Ryan Shazier

A high school defensive end, Shazier was recruited at linebacker and had scholarship offers from Alabama, Florida and LSU, but decided to go north and committed to Ohio State. He steadily earned more playing time as a true freshman, eventually starting the final three games. Shazier tallied back-to-back seasons with 115-plus tackles as a sophomore and junior, combining for 44.5 tackles for loss over his career and earning multiple All-Big Ten honors. He played inside and outside in Columbus and has the versatile skill-set to fill various roles. He was loved by the Buckeyes coaching staff because of his team-first approach. Shazier has instant acceleration and explosive closing burst, using outstanding edge speed and timing to disrupt the pocket. He lacks natural power to disengage blocks and needs to develop his discipline, but Shazier is a scheme diverse player who projects as a three-down weak-side linebacker in a 4-3 or as an edge rusher in a 3-4 base.

lavonte david, buccaneers - while he's not quite as refined or tough as david, shazier has a similar body type and movement skills to cover a large area and be a ultra-productive tackler at the next level.

--Dane Brugler (2/11/14)

needs to stay disciplined and tidy up his timing to avoid late hits and unnecessary flags. needs to keep his composure and keep his emotions in check. history of minor injuries that have caused him to miss playing time.

Compares To

uses his length well at the point of attack with good take-on strength to deliver a pop, filling hard vs. the run. eyes are always elevated with good ball vision and anticipation. breaks down well on the move and gets low, showing clear improvement with his tackling technique.

Smart and puts himself in correct position to make plays. Sniffs out the ball and almost always finishes when he's in the area. Never quits working to the ball and relentless in pursuit.

lean frame and lacks elite bulk. doesn't have the body type to get too much bigger. needs to continue to get stronger to better shed at the point of attack. too easily engulfed when attacking the line of scrimmage.

Sometimes content throwing his shoulder and not wrapping up. Overaggressive at times in coverage and needs patient and alert. Will lose track of his assignment in man.

strengths

Rangy athlete with terrific closing acceleration and burst. Explosive first step as a blitzer to force the QB from his spot. Very good bend off the edge with momentum to fight through blocks and disrupt the pocket. Flexible ankles and flattens easily.

team leader and uplifting teammate with strong personal and football character. versatile skill-set to drop in coverage, blitz and cover both sidelines. very productive career with back-to-back seasons with 115-plus tackles, including a conference-best 143 stops in 2013.

WEAKNESSES

A psychology major, Ryan was an all-state linebacker for Plantation H.S.

he had 87 tackles, 19.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and four blocked kicks as a senior for coach Steve Davis

named Broward County most outstanding player

totaled 35.5 career sacks, a school best

played in Under Armour All-American Game.

Is the son of Shawn and Vernon Shazier

enrolled at Ohio State in January of 2011.