2021 NFL Draft: 4 day-three steals at linebacker

Charles Snowden, Virginia

Snowden developed into a solid contributor for Virginia across his career. He leaves the Cavaliers with 191 tackles and 15 sacks.

At 6’6, 232 pounds, Snowden’s athletic ability is pretty good for a guy his size. Unfortunately, he does still need to add some size as he’s thinner than he is bigger. Also, as we’ve seen with guys his size before, his legs are a major target for blockers to look to take out to eliminate him from the play.

His 2020 season was ended by a fractured ankle that did require surgery, which is definitely going to be a concern to scouts. That doesn’t bode well for Snowden, considering we’ve already mentioned that blockers will go low on him.

He didn’t stuff the stat sheet as Fisher or Fields did, but Snowden is a smart player who is good at reading the quarterback’s eyes and doesn’t fall for fakes very often.

He has good speed for a guy his size, which keeps him in plays that even some smaller guys would be out of. He’s good at rushing off the edge as well, which is a potential place that he can excel in the right scheme.

Saying Snowden is still “raw” isn’t accurate, but it’s also not that far off base. He’s still developing, which will appeal to teams at the next level. He’s a player that scouts will fall in love with, but drafting Snowden too early might not be a great idea. Anything on day three would be a steal, but anything earlier would be a very risky pick.