2014 NFL Draft: Scouts unsure what position Ryan Shazier will play in the NFL

Former Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier was one of the most athletic and versatile defenders in college football last season and after leaving Ohio State a season early to enter the 2014 NFL draft, the biggest question surrounding his draft stock is where he will line up at the next level.

According to NFL Media analyst Bucky Brooks, “Scouts are still undecided about the Ohio State linebacker’s ideal position at the next level. Shazier shows fantastic burst as an edge rusher and is an exceptional sideline-to-sideline player at the second level. He runs down ball carriers from the backside yet is instinctive enough to sort out run-pass plays in the backfield and fall back into pass coverage when necessary.”

Ohio State’s pro day is later this week on March 7 where Shazier will be put through a batter of drills to see if he’s best suited as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or a 4-3 or if he has the take-on skills necessary to play inside in either front.

Versatility is never a bad thing, in fact, it’s a great thing to have so look for Shazier to make a steady rise up draft boards if he shows well on Friday.