Draft Countdown: Colin McCarthy
Draft Countdown: Brandon Harris l Allen Bailey l Orlando Franklin l TheUFootball.com
Leading up to next week’s NFL Draft, HurricaneSports.com will run daily draft outlook pieces on former Hurricanes likely to be selected in the three-day event at Radio City Music Hall in New York City beginning Thursday, April 28.
On Tuesday, we started the countdown with cornerback Brandon Harris, who most are expecting to go in the first or second round. Then on Wednesday, we featured Allen Bailey, who has also been projected as a late-first, early-second round guy..
On Thursday, we discussed Orlando Franklin, who appears to be moving up on most people’s boards.
Today, we will discuss linebacker Colin McCarthy.
McCarthy spent most of his UM career at strongside linebacker before moving to the middle his senior seasons. In 49 career games, he recorded 308 tackles (165 solo) and 34 tackles for a loss. The two-time ACC honoree led UM in tackles in 2010, recording 119 in 12 games. He finished the season third in the ACC in tackles and 21st nationally.
ESPN NFL Draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay both believe McCarthy will be a third-rounder as Kiper has him going to Tampa Bay with pick No. 84 and McShay has him going to San Diego with pick No. 89.
Here are some other thoughts on McCarthy from experts and writers across the country…
ESPN (Insider) – A bit taller than the average ILB prospect but with prototypical bulk and above average top-end speed. Battled back from 2008 injury. Is a tireless worker in the weight room and film room. Gets to the ball carrier quicker than most ILB prospects and shows the ability to make plays outside of the tackle box.
Draft Countdown (Scott Wright) – “A four-year starter and team captain for the Hurricanes — Named 2nd Team All-ACC in 2009 — The next in a long line of top linebackers from “The U”, following in the footsteps of guys like Jessie Armstead, Michael Barrow, Darrin Smith, Ray Lewis, Nate Webster, Dan Morgan, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Rocky McIntosh, Jon Beason, Tavares Gooden and Darryl Sharpton — Could project to outside or inside linebacker at the next level — Talented enough to compete for a starting job and should at least be a nice backup and special teamer if healthy.”
Sideline Scouting – “Good height and weight, but could stand to add a little more upper-body bulk… Decent speed… Is a sure wrap-up tackler once he makes contact, get his arms are the ball carrier’s legs and does not let go… Makes a lot of second-effort plays, will get blocked and knocked down, but gets right back in to plays… Will take on lead blockers to free up other defenders beyond the line of scrimmage… Pretty good at keeping head on a swivel and scraping through heavy traffic to get to the ball… Is experienced at shooting gaps and pass rushing up the middle… Has some explosiveness through the line of scrimmage, can disrupt plays early in some situations… Good production when healthy (213 tackles, two forced fumbles and two interceptions the past two seasons combined)… Instincts and leadership are above average, intangibles may be biggest strength.”- 4th round projection to the Buccaneers
NFL Draft Geek – “Colin McCarthy is a workhorse who isn’t flashy, but gets the job done and will be productive.”- 4th round projection to the Eagles
A few other links to draft projections…
Mel Kiper (Insider) – 3rd round to Tampa Bay
McShay (Insider – 3rd round to San Diego
NFL Rough Draft – 5th round to Bills
NFL Draft 101 (Jared Counterman) – 3rd round to Philadelphia
Pro Football Huddle – 3rd round to the New York Giants
Check back in on Monday to see what people are saying about wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, who is expected to come off the board on either Thursday or Friday.
