Mississippi's Profile for Patrick Willis

The clear leader of the Ole Miss defense, Willis likely would have been an early day one pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, but he chose to return to school for his senior season. Willis is probably the top middle linebacker in the nation. He may have cemented that sentiment with the winning of the Butkus Award and the performance he gave at the Senior Bowl.

Willis is a tackling machine. He has amazing intelligence and can read and react with the best of them. He is rarely out of position and doesn't often fall victim to play fakes and misdirection. Willis is a solid tackler and is able to fill the holes against the run. He has enough athleticism to drop back into coverage when needed. Willis is a leader on and off the field--a true character guy that a coach and team would love to have wearing their team's jersey.

Willis relies heavily on his ability to read the action to get into position to make the play. He doesn't have the athleticism of some other LBs to improvise when necessary. This lack of elite athleticism also causes him to suffer some in coverage--not his strong point.

Willis is a production guy. He's put up outstanding numbers as a two-year starter for the Rebels. As the top inside linebacker available for the 2007 NFL Draft, Willis is likely to go in the middle of the first round.

User: chrisdh
Date/Time: 04/23/2007 - 6:19PM CDT
Predicted Round: Round 1

No Comments Submitted

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User: robreg2fool
Date/Time: 04/21/2007 - 3:49PM CDT
Predicted Round: Round 1

No Comments Submitted

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User: marqui44
Date/Time: 04/21/2007 - 2:00PM CDT
Predicted Round: Round 1

No Comments Submitted

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User: mikie's bills
Date/Time: 04/13/2007 - 2:15PM CDT
Predicted Round: Round 1

Hope the Bills get him!

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User: aamarsh
Date/Time: 03/4/2007 - 1:50PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 1

he is a beast and would be perfect fit in stl. there is only one problem, they pick behind buffalo who is looking for a new mlb. they might take him here but i would not be suprised if they take dline help if anderson or adams is somehow still there.

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User: gsus8091
Date/Time: 01/31/2007 - 5:00PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 1

I love this Mike Linebacker. He is an excellent defensive QB. He is a read and react player. Might not have great workout warriors numbers, but he is truely a great tape(video) player. He is better than Paul Posluzsny when it comes down to football IQ and talent. This guy is a beast on the field, hits everything that moves, and plays the run with force. He can also play side to sideline against top offensive talent, i.e. Senior Bowl 11 tackles. Does get a little overpowered at the point of attack when going against massive guards and centers. But does have the strength and will to shed blockers and make the play. He also needs to learn to play in coverage. The best MLB's can play in coverage and at the line. But none the less he will be a first rounder and an impact player in his rookie year.

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User: swanman
Date/Time: 01/27/2007 - 7:56PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 2

Wishfull thinking, but hopefully available at pick number 34 in the 2nd round because he's the perfect cover 2 MLB

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User: ecneal
Date/Time: 01/24/2007 - 8:27PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 1

beast

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User: tabasco19
Date/Time: 01/9/2007 - 8:58PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 1

Great LB best in draft,i hope my panthers grab him 14# overall in the draft!

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User: ramsdraft1029
Date/Time: 01/6/2007 - 7:11PM CST
Predicted Round: Round 1

Great mlb

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Your Projected NFL Draft Round: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Undrafted

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