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If Blackburn is out Klein will start per Rivera.

Dex

By Dex,
in Carolina Panthers

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rayzor Grand Master

rayzor

Posted
Posted

over/under 4.5 adjectives "high motor" and "instinctive" used to describe AJ?  I'm taking the over.

 

 

 

Klein is the type of intense, instinctive defender all coaches want suiting up for them - even opposing Big 12 coaches allowed him to share the conferences Defensive Player of the Year award in 2011 with Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander. But he shows enough athleticism to handle coverage responsibilities against tight ends and receivers, as well, making him a potential mid-round pick as a starter on the strong side or in the middle at the next level.

 

The first-team all-state pick from Kimberly, Wis. led his team to consecutive state titles in 2007 and 2008, and showed no hesitation upon arriving in Ames, making an impact on special teams as a true freshman (17 tackles, forced fumbles). His footprint on defense got much deeper in 2010, as he garnered honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from league coaches and media by making 111 tackles, eight for loss, intercepting three passes scoring on two of them in back-to-back games against Kansas State (returning the pick 69 yards) and Northern Iowa (25 yards). In his first-team All-Big 12 junior season, his tackle total increased to 117, with 7.5 going for loss, two sacks, an interception and six pass break-ups. In 2012, Klein was once again named to the Coaches All-Big-12 first-team. Klein duplicated his 117 tackle total of the year prior. He also contributed 3.5 tackles for loss, and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

Analysis Strengths Klein is a three year starter that served as the leader for the Iowa State football team. Fiery. Active and instinctual linebacker who plays all three positions in the stack. Klein is a very intilligent and instinctual football player. He reads his keys well, trusts what he sees, and very rarely takes false steps, or wastes motions. Flashes quickness to the ball due to great hustle and immediate play recognition. Scrapes adeptly, finding his way across the formation to stuff runs. Uses his hands to swipe off oncoming blockers, and fight through traffic. Takes on blocks well before shedding. Stacks running backs in the hole, stops their momentum. Does a good job getting proper depth in his drops, while never losing sight of the quarterback. Knocks receivers off their routes. Gets his hands on the football, and has displayed the ability to make the interception, and return it for the score. (four pick-six plays in his career). Weaknesses Lacks elite straight-line and recovery speed. Struggles to in man coverage. Cannot consistently run down plays from the back side. Inconsistent breaking down to make stops in space. Lacks great flexibility to turn the corner as a pass rusher or adjust to elusive ballcarriers, can slip off tackles when coming in too high. NFL Comparison Scott Shanle Bottom Line Klein is a tough-minded, instinctual, and productive linebacker (345 tackles in his three seasons as a starter). He plays inside and outside, showing the strength against the run and enough instincts in coverage to do potentially play all three downs at the next level as well as contributing heavily on special teams early in his career. http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/a.j.-klein?id=2539982

 

 

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