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LB Carmen Messina (New Mexico) - Undrafted Free Agent
Former New Mexico Lobo Carmen Messina is the second undrafted linebacker we are taking a look at with a scouting report. We profiled Ronnie Sneed on Saturday, and now it's time to take a look at Messina, who put up some big numbers in college.
Experts' Opinions
A tightly wound linebacker prospect who showcases a stronger looking lower half. Possesses some obvious stiffness in his hips when asked to drop off into contact. Doesn't' generate a ton of depth off the line of scrimmage. Pops upright and has a tough time keeping his base down and cleanly changing directions. Too often he needs to collect himself and even then lacks much of a first step to close off his frame. Demonstrates a solid feel in zone coverage, but doesn't cover a ton of ground and isn't a guy who can quickly re-direct and hold his own in man down the seam or out of a receivers breaks.
Stats
2008: 37 tackles, 1 sack, 2 FF
2009: 163 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 FF, 1 INT
2010: 115 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 2 FF
2011: 142 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 FF, 1 INT
Videos
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Outlook for 2012
Much like Sneed, Messina faces an uphill battle in making the 53-man roster due to how many linebackers are on the team. If he has a good training camp and performs well on special teams, he could potentially earn a spot on the roster, but it's more likely that he ends up on the practice squad if the Lions decide to keep him around.
More scouting reports: Riley Reiff, Ryan Broyles, Dwight "Bill" Bentley, Ronnell Lewis, Tahir Whitehead, Chris Greenwood, Jonte Green, Travis Lewis, Kellen Moore, Stephfon Green, Troy Burrell, Patrick Edwards, Jared Karstetter, Wallace Miles, Alex Gottlieb, Austin Wells, Quinn Barham, Rodney Austin, Pat Boyle, J.C. Oram, Edmon McClam, Michael Cosgrove, Ronnie Sneed
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