Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
Size:
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 238 pounds
Arm Length: 32 1/2"
Hand Size: 9 3/8"
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-Big Ten (2023) • Lott IMPACT Trophy Finalist (2023) • Third Team All-Big Ten (2022)
“Junior Colson is a high-level coverage linebacker with the downhill trigger to make an impact immediately at the NFL level.”
Strengths:
Twitch
Instincts
Coverage
Strength
Pursuit angles
Foot quickness
Concerns:
Lunging in space
Utilizing length
Inconsistent stack/shed
Film Analysis:
Junior Colson is a smooth-moving linebacker who operates with intelligent violence. NFL-ready frame and athletic profile to make an impact on all three downs. Against the run, Colson showcases excellent instincts to read, diagnose, and fill gaps. Plays with pop in his pads. Sure tackler at contact and is rarely driven back. Feet are active and twitch is evident even before the ball is snapped. Coiled-up energy is evident. Good length to lure ball-carriers into his chest plate when outside of his frame. Excellent lateral agility to remain square with the play and quick trigger to cut off any potential open grass. Has showcased the ability to maneuver around offensive tackles via pure speed, dipping the inside/shoulder and stacking/shedding—however, the latter remains inconsistent.
In coverage, Colson showcases a high level of comfortability in both man and zone. His athletic profile is outstanding at 245 pounds. Easy transitions to click downhill or flip and run up the seam. Foot quickness is sensational to change direction and pursue in the open field. Excellent flat defender and has experience as a QB spy, keeping athletic signal-callers behind the line of scrimmage. Has clean hands and technique to remain in phase with larger tight ends where he utilizes his strength and burst to crowd opposing pass-catchers.
Concerns remain about lunging at ankles in space and disengaging from more nuanced offensive linemen. Does well to attack a shoulder of linemen, but when asked to ‘full-man’, he can get stuck at contact. However, he is always quick to disengage (can often draw a hold) to pursue the football.
Overall, Colson is an impressive football player at the linebacker position whose aggressive style of play will suit a variety of defensive schemes. His high-level athletic profile combined with the ability to sniff out offensive concepts in both the run and pass should translate well to the next level.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Exposures: Ohio State (2023), Penn State (2023), Ohio State (2022)
