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Washington Redskins 2016 Draft Profiles: Joe Schobert, LB

Hogs Haven takes a look at NFL draft prospects and how they would contribute to the Redskins.

By Gabe Ward
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Schobert, LB
School: Wisconsin | Conference: BIG 10
College Experience: Senior | Age: 22? 23?
Height / Weight: 6-1 / 244 lbs
Projected Draft Status: 3rd Round
NFL Comparison: Sean Lee

College Statistics


Player Overview

Joe Schobert walked onto Wisconsin's football program and quickly proved to coached he was more than your typical walk-on recruit. He worked his way into being a larger part of the defense until he eventually won the starting job his Junior year. Schobert is used to doubters. His entire career people have said he isn't tall enough, fast enough, strong enough, long enough, or big enough. He proves those people wrong and then some with his ascending play and breakout Senior season against formidable opposition. Schobert was named a team captain his senior season. Despite not having prototypical measurables for an OLB prospect in the NFL Schobert uses his smarts, vision, quickness, and technique to consistently win off the edge. He has been described as "slippery" as he can bend the edge with such efficiency offensive lineman are forced to compromise their technique and leverage to try and stop him. 

I believe Schobert can play OLB in the NFL in either a 4-3 or 3-4 base. Others cite concerns about his size (especially if he plays in a 3-4) and think he should be moved inside. I consider his one of the more versatile LB's in this draft and think he wouldn't have a problem generating a pass rush or dropping back in coverage at either LB position in either scheme.

Strengths

  • Excellent awareness and vision. Rarely loses sight of the ball or gets tricked. Very disciplined and true in his movements.
  • Plays with great technique off the edge. Can win the leverage battle against much bigger offensive lineman. Bends the edge with fluidity and plays with active hands.
  • Can stick with and control TE's in coverage, plays sticky and is a pest. With 10 passes defended in his career he has the production to back it up as well.
  • Though a starter at OLB his nose for the ball was so good he was used as a cover guy on special teams kick offs as well.
  • Excellent motor and effort.

Weaknesses

  • Considered undersized an average athlete and lacks length NFL teams like to see in edge rushers.
  • Struggles to wrap up sometimes needs to improve tackling technique and convert some power in his hits.
  • Needs to improve functional strength in the NFL. Can be moved off his spot if he doesn't win with his initial quickness


Let's see his work: 



Combine Results

How He Would Fit on the Redskins

With the move of Trent Murphy to DE and release of Jackson Jeffcoat I think the Redskins have room for another 3-4 OLB on the roster. They need not take one early this year with a player like Schobert potentially being available. Though some cite concerns about his effectiveness off the edge in a 3-4 he convinced me he could still make major impacts as an OLB from his production in college. I think he may have to add a bit of functional strength as he is a bit undersized for the edge but he definitely has the instincts, speed, quickness, and hands to make a difference. If he doesn't work out there the Redskins could breathe a sigh of relief as some experts project him moving inside in a 3-4 where he could also make a difference. 

Schobert is one of those players that may not test well compared to the upper echelon of athletes that are coming into the NFL but he has always found a way to get things done. His ability to line up in several spots certainly boosts his value and he's proven he is still a factor against some of the top offensive lines in the country. Schobert is a player most fans won't have heard of but they'll be hearing his name on Sundays soon enough.

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