Mar
22
2010
 |
Eric Norwood
|
Non-position specific categories
Category |
Max. Value |
Grade |
| Height/Weight | 6 | 4 |
| Speed | 8 | 6 |
| Quickness/Agility | 10 | 7.5 |
| Strength/Explosion | 10 | 8 |
| Athletic Ability | 8 | 6.5 |
| Durability | 8 | 7 |
| Character | 6 | 4.5 |
| Production/Experience | 6 | 5.5 |
| Toughness | 8 | 5.5 |
| Potential | 10 | 8 |
Linebacker Specific Categories
Category |
Max. Value |
Grade |
| Run Stopping | 8 | 4 |
| Coverage | 8 | 6 |
| Pass Rushing | 8 | 6.5 |
| Tackling | 8 | 5.5 |
| Instincts | 8 | 6.5 |
| Hips/Lateral Movement | 8 | 6 |
Strengths
Norwood is a long time starter for the Gamecocks and made more than 35 consecutive starts to end his career. He was extremely productive and made a lot of big plays over his college career. He lined up at several different positions in every game; they included OLB, ILB, and right DE in South Carolina’s 4-3 base defense. He is a great speed pass rusher and he’s got a few effective moves. Very instinctive and always seems to be around the ball. Showed the ability to work through trash and fight off blockers, albeit sometimes with quickness rather than strength. Very quick, strong hands with a good punch. He’s got a great first step off the line of scrimmage. Could fit in a 3-4 of 3-4 scheme because he’s so versatile.
Weaknesses
Only average size for a linebacker and he won’t wow you with any measurables. He may not have a true fit, but that’s not always a bad thing. His motor isn’t as great as you’d like to see, he didn’t run through the end of every play. He needs to work on wrapping up and tackling the torso; he uses his shoulders and hands too much. He’s only average in coverage, but he’s got the athletic ability and instincts to fix that. Overruns some plays and may think too much about where the play is going rather than just flowing to the ball.
Analysis
Norwood is a very productive player with a lot of experience from a competitive conference (SEC). At the least, he should be an average starter but he could be a star in the league. His average size and lack of a true position at the next level may drop him down some boards, but he will make some team very happy.
Experience
Norwood is a three year starter at South Carolina.
Awards and Honors
2009: AP 1st team All-American. 1st team All-SEC.
2008: 1st team All-SEC.
2007: 1st team All-SEC.
2006: 1st team Freshman All-American.
Academics
Unknown major at South Carolina.
Injuries
No history of injuries.
| Year | Tack | Solo | Asst | Sack | FF | Int | TD |
| 2009 | 81 | 54 | 27 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| 2008 | 75 | 49 | 26 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | 68 | 44 | 26 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 | 30 | 19 | 11 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Disagree with our scouting report? Think we’ve left something out? Maybe you’ve seen something we just haven’t. That’s okay! Leave your own scouting report using the comments feature at the bottom of the page. We at Draft Breakdown value your opinion and we’d love to hear it. This feature is available on all of our scouting reports, articles and blogs. Help keep Draft Breakdown a one stop shop for all your NFL Draft needs!
Rob Engle
Rob Engle scouted privately starting in 2004. Rob participated in an internship with the Baltimore Ravens scouting department and is continuing his professional career by attending Miami University (Ohio) to obtain a degree in Strategic Communication. Rob is also a member of the Football Writers Association of America.
Follow Rob on Twitter @RobEngleScout. See all posts for Rob Engle
Pingback: ProDraftParty.com | LB Eric Norwood Scouting Report