Detroit Lions Draft 2016: Adding a ‘Money Linebacker’
By Erik Schlitt
Kavon Frazier, Central Michigan, Free Safety
Frazier played out of position at CMU, roaming deep in the secondary. Frazier was used as a last line of defense in the Chippewa’s system and it’s resulted in him flying under the radar in this draft class.
Kavon Frazier is better than advertised, was miscast by CMU in a deep roaming/cover role. He's an attacking SS. https://t.co/rkcfFhDXGV
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) April 13, 2016
@erikschlitt I think that might be his ticket, the hybrid S/SLB role
— Jeff Risdon (@JeffRisdon) April 13, 2016
Jeff Risdon backs up what I saw on tape, Frazier fits perfectly in the mold of a money linebacker. Like Killebrew and Brown, he fits the Bucannon metric very well, just missing in the 10-yard split and short shuttle. His explosion numbers are great highlighted by a 40.5” vertical jump. His SPARQ percentage is 76.3%, very high for an underrated player.
On tape, he shows all the skills you’d want in a developing money linebacker. He plays downhill, he attacks the ball, and he can deliver pad popping tackles. He has good instincts and awareness when tracking the ball or player in coverage.
Frazier still has some developing to do but he has as much potential as any other player on this list. Like Brown if the Lions draft him, he will be used in a limited role early in his career with the potential to develop into a starter down the road. This need for team patience will likely have teams considering drafting him in the fifth or sixth rounds. The Lions attended his pro day and he seems firmly on their radar.
If you’d like to know more about the players I’ve identified as potential fits for the Detroit Lions, check out the following links:
Next: Lions Draft 2016: Defensive Back Metrics