The Draft is still a few months away, but the combine has wrapped up, and Free Agency will be upon us – and then it’s all Draft talk wall to wall. One name that I keeps popping up is Arizona Linebacker Scooby Wright III.
Many of the best sportsbooks around the world are saying Wright is in some ways comparable to one of the Miami Dolphins all time greats, Zach Thomas. Wright has a very similar build at 6’1”, 246 pounds, the same non-stop motor, and work ethic as Thomas. But, if Miami decides to draft him, can he be the Dolphins middle linebacker for the next decade, much less an NFL great.
Wright is predicted by many to be drafted in the the 2nd or 3rd round – some even say after his combine showing even lower. One of the biggest challenges is that he played in only 3 games last season because of knee and foot injuries. However, he was medically cleared at the combine this past weekend, and his tape from his 2014 season gives alot of credence that he can lay in this league. Some point out though that his tremendous 2014 season was a product of playing down hill and not play recognition, and that many of his tackles came downfield.
Yet, it’s hard to simply dismiss a 2014 season that ranks as one of the best defensive seasons in NCAA history. He won the the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Rotary Lombardi Award and the Chuck Bednarik Award, which are all given to the nation’s top defender, and he also finished 9th in the Heisman voting. In regards to statistics, he put up video game type numbers, with his 163 tackles, 29 tackles for a loss, 14 sacks and 6 forced fumbles. And while context might be a knock, those are some amazing statistics.
Wright played extremely well against the run as a middle linebacker and was even lined up many times as a defensive end, providing excellent pass rushing ability. The question, especially in the new NFL, is his pass coverage. While his Pro Day workout will further shape his stock, it seems every year someone is equated to be the “next” Zach Thomas. Last year it was Hull. But, Scooby has defied the odds in the past and while Zach Thomas are gigantic shoes to fill – I’d take half of Zach with a 3rd or 4th round pick. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts about drafting Scooby Wright?
