Checking Larry English’s Scouting Report Going Into Draft

September 2, 2010; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers linebacker Larry English (52) rides a stationary bike on the sidelines during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Chargers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Since we are going over all kinds of different scouting reports on players at the Senior Bowl and we will go over more at the combine in preparation for the draft, I wanted to look back at a few scouting reports from some of our current players. Today, we will go over Larry English (thanks go out to Staff Writer Phil for this request).

Here is the scouting report from Walter Football written by Matt McGuire:

Strengths: Great build: strong and has solid muscle definition … Consistently impressive statistical production … Tough, physical … Gritty player who maximizes his talent on the field; great motor … Does a great job of anticipating the play and has a sixth sense you look for; Instinctive … Gives second effort as a pass rusher … Virtually unstoppable rip move … Gets leverage and powerfully executes the bull rush … Nice hand technique at point of attack … Brings leadership to the table … Outstanding character off the field.

Weaknesses: Does not have much lateral range … Lacks flexibility and some balance … Does not explode off the snap; burst concerns … Not versatile; strictly a 3-4 outside linebacker … Maximized body frame? … Can he pass rush standing up in the 3-4? … Huge durability concerns.

Summary: English is going to be a safe pick for the 3-4 teams, yet still has some upside in his game. I really do not see a 4-3 team spending a first- or second-round pick on him. English has great intangibles, but they are countered by his long injury history. What you see is what you get, and I am not concerned about him playing against lower level competition. English will likely come off the board in the low first to second round.

Player Comparison: LaMarr Woodley. Woodley had the same high motor, physical style of play coming out of Michigan and has thrived within the Steelers 3-4 scheme.

HUGE DURABILITY ISSUES!??!?! Why did we ignore those durability concerns?

Those durability issues are not even close to disappearing. Chargers fans can’t even tell if he is a good player because he spends so much time rehabbing from injury or sitting on the IR list. It would be nice to see him make it through a season and given an opportunity to get into games.

Will he ever break this trend? He might, but time is running out!

We can’t be taking these RISKS so early in the draft! In the first round this year, we have to make an impact selection.