2018 NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys 6th round pick Chris Covington, LB

Chris Covington, Indiana

Game Film Evaluated:

Penn State (2017)

Michigan (2017)

Wisconsin (2017)

Analysis: Has the frame of a safety playing LB. He brings a good burst when he wants to blitz and shoot the gaps. Tight hips and struggles to change directions quickly. Aggressive player and he will take false steps especially in coverage. He can really move downhill but brings zero power once engaged. Excellent motor and has the athleticism to keep working toward the QB. He cannot get off blocks. He can close on the ball in a hurry. Adequate tackler and capable of making the open field tackle. Flashes the ability to side step around blockers but not consistent. He moves well in space and comfortable in underneath coverage. He stays at home and knows his assignments, controls his gap regardless where the play is going. Late to the ball, does not quickly diagnose the play.  Not a hard hitter or a playmaker on defense. Not someone who got close to the ball in coverage, forced fumbles or sacks.

Summary: Chris Covington plays like a safety in a LB’s body. He is very athletic for his size and has an elite burst to the ball. He flashes an aggressive style but he needs to get to work because the rest of his game has a long way to go before can compete for a job in the NFL. He does not read the play quickly, takes too many false steps and incapable of getting through traffic to find the ball. At this point, he is a 3rd down nickel LB who has the athleticism in coverage and needs a clean path to the ball for the best chance at success. He has the look of a player who needs to give maximum effort on special teams and only going to see him on the field on defense in obvious passing situations or due to injury. He is inexperience for the position as he was recruited as a dual threat QB at Indiana before making the change to LB in 2016. He could develop into a serviceable player if he improves reading the play, side stepping blockers and finishing the play when in position. Late 5th round grade.

Chris Covington wore #4 at Indiana.