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Husky NFL Draft Profiles: John Timu, LB

Another of UW's three-year starters, Timu (who actually had starts in all four years) leaves UW as one of the most productive LBs to have every donned the purple and gold. Is it enough to be drafted?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Today you get two profiles for the price of one.  John Timu is the subject of today's break down.

4/23:  Micah Hatchie, OL

4/24:  Kasen Williams, WR

4/25:  John Timu, LB

4/26:  Danny Shelton, DL

4/27:  Marcus Peters, DB

4/28:  Hau'oli Kikaha, LB

4/29:  Shaq Thompson, LB/DB

John Timu  |  Linebacker  |  6'1"  |  245 lbs

Performance Notes:  Timu exits UW as one of the most productive linebackers in program history.  A full-time starter since his sophomore year in 2012, Timu actually started eight games as a redshirt freshman.  For his career, which mostly consisted of playing in the inside, Timu recorded 328 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 6 interceptions and four forced fumbles.  Of those turnovers, he housed two - both in his senior season.  His best season was his senior year where he led the team with 108 tackles and was recognized as All Pac 12 Honorable Mention.

Strengths: The first thing that is going to pop out when you break down Timu's game is his instincts.  A former high school QB, Timu has a knack for seeing how plays are developing and for getting himself in a position to make a play.  He is a highly disciplined linebacker who shows good eye discipline and the ability to move laterally in pursuit of plays.  Timu is also known for his leadership capabilities as he was a two-year captain for the Huskies.  His size and his quickness are good enough such that he won't be a liability as a backup linebacker or as a special teamer.

Weaknesses: Timu is not a beast athlete and struggles with the power elements of his game.  Though his a willing combatant, he can have trouble getting off of blocks when offensive linemen break through to the next level.  As a pass-defender, his smarts and his instincts help to cover up his lack of top-end quickness and he doesn't always show good swivel technique when a receiver makes a cut on him.

Scout's Take:

Timu has enough size, athleticism and physicality to have a shot at the NFL but likely will be moved back outside, as he takes too many false steps. Timu is a three-year starter and two-time team captain.
--Rob Rang, CBS Sports

Ideal Fit:  Rob Rang of CBS Sports currently ranks Timu as the #17 LB prospect in the draft.  That is borderline from a draftability standpoint.  For Timu to have success at the next level, he's going to have to leverage his physical versatility and make a name for himself on special teams.  His smarts, his work ethic and four years of productivity on tape will all help give a boost to his stock.  He'd be a best fit as an inside backer in a 3-4 scheme where he has "centerfield" types of responsibilities in a zone defense.

Prediction: Drafted, 7th Round

Draft Tape - vs Oregon 2013