Green Bay Packers draft: Third round players to watch at the NFL Scouting Combine
By Kyle Fellows
Yawin Smallwood, Inside Linebacker, Connecticut
This Connecticut prospect possesses a lot that NFL teams want in an inside linebacker. He is an above average tackler. His speed is good, but not great. However, he plays really fast. He seems to grasp the mental aspect of the game and is really good in play recognition. He is also good in space.
The Packers will be looking to upgrade at the linebacker position and Smallwood’s equal competency against the run and the pass could make him a prime candidate for Green Bay.
Connecticut Huskies linebacker Yawin Smallwood (33) forces the fumble as he sacks Michigan Wolverines quarterback Devin Gardner (98). David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports photograph
Combine Watch: Smallwood is not the biggest guy in the world. He could have a hard time being a middle linebacker in a 4-3 scheme. His weight has been reported as low as 230 and as high as 246. If he comes in at 245 it could really help him.
He’s not thought to be overly fast. A 4.6 would be a phenomenal showing. A really good performance at the combine could actually push him higher than the Packers third round selection.
If he is available when they pick, he could be a great steal for a Green Bay team that is looking for more productivity out of their linebackers in 2014.