Matty's Big Board Prospect Countdown: 18!

Hey folks, the Super Bowl is behind us and it's time to focus on the next big event and that is the all powerful and mighty draft, which has the ability to take a team from the bottom of the barrel and turn them into a playoff caliber team (ex. Dolphins and Falcons). What I plan on doing is twice a week until draft weekend, I'll be counting down my top 25 prospects, discuss their strengths, weaknesses, overall impact in the NFL and potential landing spot. So, without further delay, I bring you the player who ranked number 18...

18. Clint Sintim, DE/LB Virginia Cavaliers

2008 Season Stats:
69 tackles, 10 sacks and FF

Career Stats:
246 tackles, 26 sacks and 3 FF

Personal Stats:
6'3", 254 lbs. SR

Strengths:

Sintim has excellent size and strength that translate into his game where he is an incredibly nasty blitzer and huge hitter. He knows how to get to the quarterback and has a pass rush variety that isn't limited to him running around slower tackles as he can dip and rip, swim and bullrush. In terms of the run game, he can stack and shed blockers and is a reliable tackler and will more often than not break down and make the play as needed. He's great in pursuit, he's intense and has a motor that never stops, he plays the first play the same as the last play and in terms of coverage he can be comfortable playing flat routes. He also experience and is a leader both vocally and by example.

Weaknesses:

His weaknesses are that he doesn't have great measureables, he seems to be undersized for a DE or rush OLB and he isn't as fast as scouts would like him to be. He can be a real liability in coverage when it comes to man coverage and playing down the field as he has very tight hips and looks lost when a receiver or tight end puts a move on him. He also can be undisciplined and over aggressive at times which leads to stupid plays and costly penalty yardage.

Overall:

I believe Clint Sintim projects as a 3-4 rush linebacker from the weakside or a strongside linebacker in a 4-3. He has all the ability to rush the passer, stack against the run and play underneath routes, but have him in deep coverage and he's a two down backer at best because opposing teams will pick on his tight hips and poor man coverage skills. However, teams will love his relentless rush and ability to get to the quarterback and I believe he will truly benefit a team's secondary in the NFL with the pressure he provides on an every down basis.



Projected NFL Destination:

With the 31st selection, the Arizona Cardinals select...









There you have it folks, be sure to tune in next week for Prospects #17 and #16!