Five linebackers entered the draft between 2019 & 2021 with a 90+ athleticism score and 80+ overall score. All five were first-rounders: Devin White, Isaiah Simmons, Devin Bush, Jamin Davis & Kenneth Murray. Chenal & Channing Tindall are the two qualifiers from this year's class.
I had kinda dismissed the idea of picking Chenal all together. Because I assumed he'd be gone in the second and was somewhat redundant with our current starters. But good pick if spags has a plan to use him. [Reply]
(From Dane Brugler’s top 300 abbreviated write up):
58. Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin (6-3, 250)
Chenal has outstanding eyes, aggressive flow and feel for run-blocking development, which allows him to play ahead of climbing blocks and pile up tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage. Though he has the range to hold up in coverage, his questionable fluidity and ball skills are a cause for concern. Overall, Chenal has room to grow as both a cover man and blitzer, but he has exceptional run instincts with above average key-and-diagnose skills and contact balance downhill. He compares favorably to Jordyn Brooks as a prospect. [Reply]
36. LB LEO CHENAL, WISCONSIN
Chenal is going to thrive in man blitz-heavy schemes. He packs a punch as a downhill player, as he can light up offensive linemen with ease. His 94.1 run-defense grade wasn't too far behind Micah Parsons‘ (94.8) PFF college record. [Reply]
First pick I've been underwhelmed by. But as a Badger fan, it's probably coming from the same place when Mizzou fans hate on their own
How DARE YOU!? Retract this statement immediately even though it is too late and you will be hated forever for implying that this pick was not perfect. DAMN YOU! [Reply]