Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Senior Bowl Linebacker Prospects to Watch

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 08: Linebacker Troy Dye #35 of the Oregon Ducks celebrates after sacking quarterback Jake Browning of the Washington Huskies on October 8, 2016 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. The Huskies defeated the Ducks 70-21. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

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CORVALLIS, OR – OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Evan Weaver #89 of the California Golden Bears celebrates a tackle during the first half of the game against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Corvallis, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

One of the most underrated players entering the pre-draft process is Evan Weaver from Cal. The 6’3″, 235 pound thumper has the kind of resume that defensive coordinators dream about.

Over the course of his college career, he recorded over 400 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 11 pass breakups. It’s rare to get that kind of production in every aspect of the game from one prospect.

https://twitter.com/Pac12Network/status/1056348708231512068

The Washington native is often overlooked due to what some view as a lack of explosiveness that leads to limitations in coverage. Still, in the clip above via @Pac12Network it’s easy to see that he has more than enough athleticism to hold his own.

Don’t be surprised if the Bengals coaching staff falls in love with Weaver and makes it a priority to select him. As a former team captain with an endless motor and passion for the game, he’s exactly the kind of guy Zac Taylor preaches he wants to build his team’s culture around.

Right now, the national honors candidate is projected to go somewhere in rounds 3-5. It’s very possible that the Bengals pull the trigger in the third round to ensure they get him, much like they did a few years ago with Nick Vigil.

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