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The subject of today's Daily NFL Draft Prospect Profile is a player a few of you have asked me to look at.
That would be Jamar Chaney, a middle linebacker from Mississippi State. He is a versatile player who has experience inside and outside, played well in the Senior Bowl and ran a 4.54 40 at the Combine, the fastest time among all inside linebackers.
I would think we can add his name to the long list of linebackers who might be worth a middle to late-round pick for our New York Giants.
So, let's take a closer look.
Jamar Chaney Scouting Reports
From Fantasy Football Toolbox.
A versatile linebacker who can play inside and outside, Chaney has good size at 6'1'' and 240 pounds. He has been clocked as fast as 4.52 in the 40-yard dash, although he generally runs a 4.60. Chaney is quick, agile, and after starting his collegiate career on the outside, he moved to middle linebacker for his last two years. While the injury history is a bit of a concern, Chaney all but put those questions to rest thanks to his bounce-back performance in 2009. He also greatly enhanced his draft stock; perhaps an eventual undrafted free agent had he failed to secure a medical redshirt, Chaney can now be expected to go off the board somewhere in rounds four and five in the 2010 NFL Draft.
From ESPN.
Has good size and enough overall strength to stack and shed. He also shows adequate toughness and plays with a great motor. ... Very good overall range. Is quick and fast for his size. Can play sideline to sideline when protected. Only issue is that he needs to do a better job of disengaging from blocks in order to maximize his range versus the run. ... Will struggle to fill in short-yardage situations. Not a thumper. ... Very fast for his size. Good agility. Excellent range in zone coverage. Gets a very deep drop. Ball skills need some improving. Struggles a bit to find the ball in the air. Doesn't have a lot of experience as a pass rusher but has potential in that area because of outstanding closing burst.
From NFL Draft Site.
Experienced and versatile - played OLB and ILB in college. Senior Bowl defensive MVP. Workout warrior. Excellent size and speed - runs in the 4.6's. Quick and agile. Doesn't shed blocks well. Not a big hitter and tends to tackle high. Durability concerns - missed '08 with a broken leg.
Why Chaney fits the Giants
Because the Giants need help at linebacker. We know they need to at least bring in competition for Jonathan Goff in the middle. And a little competition on the outside for Bryan Kehl and Gerris Wilkinson is a good idea, as well. Chaney is a guy whose stock appears to be rising, and he might fit in either of those categories.
Why the Giants should pass
Well, if the Giants manage to snag a middle linebacker in the first or second round a Chaney pick might be redundant. And, if they want an outside linebacker there are probably other more natural players on the outside they might look at.
(E-mail Ed at bigblueview@gmail.com. Follow Big Blue View on Twitter.)