Roddrick Muckelroy Position: LB School: Texas Height: 6’1 3/4" Weight: 246 lbs Class: Senior 40 time: 4.77 Overall Grade: 6.03 Draft Projection: 2nd/3rd Round Fringe

Non-position specific categories

Linebacker Specific Categories

Strengths

Instinctive linebacker that can sniff out run plays, specifically draws and screens. When he gets square with the ball carrier, he can deliver a nice pop. Effective open field tackler when in position. Flows well to the outside, showing good lateral movement. Quick to fill the hole when he diagnoses a run play. Adequate strength and short distance quickness. Aggressive and not afraid to take on a ball carrier or lead blocker head on. Good balance and body control. Does a decent job in zone coverage and knows how to read the QBs eyes. Better suited for a zone coverage scheme. While he’s listed as an outside linebacker, Texas lined him up in the middle of the field a good amount of the time. A smart player that knows how to read his keys and identify blocking schemes. Was a leader on the Texas defense.

Weaknesses

Not as strong as you’d like for a linebacker. Can be slow to get to the outside and doesn’t have ideal straight line speed. Has some trouble getting off blocks, especially from bigger, stronger lineman. Limited experience as a pass rusher. Doesn’t match up well in coverage with quicker backs and tight ends. Was able to get by on his average physical skill set with above average instincts and smarts.

Analysis

Muckelroy is a very instinctive linebacker but that might not be enough at the next level. His physical skill set limits his play abilities and he’ll need to develop further to be a success in the NFL. Needs to get stronger and learn how to get off blocks more efficiently. Has some versatility with the defensive schemes he played at Texas. Not strong enough to play as a Mike backer in a 4-3. Should fit in as a weak side linebacker in a 4-3 or possibly inside in a 3-4 defense if he can develop his strength. His football smarts and instincts will land him on an NFL team may be the type of guy that just needs a chance to play to prove himself. Should be a nice pick up for a team no earlier than the bottom of round 2, but more likely an early third round prospect.

Experience

Started 29 games and played in 40 games while at Texas. Full time starter in junior and senior seasons.

Awards and Honors

2009: Second-team All-Big 12 by The Associated Press, league’s coaches
2008: Second-team All-Big 12 by The Associated Press. Honorable mention All-Big 12 by the league’s coaches
2007: n/a
2006: n/a

Academics

Corporate Communications major at Texas.

Bloodlines

Brother Kendrick played LB at Kilgore Junior College and cousin Joe King, played OL at Oklahoma State (1988-90) and in the NFL with Cincinnati (1991), Cleveland (1991) and Tampa Bay (1992-93).

Injuries

Ruptured tendon in right ring finger ended his freshman season after starting first three games. Missed one game in 2007 and one in 2009 with injuries.