Pete Werner is next on our list of Ohio State football players entered in the 2021 NFL draft to scout. Werner played multiple positions for the Buckeyes, and while he may not get the recognition of Baron Browning, he is a solid linebacker prospect with eventual three-down value.
At the next level, Werner would thrive as a SAM linebacker in a 3-4 system, but he provides flexibility to play the WILL in a 4-3 system. What Werner does well is shoot gaps and get to the ball. He is not necessarily a big sideline-to-sideline linebacker, but wouldn’t be a liability if asked to do so given his underrated speed.
NEXT .. The pros of Pete Werner
The positives of drafting Pete Werner
Pete Werner-LB-Ohio State has what it takes to be a top tier MLB in the #NFL His instincts and nose for the ball has him all over the field making plays. He’s the kind of guy that’ll make you wonder how he wasn’t drafted earlier. Strong against both run and pass plays. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Ai9uLoQwGK
— Hunter Wells-Kimbley (@NFL_Future_GM) February 3, 2021
Werner is a solid linebacker who should probably go earlier in the draft than he probably will. Against the run is where you turn on the tape and see everything Werner can do. He can shoot a gap, track the ball carrier, use his length and make the tackle. As a blitzer, Werner uses many of the same abilities when the gap opens and will surprise the offensive line with his speed and agility.
Getting through traffic, Werner has good agility and can flip his hips well to change direction. His reach is really surprising, and when he hits someone, it is rare they break his tackle. He has the ability to cover in short zone against the pass and can keep track of most receivers he is matched up again.
The cons to Pete Werner…
The cons to picking Pete Werner…
Overpursuit, thy name is Pete Werner
— aBrownsFan (@aBrownsFan1) January 27, 2021
As good as Werner is against the run, and as good as he is in the short zone, there are times his eyes and processing get the worst of him. At times in coverage, Werner will bite on the quarterback’s eyes and make the wrong read. He has tried to over-read and guess instead of playing his assignment, which has left the middle open. Every once in a while, this causes him to have issues against the run if the gap doesn’t open quickly enough.
In coverage, Werner can hold his own in zone. While he has good speed and agility, he can get out of position in man coverage trying to look into the backfield. His desire to make a play will sometimes lead him to overpursue and have to double back on a single cut.
Werner has the ability to become a three-down linebacker at the next level and should immediately find a role to include being a special teams ace. He will probably go somewhere in the third or fourth round, but should probably go a little higher. If he can learn to recognize the play a little better, he will be a great addition to any team.
A team could get extremely good value for Werner.
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