Dejuan Tribble
CB / Sr.
Boston College
5' 9'' / 190 lbs.

POSITIVES

The best way to describe Willis is he's the best inside linebacker in the nation. Willis is a great sideline to sideline player, always seems to be able to get to the football, and is a sure tackler. He's explosive in run defense, and appears to show great versatility. His strength is as a tackler, amassing 128 tackles last season, and 5 games with double digit tackles. Willis is an experienced player, and the undisputed leader of the defense, and his leadership and maturity is a valuable asset.

NEGATIVES

Willis lacks ideal size, and could stand to bulk up a little. If he were shorter, it wouldn't matter, but at 6-2, he looks a little lanky out there. Although he's an adequate player in coverage, and does an OK job in blitzing, he does need to improve in both areas, particularly his timing on blitzes. A player as fast and athletic as Willis should have more than 3 sacks. Willis has also been a little nicked up, part of last season, and even this spring, so it's something to track.

FINAL WORD

Willis is one of the five or six best defensive players in the country, and will be on the short list for many pre-season awards. He isn't the most well-rounded player, with run support and tackling far and away his strength, but there's nothing to say he can't get much better as a pass rusher as well. His coverage is OK and probably won't get much better, but all in all, Willis is an explosive playmaker, a leader, and a good kid. If he can repeat last season, and even do better, being healthy, he's a sure first round pick.