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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Nick Vigil, ILB

Hogs Haven takes a look at 2016 draft prospects who could contribute to the Redskins.

By Jason Bacaj
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Vigil
School: Utah State | Conference: Mountain West
College Experience: Junior | Age: 22
Height/Weight: 6’2" / 239 lbs
pSparq: 122.9 / NFL %: 58.3
Projected Draft Status: 3rd - 5th round
NFL Comparison: Chris Borland

College Statistics





Player Overview

Nick Vigil is a high production inside linebacker who — alongside projected first day pick Kyler Fackrell — dominated the Mountain West Conference. Vigil was named first team all-conference as a sophomore and junior, and led the conference with 144 tackles last season. It should be noted that in addition to playing 97 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, Vigil served as a situational runner and finished his USU career with 169 yards and 4 touchdowns on 47 carries.

Vigil has decent size at 6’2" and 240 lbs. His production and versatility on the field were bolstered by his combine performance. Vigil turned in a 4.72 second 40-yard dash, but what was more telling was that he recorded the fastest times in the three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. It reinforces what you see in the tape: he’s quick in space and doesn’t lose that quickness when changing direction. And it helps explain how he averaged almost 12 tackles per game, the fifth most in the country.


Strengths

  • Good instincts
  • Quick in space
  • Strong tackler

Weaknesses

  • Small frame. Scouts worry about whether he can withstand the grind of ILB.
  • Lacks speed over distance
  • Small conference

Let's take a look at his work and what people say about him:




How He’d Fit on the Redskins

Vigil would be a good fit on Washington. The team is thin almost everywhere on defense, especially at middle linebacker. But beyond positional depth, Vigil’s speed and instincts make it seem safe to say he’ll be a solid contributor on special teams. It takes a certain kind of person to enjoy and excel at special teams. Scot McCloughan values those types of people.

A major factor as to the duration or success of Vigil's career is whether he can handle about 15 to 20 extra pounds without becoming injury prone. ILB isn’t a highly valued position and who knows whether Vigil will become more than a special teams contributor. But he’s a hard-nosed athletic player who’s passionate about the game. I’d be willing to bet he’s on McC’s radar.


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