Leo Chenal – Linebacker – 21 – Junior – Wisconsin
Cut : 1m88
Weight : 115kg
Estimated draft position: 2nd/3rd round
2021 stats (7 games): 115 tackles including 18.5 for losses, 8 sacks, 2 forced fumbles.
NFL Comparison: Brian Urlacher
Strong points
– Physical Monster
–Leadership
– Mobility / forward projection
– Race Defense
– Progress
– Soccer IQ
– Blitz
While the fashion is for hybrid linebackers able to evolve in many positions, Chenal is rather a replica of the interior linebackers of the 2000s. Massive and powerful, he can face and beat an offensive lineman in a duel, using his hands, its balance and its explosiveness. He is the leader of the defense, and sets an example with constant involvement.
Chenal’s playground is the line of engagement and midfield. Dominant and able to project himself quickly forward, he is the nightmare of opposing runners. A statistical machine, his football IQ allows him to easily identify spaces and kill the action before it even begins. In the passing game, it is also very useful in blitz patterns, which require explosiveness and game vision.
A former 3 star, Chenal is not a high school phenomenon who shone on the first day. Each season, he rises through the ranks, gains in responsibility and maturity, earning his stripes one by one through hard work. If he confirms this mentality in the interviews at the combine, it will work for him. Franchises value the character of the players enormously, even more than one might imagine, and having a leader who will not complain about a possible lack of playing time as a rookie is fundamental.
Weak points
– Air cover
– Redirection
If Leo Chenal is very interesting in many areas, he also has a fairly clear weakness. When it comes to covering ground in pass defense, Chenal is out of place. IN difficulty to follow the tight end, he does not have the possibility of following the receivers. The system didn’t help him, but his speed backwards is much less impressive than the other way.
Laterally mobility is also low, Chenal is more of a “North-South” player. The changes of direction are limited, and its use in the 3rd attempt will depend a lot on the diagrams. It is therefore a specialist who presents himself here, and not a versatile player as we often see in recent years.
The stat
18.5 tackles for loss
The total of 8 sacks is impressive, but it is the tackles for loss that say the most. Author of 6 “TFL” (in 7 matches) in 2020, he has more than tripled this figure. This progression is explained by the increase in his playing time, an aggressive pattern and a questioning of the player who has been able to adapt his game and become more impactful. Work does not always pay in CFB, but it is the case for Chenal.
Possible destinations
Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Tennessee Titans
Regardless of the system, Chenal will have a place on at least the first two attempts. The Chargers have beefed up the defense in the free agent market and have plenty of draft rounds. Choosing Chenal to reinforce a squad that lost Kyzir White makes sense, and its contribution can be measured from the first year.
