2021 NFL Draft diary: Charles Snowden is in demand
Former University of Virginia linebacker Charles Snowden is a tantalizing prospect who, getting healthier, has the attention of many NFL teams.
The NFL Draft isn’t only about height, weight and traits. It’s about obstacles and handling oneself well under pressure.
For Charles Snowden, he hasn’t had the typical draft journey (which we began with him in February). Snowden, 22, sustained a broken right ankle in November, ending his senior season. At the Senior Bowl in January, he couldn’t partake in on-field drills.
Come Wednesday, his Virginia Cavaliers will do their pro day, but Snowden, despite significant progress, will be limited to the bench press.
“It’s doing really well,” Snowden said of his injury. “Everything is ahead of schedule. … I can run, jump, cut and do all that stuff outside. It’s about contact absorption but every day it’s getting better and better.”
Although the injury has been an impediment, it’s not slowing NFL interest. Approximately half of the NFL’s teams have enjoyed meetings with Snowden since all 32 met with him at the Senior Bowl. The latest round includes the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings and myriad others.
“It’s been interesting, I can see and get a glance at how different teams operate, what their cultures are like,” Snowden said. “It’s not as intimidating or high pressure as they were at first. I’m a veteran at this and I know what I’m doing, but when an NFL team reaches out to me, I’m still like whoa.”
Talking to league sources, Snowden is seen as a mid-round pick with ample upside due to the athleticism and versatility he put on tape with Virginia. While he won’t be running at the pro day, Snowden tells FanSided he ran a laser-timed 40-yard dash last summer at 4.5 flat while weighing 247 pounds. Considering he’s 6-foot-7 and plans to weigh 250 pounds by OTAs — which he plans to participate in — he’s one of the better athletes at linebacker entering the draft.
“I definitely think my number one ability is using my length, my speed and football IQ to make plays,” Snowden stated. “My athleticism allows me to do that in space, knowing where they’re going, but my length and strength helps me shed blocks and make plays in the box as well.”
One plugged-in league source believes Snowden projects as a coverage backer with some pass-rush juice off the edge. There’s also the added benefit of special teams, where Snowden’s height and athletic ability could prove valuable on return and block units.
However, the same source worries about Snowden’s ability to get stronger and handling the rigors of NFL contact on a weekly basis. This is something the Maryland native has heard, and he has a unique answer.
“I tell them, one, I agree, and two, that I’m more than capable to get that size and strength,” Snowden said. “I’ve put on a good amount of size every year since UVA, and I’ve played bigger and stronger. I see that trend continuing as I go to the NFL. I’ll be fully capable and fully ready when they need me to be.”
With six weeks until the NFL Draft, Snowden is beginning to formulate plans for the special weekend. He’ll be home with loved ones, watching every pick. He’s paying special attention to former Virginia teammates in receiver Terrell Jana and fellow linebacker Zane Zandier, along with current roommate Kenny Yeboah, a standout tight end hailing from Ole Miss.
His parents are also gearing up for Snowden’s future, with his mother reading football books to provide pointers and his father offering the advice of self-confidence.
In less than two months, Snowden’s life will change dramatically. He’ll be selected by an NFL team, relocated to their city and immediately tossed into the proverbial deep end. All at an age when most of us worked at Foot Locker.
“At times, it’s extremely overwhelming, just kind of anxious,” Snowden said. “Starting in a new city, a brand new life, and I have no control over which city it is. But I’m super grateful to be in this position, super excited for the opportunity. … I’m just trying my best to show teams who I am, and that I’m the right guy.”
Six weeks. Until then, more meetings, more rehab, more mental reps.
The NFL Draft isn’t just traits. It’s a mentality. Snowden is perfectly equipped to handle it all.