Ourlads' Profile:
2018 Guide: What Ourlads' NFL Scouting Services said about LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH: Boise State, 6042 256 4.64. Junior entry from Riggins, ID. One-year starter. Played in only six games in 2016 due to injuries. Has a lanky frame with some room to grow. Tall for a typical inside backer but has the tools to be productive inside or outside. Good initial read and react with instincts to fit the hole. Slips blocks well but needs to improve hand strength. Tends to let blockers into his frame. Flashes a violent disengage from a block and at times is very quick to shed. Has remarkable fluid change of direction skill with the ability to redirect quickly on cutbacks. Has the skill to redirect off a block and get back into a play. Very good in back side pursuit with good lateral movement and angles to get to the alley. Sideline to sideline range in pursuit. Makes plays all over the field and has a non-stop motor. Excellent tackling skill with classic form. Bends his knees and explodes into tackles with good wrap and drop. Takes fluid pass drops with depth and zone awareness. Reacts well to routes and sees the quarterback. Can work the seam, reroute, and zone off reacting to multiple routes. Does not get attracted to crossing routes out of his zone. Closes the voids quickly and reacts well on the throw. Quick getting into the throwing lane for the break up. Did not observe match-up situations but can carry an inside receiver up the seam. Good pass rush skill, knifing into gaps and closing upfield. Needs to develop technique versus a pass blocker. Has limited experience with only one full year as a starter. He already plays at a high level but still has tremendous upside as an every-down linebacker. Has versatility to play multiple linebacker positions. Will contribute on special teams’ coverage. 2017 stat: 141 T, 8.5 TFL, 4 sacks, 4 PBU, 1 QBH, 4 FF, 3 INT. Edge speed:left 1.94, right 2.08. OSR:1/22. Second/third round. (A-33 7/8, H-9 3/4, BP-20, SS-4.15).