2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Colin McCarthy 

The former All-State linebacker himself, Colin McCarthy made a splash immediately with the Miami Hurricanes. He received playing time as a freshman on special teams and even a few plays as a SAM linebacker. McCarthy showed off his versatility as a senior by switching to the middle of the defense after spending 35 games at SAM. 

McCarthy’s sideline to sideline ability has really caught the eye of quite a few NFL scouts as he looks to be one of the first linebackers taken in the 2011 NFL Draft

Player Name: Colin McCarthy

Position: Inside Linebacker

School: Miami (Fl.)

Height: 6’1

Weight: 238

40 Time: 4.64

Strengths

Few players have risen up draft boards quite as much as Colin McCarthy. McCarthy is a smart linebacker with excellent intangibles. His ability to read and react is excellent, and he does a nice job of filling the correct gap against the run. He’s a wrap up tackler who uses exceptional form, and doesn’t miss often. McCarthy could likely play either weak side outside linebacker or in the middle in a 4-3 defense. He is a solid cover athlete, and has the speed to stick with running backs and tight ends.

Weaknesses

McCarthy needs to bulk up just a bit, and get stronger when shedding blocks. He takes bad angles at times, and doesn’t move real well in traffic. He’s not a natural pass rusher, and it’s unlikely he’ll be asked to rush the passer from the inside much as it is. He’s not overly athletic, but still plays well sideline to sideline. McCarthy is likely restricted to the 4-3 defense, as he would get bullied playing inside in a 3-4, and he’s not a pass rusher on the outside.

Draft Range

There are quite a few linebackers moving up, and McCarthy’s range seems to lie around the 60-80 range. Look for a team like Cleveland, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, or Detroit to try and get their hands on him in the late second-early third round.

NFL Comparison: Desmond Bishop