Washington Redskins Draft Profiles: C.J. Mosley, ILB

C.J. Mosley

Inside Linebacker

Height: 6'2" Weight: 232 lbs

Alabama

Strengths: C.J. Mosley won the 2014 Butkus Award for best linebacker in the nation. His athleticism is what sets him apart. Mosley has prototypical movement skills, combining top-end speed, burst, fluid change of direction, and smooth lateral movement. He's a tackling machine who registered 107 and 108 total tackles in his last two years at Alabama. He excels in squaring-up and driving through his tackles. Mosley's high football IQ makes him a coach's dream, opening up the possibility to use him at any LB position. He's a three-down LB who has elite level pass coverage capabilities. He tied an Alabama school record for the most pick-6's in a career with 3. He finished his four years with 24 passes defended.

Weaknesses: Durability is a concern. He dislocated his elbow and hip in 2011 causing him to miss 2 games and part of the National Championship, respectively. He also underwent shoulder surgery following the 2012 season. Mosley is not a vocal leader, rather he chooses to lead by example. Vocal leadership may be something Haslett (a relatively quiet DC) will be looking for to replace the voice of London Fletcher. One technical weakness is his over-commitment against the Read-Option attack. He seems to quickly choose the QB or RB and shoots the gap. While he guesses right more than he guesses wrong, when he is wrong it often leads to big plays for the offense.

Bottom Line: His athleticism gives him the edge over former teammate Dont'a Hightower (Drafted 25th overall in 2012). Although not as effective as a pass rusher/ TFL guy as former Bama ILB Rolando McClain (Drafted 8th overall in 2010), Mosley posses versatility and tackling fundamentals that make him a comparable pro-prospect. He is highly unlikely to be on the board at #34 for the Redskins, but then again most of us thought Manti Te'o and Johnathan Cyprien would be 1st rounders last year too.

Projected Round: Mid-1st

Team He Best Fits On: Uh...the Washington Redskins. In reality though, a 3-4 defense would fit him best. Look for Tennessee, Baltimore, and Green Bay to be in the sweepstakes.

Highlight Reel: Favorite play is at 1:25. Gap shooting reminiscent of what London once was.

CJ Mosley Alabama Highlights ᴴᴰ (via Harris Highlights)