Ali Highsmith OLB 6' 230 LSU 5.02

Highsmith showed a lot of potential as a freshman, finishing with 21 tackles, two for loss, and a sack on the year. He pushed aside the idea of a sophomore slump, breaking out with 75 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and four sacks on the year. As a junior last season he earned All SEC honors, finishing the season with 65 tackles, 5.5 for loss, and three sacks. Highsmith saved his best for last, finishing with a career high 93 tackles, 9.5 for loss, and 1.5 sacks on the year.

Highsmith is the ideal weakside linebacker prospect. He is a very good athlete, with the speed to fly around the field. He has the ability to come off the edge and close on the quarterback, and the speed to chase backs down. Highsmith is very good in coverage, where his athleticism and speed allow him to stay stride for stride with his man and follow them all over the field.

Size is the glaring issue with Highsmith. His height and overall bulk are below average, and he can be taken out of running plays when a blocker comes straight at him. He lacks the size and strength to shed blocks once engaged, so he has to beat blockers with his quickness.

Highsmith is an attractive option for a team that needs help on he weakside. He shows impressive speed on the field, but turned in a very disappointed time at the combine in the 40. That performance may have hurt his draft stock, but he is still a player that performs on the field.