2010 NFL Draft Player Profile: Pat Angerer 

Pat Angerer (Iowa)

Height: 6-0 Weight: 235

40 Time: 4.52

Like other athletes out of Iowa, the key to judging Angerer is not in physical tangibles but by fundamentals of the game. His overall high football IQ and awareness is what will inevitably propel Angerer to a starting position in the NFL.

After battling a number of injuries and nagging problems in his sophomore year (mononucleosis, shoulder and groin injuries), Angerer posted up big numbers in ’08 and even better numbers in ’09. He ended his senior campaign with 145 tackles, a sack, an interception and two forced fumbles.

A little undersized by scouting standards, Angerer depends more on speed and instincts than dominating size. Rather than rush to the ball like other linebackers, the former Hawkeye does well to stay home and read the play, rushing to the ball carrier and providing more than adequate coverage in open space.

In run defense, Angerer has excellent lateral speed and he uses it to take great angles at the runner. At times, he lacks the necessary body control to redirect his routes against cutback lanes and faster backs.

He doesn’t get through the trash at the line as well as others, but if he has a good nose tackle to engage the inside blocks, he can get through and wreak havoc on the opposing backfield.

In pass coverage, Angerer has the upper hand on his April counterparts. He has a low, tight backpedal and gets back to the first down marker quickly, disrupting the pass and making difficult catches like a cornerback. He bites prematurely on play action at times but has the speed to make up for it.

Blitzing isn’t Angerer’s forte, but that’s mostly due to the fact that he wasn’t asked to blitz often in Iowa’s defensive scheme. When given the opportunity, though, he has the straight-line speed to reach the quarterback and the explosiveness to get off the line quickly.

Again, Angerers’ lack of elite size keeps his tackling ability at a minimum, but he has a strong motor and can bust through blocks to get to the ball carrier. He is an efficient catch-and-drag tackler but will need to improve his wrap-up technique in order to be effective at the next level.

He is a leader on and off the field. A defensive captain in ’09, Angerer can contribute immediately on special teams and, with time, could be very effective as a weak side inside linebacker in the NFL.

Look for a team like Baltimore to add youth to their defense by acquiring Angerer in a early-mid round. His understanding of the game will allow him to easily assimilate to the Ravens’ read and react style of defense. Plus, he has one of the league’s greatest middle linebackers in Ray Lewis to guide him through his younger years.