'Nfpdawg' called the other day for our New York Giants to take a look at Iowa middle linebacker Pat Angerer. So, let's do that ourselves as we continue our Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profiles.
There is a lot to like about Angerer as you consider players the Giants might take in the middle to late rounds.
He plays middle linebacker, a position of need for the Giants as we know. He is a solid tackler. He is a three-down linebacker with zone coverage ability. He is a guy who could be outstanding on coverage teams.
So, let's take a closer look at the Iowa senior.
Pat Angerer Scouting Reports
From Fantasy Football Toolbox.
Like many players coached by Kirk Ferentz, Angerer is a solid all around football player. Hawkeyes don't always look like stars, but NFL coaches know they know how to play the game. He's slightly undersized to play middle linebacker in the NFL, but makes up for this with great instincts. Angerer is one of those players who will find his way onto a team's roster one way or another. He is likely a fourth round selection, and would give a team a good young reserve (or possibly a starter) and likely an outstanding special teams contributor.
NFL Draft Scout sees Angerer as an underrated player.
One of the nation's top tacklers with 135 stops, Angerer flourished into a better college linebacker than anyone expected. Now the NFL is downplaying him, too, projecting him as no better than a fifth-round pick. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Angerer can get a little bigger, but he always seems to find his way around the ball.
From NEPatriotsDraft.com.
Angerer is a sure tackler with great instincts that will fall in the draft due to his size. Angerer fills holes incredibly well, and is able to shed blockers despite giving up 50+ pounds. Due to the Iowa defensive system (harldy any nickel/dime), Angerer rarely left the field in coverage, gaining great experience. Whichever NFL team gives him the chance, Angerer will make them happy.
Pros: Tackling, Motor, Instincts
Cons: Size
Verdict: 3rd-5th Round
From the National Football Post.
Angerer is very active inside the box. He isn't long-armed but displays a quick, compact punch which allows him to keep himself clean when working his way through traffic. He lacks ideal size and has a tendency to get washed out of plays away from his frame too easily, struggling to work sideline-to-sideline. Is the definition of a straight-line athlete, displays a good burst in pursuit and gets up to full speed quickly. Is a very sound tackler.
Possesses great instincts in the pass game and consistently gets good jumps on the ball by reading the quarterback's eyes. Displays natural ball skills and good hands when asked to go up and make a play on the ball. Overall, he's an instinctive, hard-nosed linebacker with impressive closing speed for the position. He lacks the ideal size, but he has a place in the NFL. Looks more like reserve middle linebacker/special teams guy than a starter.
Why Angerer fits with the Giants
He seems like a classic over-achiever. A guy who only needs a chance to show that he is better than people think. Obviously, no one is handing the middle linebacker job to Jonathan Goff, and Angerer might provide long-term competition. Besides which, I saw too many under-achieving Giants in 2009 -- including several linebackers. Plus, you can always find spots for solid players who are willing and able to make special teams contributions.
Why the Giants should pass
The Giants already have Chase Blackburn, and Angerer seems like the same type of player. Useful, but limited. A guy who you like having around, but you aren't thrilled about having to rely on. He's probably a decent choice if the Giants are just looking for depth and competition for Goff. If they are looking for an answer to their hunt for a dominant middle linebacker they better hope they find one long before Angerer is the best player available.