It would be easy to be overshadowed by fellow All-American linebacker James Laurinaitis, but Ohio State's Marcus Freeman has done enough to make sure scouts take notice of his skills.
A three-year starter and two-time second team all-Big 10 selection, Freeman actually led the team in solo tackles over the last two seasons with 105.
With a diverse skillset, instinctive play and outstanding athleticism, he shouldn't be far behind his former teammate on draft day.
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Strengths
Freeman is one of the quickest linebackers in the draft. He proved it at the combine, finishing first among linebackers in the 3-cone drill, first in the 20-yard shuttle and vertical jump, and seventh in the 40-yard dash.
In college, he proved to be great in coverage and aggressive against the run. He shows good instincts in getting to the ball carrier and will make the open-field tackle.
With his athleticism and instincts, Freeman should be a good sideline-to-sideline player in the NFL with the speed to drop deep in coverage.
Weaknesses
Despite good size at 6-foot and 239 pounds, he doesn't always play that big. He has trouble shedding blockers and can be ineffective against the run when targeted.
In coverage, he doesn't always play the ball well when it's in the air. While he can stay with his man, he often allows the catch and makes the tackle. He finished with just two interceptions in college.
But the main issue for most teams will be Freeman's reoccurring injuries. While he has shown toughness fighting through them, injuries have caused him to miss an entire season in college and diminished his effectiveness his senior year.
How does he fit in Seattle?
The injury history may cause GM Tim Ruskell to shy away, but if not, Seattle should be interested in this high-character, high-production player.
Freeman has the coverage skills needed for an outside linebacker in the cover-2, and his athleticism should mean no loss in overall speed for the defense without Julian Peterson.
If he can stay healthy, Freeman should be an immediate starter at weakside linebacker, where he played in college. He's one of several players who should make an excellent starter in a cover-2 defense in this draft.
Draft position
He seems to have completely recovered from the ankle sprain that hurt his 2008 season, and his postseason efforts have made him a solid third-round prospect.
Some team could take him in the second round, but he should be around for Seattle's pick near the top of the third.
A near top-five player at his position, Freeman is a part of a cluster of middle-round linebackers who could go in any order and may surprise with a rise or slide on draft day.
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Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
