets.
Take a closer look at Bobby Wagner on the field
College Stats
2011: 147 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 interceptions
2010: 133 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, .5 sacks, 4 passes defended
With the leadership and style of play he exhibited at Utah State, there’s no question why Pete and John love this guy. He’ll fit well in Seattle.
CLICK HERE CHECK OUT THE SEAHAWKS BLOG IN OUR CLUBHOUSE SECTION AT NWSB!
About Brandon Choate
