Another deep round prospect who has potential if we do not land what we are looking for early in our draft, is 7th round/UDFA Prospect, Nathan Stupar from Penn State. Undersized and a tad slow for an outside linebacker, he fits the mold for solid 4-3 Mike. Regardless of the shenanigans at Penn State, this place has been a NFL Linebacker factory. Although he would be another developmental guy, I would not mind bringing this guy in as we will most likely lose Stephen Tulloch with the Lions using their franchise tag today on Cliff Avril.

One thing I have noticed from game tape is that his pre-snap movements indicate he is very smart with his reads. I also noticed that he exhibits more ILB instincts post-snap. I see potential in him to develop into a starter using DeAndre Levy as our stop-gap Mike until this guy develops. Good size for an inside guy with great pre-snap judgements show me that this guy can make the on-field adjustments after a couple years.

Youtube Video:

Nathan Stupar Video

MEASUREABLES

Height: 6' 2

Weight: 245 lbs

40 Time: 4.78

Bench: 21 reps

Vertical Jump: 31 inches

Broad Jump: 9' 8"

3 Cone: 6.84 sec

20 Yard Shuttle: 4.28

Per NFL.com

STRENGTHS: Stupar has a high football IQ that is evident pre-snap and all the way through run plays. He can diagnose plays early and fill his gap with good overall athleticism. He has deceptive speed and can meet ball carriers at the edge. He has extensive special teams work which will cater to him being successful early on in the NFL. He comes from an NFL pedigree and wouldn't look out of place in an NFL locker room this year. He has value as a pass rusher and can work within a zone scheme to defend against the pass.

WEAKNESSES:

Stupar is undersized for the OLB position and can get engulfed by linemen at the second level and stonewalled at the point of attack. He will have a difficult time shedding blocks in the NFL and has limited starting experience at the position. He has a tendency to over-pursue, and at times can take poor angles to the ball. Stupar still looked like he was adapting to the position in his senior year