The ever-upbeat former Missouri Tiger, senior linebacker Sean Weatherspoon is out to prove he isn't too small to be a stud at the next level. The 2010 NFL Draft is jam-packed with undersized linebackers, but Weatherspoon's on-field productivity can't be ignored (376 tackles, three forced fumbles, four interceptions in the past three seasons).

Strengths

• Nose for the ball - finds ball carriers with relative ease
• Adept in coverage - three interceptions in 2008, two of which were returned for touchdowns; one more pick in '09
• Tackling skills - loves to run through ball carriers
• Well-respected leader
• Capable blitzer
• Instinctual - reads a play very quickly, especially against the pass
• Natural athlete
• Fluid playing the ball and can run with tight ends
• Durable

Weaknesses

• Size may work against him versus bigger blockers (6-foot-1, 239 pounds)
• Can be reckless in pursuit - gap discipline needs to improve
• Over-tackles instead of just wrapping up
• Lack of positional or scheme versatility

Expected draft placement

Don't expect Weatherspoon to be drafted by a 3-4 team. He has the attributes needed in a 4-3 weakside linebacker, and some coaching staffs may be willing to try him at middle linebacker.

Weatherspoon should be drafted in the top 32 picks, but he could slide into the top of the second in a worst-case scenario. The New York Giants are a likely destination, but the idea of him drafted as high as the Jacksonville Jaguars (No. 10) isn't unrealistic.