Smael Mondon Jr. Brings Versatility to the Linebacker Position

The linebacker (LB) position is becoming more and more about versatility than one style of play. Other than just covering the run or pass, linebackers are often used in blitz packages, sent to cover wide receivers on the outside, or even moved up on the edge depending on the system.

Georgia linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. has that experience and can bring that versatility to the next level.

For example, in 2022 vs. the Tennessee Volunteers, Mondon was a designed blitzer through both “A gaps” (Gaps between the center) or sent out wide to cover the inside receiver numerous times.

He was rated a 5-star recruit by ESPN and handed a 5-star grade by 247 Sports.

Overview: Smael Mondon Jr.

6-foot-3, 225 pounds

40 Time: 4.46 (nfldraftbuzz.com)

2022 stats: 76 tackles (49 solo) 1 sack, 16 pressures, 12 QB hurries, 4 QB hits, 1 INT, and 1 PBU.

Level of Competition: High

Colton Edwards Grade: Early Second-Round

2022 Film Evaluated: Florida, LSU, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee

2023 Film Evaluated: Missouri and Ole Miss

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report

He plays with a non-stop motor and energy demonstrating he’s not afraid to be aggressive around the ball. He’s often quick to diagnose basic concepts and has the pre-snap recognition skills to get a head start on plays. Has the instincts and closing speed to find the ball and meet the ball carrier quickly. He’s a sideline-to-sideline, covering-the-full-field type of athlete. He displays a great feel in coverage. Often arrives at the receiver at the same time as the ball, not giving up many yards after the catch (YAC). He is very good in zone coverage when looking into the backfield and reading the quarterback’s eyes. His speed, instincts, and ability to cover ground allow him to stay on his man.

This Georgia defender is valuable as a blitzer, especially inside, showing the initial burst to shoot through the gaps and disrupt in the backfield. Shows great quickness off the line of scrimmage (LOS) and flashes his violent hands to win and get around the edge. A fluid mover who reads, reacts, and accelerates quickly and confidently. His athleticism will transition to the NFL perfectly and could define him as the best inside linebacker in the league.

Weaknesses: Needs to add weight/muscle because he lacks the mass to contend with NFL-caliber offensive linemen. He is missing the consistency in his angles when trying to make a play on the ball. Finally, his lack of anticipation hurts his change of direction in coverage at times.

Summary:

Mondon is a unique, fluid, and explosive athlete at the linebacker position. He showcases instinctive and advanced responses to the run game, with great zone coverage ability. His awareness and technique at times can cause worry but both are a developmental process. Mondon has the physical tools to be a well-rounded linebacker. Even though he’s an inside linebacker currently, expect him to transition to the weakside linebacker in a 4-3/3-3-5 type of scheme unless he puts on mass. He can cover the inside wide receiver or follow a motion man to the outside. His athleticism will benefit him in the long run.

Who will he remind us of?

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF( Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.