Raiders 2019 Draft Prospect: LB Te’von Coney

2019 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Te’von Coney

Position: MLB

School: Notre Dame

Height: 6’1”

Weight: 240 pounds

Round Projection: 1-2

Stats
Speed

Although Coney did not tallied outrageous sacks, numbers, he profiles as a good blitzer with explosion. Moreover, when attacking the run, he will slide through a crack in the block and make the stop behind the line. Meanwhile, on the perimeter, Coney will chase or take the smart and to cut the ballcarrier off. Many of Coney tackles are assists, due to him streaking across the field to make the play.

Coverage

Coney drops into coverage with little reticence or hesitation. With a smooth backpedal, he will stay with backs on screens, or he will follow tight ends down the seam. If used in subpackages, he will not be an issue.

Tackling

With such a prolific resume of accomplishment, you would think that Coney’s production is overblown. In contrast, the tape shows a player that will use technique, pinpoint strike accuracy, and fluid movement to secure the stop. Depending on where the ballcarrier is, Coney will always uses strong hands to lock on. Once he settles into a grip, Coney drives the ballcarrier backward. Combined with excellent pad level, Coney will also quick wrap the ballcarrier to the ground. Also, watch the tackle angle, as Coney will adjust, depending on size of target and angle of approach.

Intangibles

Despite stats and acceleration, Coney displays a feel for the game. On screens, he will shed block with a shoulder fake or the ability to guess where the ball goes. Never one to panic, Coney developed a feel for the ball. Even when misdirection did catch him slipping, the ability to stop and mentally re-direct allows him to never be out of any play in his vicinity,.

Raiders Fit

While the Raiders languish towards the finish line, a player like Coney would give them a talent to relish. With middle linebacker a constant headache, Oakland could solve their problem in an instant. Despite not standing 6’3”, Coney’s athleticism, reach, and instinct will allow him to flash during running plays. In addition, these traits give him a leg up when blitzing. Paul Guenther’s defense, to be effective needs playmakers. Someone like Coney could serve as a cornerstone to the new era of Raiders linebackers.