LB Next – Steelers Take UCLA Linebacker Davis in Round Three

The Steelers 2008 Draft continued on Sunday, as the team took UCLA outside linebacker Bruce Davis, who is 6-2, 252 pounds and runs a 4.78.  Bell will add depth to the linebacker spot, and if he can prove his worth, can earn playing time and possibly a spot in the teams nickel and dime defenses.

Here is Scouts Inc. take on Bell:

Strengths: Quick, anticipates snap counts well and can make plays in the backfield. Reads keys fairly well and flashes the ability to locate the ball carrier quickly. Though hasn’t shown great power at the point of attack is tough, hands are active and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Has long arms and big hands. Takes sound angles to the ball, works form snap until whistle and has above-average range. Has the athletic ability to sift through traffic quickly and makes plays in pursuit. Moves well laterally and runs line stunts well. Gets good inside lean cutting down the angle to the quarterback, flashes an effective rip move and is a relentless pass rusher. Times jumps well and gets hands up when isn’t going to get to the quarterback. Does an excellent job of slowing tight ends down at the line of scrimmage, has experience lining up at linebacker and has experience dropping into coverage. Wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler.

Weaknesses: Plays far too high, lacks ideal lower body strength and struggles to anchor when teams run at him. While he has the quick feet to develop an arsenal of pass rush moves, he doesn’t force offensive linemen to redirect enough and frequently goes right into moves before setting the blocker up. Doesn’t have the power to consistently collapse the pocket and can be neutralized when doesn’t win with first step. Lacks elite top-end speed and will not be as successful turning the corner at the NFL level.

Overall: Davis arrived at UCLA in 2003 and redshirted his first year. Over his first three active seasons (2004-’06), he appeared in 37 games and recorded 92 tackles (27 for losses) and 17 sacks. As a senior in 2007, he started all 13 games and finished the season with 47 tackles (17.5 for losses), 12.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups. Davis played defensive end for the Bruins, save for a brief stay at outside linebacker in 2005, before injuries forced a move back to the line. Davis struggles when teams pound the ball at him and he lacks ideal closing speed but there’s a lot to like about his upside. He has the athletic ability to develop into a productive pass rusher in any scheme and the tenacity to develop into an every-down outside linebacker in a 3-4-scheme.