Chad Muma Scouting Report: 2022 NFL Draft Profile

 

Linebacker, Wyoming Cowboys, #48

 

Chad Muma Measurements

6’3, 242 lbs.

40-time: 4.65

 

Chad Muma NFL Draft Player Profile

Chad Muma is a former consensus three-star recruit out of Lone Tree, Colorado who played his high school ball at Legend High School. As a junior in high school, Muma played defensive back before moving to linebacker his senior season. Linebacker was more of a fit for Muma due to his body type and physical traits. It is also where he was projected to play at the next level. As a senior, Muma recorded 77 tackles and 8 tackles for loss. At first glance that is solid but not spectacular production before factoring in he missed half of his season due to an injury. Muma balled out enough in his small amount of action to put himself on the radars of numerous Mountain West schools. Chad’s father and grandfather played for Wyoming, so it came as no surprise that Chad decided to make the Cowboys his collegiate home.

 

College

As a freshman at Wyoming, he was brought along slow, contributing solely on special teams. He burst onto the scene as a sophomore recording 10 tackles in the opener against SEC foe Missouri. He would finish with 51 tackles, 3 TFLs, and a sack for the season. The stage was set to be one of the Cowboys, and conference’s, best performers during his junior season. Though this season was only six games long because of the pandemic.

In those six games, Muma totaled double digit tackles in five of them on his way to ranking second in the conference and sixth in the nation in tackles. His reputation as a monster tackler and intelligent player was set. In his senior season, Muma went out and led the nation in total tackles and solo tackles. He also recorded three interceptions, two for touchdowns, showing off another aspect of his game.

 

Chad Muma Strengths

 

Tackling

 

Flat out, Muma is the best tackler in this year’s draft class. Not only did he lead the country in tackles, but his consistent technique, coupled with his long arms, allows him to wrap ball carriers up and drive them to the turf. Muma is great at putting himself into position to make the necessary tackle with his strong football IQ and instincts. In the instances where he is slightly out of position, Muma has put on film the ability to make diving tackles at the legs. Like all linebackers, Muma will occasionally come in too hot and miss up high, but these are few and far between. His film shows excellent pursuit and the ability to close down ball carriers.

 

Getting off blocks

Another quality that makes Muma stand out is his block shedding. Muma is better at getting off blocks than two other notable prospects I have looked at, Devin Lloyd and Nakobe Dean. He is quick and explosive with his hands in disengaging blockers. This allows him to be able to make the play on the ball. His spatial awareness and lateral quickness also help in avoiding blockers entirely. Muma has graded out as an excellent run defender.

 

Instincts & Play Recognition

Chad’s excellent play speed comes from his top-notch instincts and play recognition ability. Muma’s film shows that he is almost always in the right position. Rarely is Muma entirely out of a play or fails to play his zone correctly. It comes as no surprise that he was the vocal leader out on the field for the Wyoming defense. One thing that stood out to me is the patience he shows against slower developing plays. It is tough to bait this guy into biting on play-action fakes.

 

Three-Down Abilities

In today’s NFL, it is hard to find genuine three-down linebackers that don’t come off the field. Muma can be one of those rare players. He is plenty strong against the run to play on early downs, while also being fast and smart enough to hold his own in coverage. He is tough, physical, and also offers the potential to be the signal caller for the defense. Muma also has plenty of experience playing the MIKE and WILL spots at Wyoming and has traits to be able to play the SAM.

 

Size & Intangibles

Standing at 6’3, weighing 242 lbs. with long arms, Muma has a impressive body for an off the ball linebacker. He is strong enough to hold his own in the trenches. He is also nimble enough to run guys down and move quick laterally. His long arms help him to wrap up effectively and make windows tighter for quarterbacks. Muma has been extremely durable in college and has shown impressive leadership qualities and football acumen.

Chad Muma Weaknesses

Coverage

Muma has shown the capability to pick up a running back out of the backfield and follow him out to the flat or defend vertically. However, twitchier athletes could cause Muma issues by forcing him to change directions fast. A lack of elite agility and quickness has caused Muma some issues in man coverage. There are also instances where Muma doesn’t get enough depth in his zone and allows players to run behind him.

Good, not great athlete

Muma’s impressive technique and football savvy are the larger reasons for his high-level production and quality of play. It says a lot about Muma as a player that he is so advanced fundamentally and mentally that he doesn’t have to rely on athleticism to make his mark. His athleticism is good, not great, which is why he isn’t as prolific sideline to sideline as other prospects. His straight-line speed is impressive, but his sudden movements can be more efficient. Muma’s athleticism just doesn’t pop on film.

Chad Muma Draft Stock

Muma was the heart and soul of the Wyoming Cowboys defense this year and was one of the most impactful defenders in the nation. Even though the competition in the Mountain West isn’t what he’d see in the SEC, its not like Muma was playing FCS competition. His group of 5 competition may work against him somewhat, but it hasn’t stopped him from squarely being on the national radar. Muma is easily one of the more impressive linebacker prospects in this class. I have him rated as a Top 50 prospect and a second-round selection. The Senior Bowl offers a platform for Muma to really shine and improve his stock more so than he already has.

Final Thoughts on Chad Muma Scouting Report

Muma can answer the potential competition concern with a strong Senior Bowl. A good combine performance against with of the best prospects in the nation would also help. I am fully expecting Muma to hold his own at these showcases. Muma is a smart, tough, instinctive player who can run. He projects as a plug and play linebacker in a rotational role to start. Probably increasing his role to an every-down player sometime in his second season. I have a bias for linebackers, but Muma was certainly one of my favorite players to take a deeper look at this season.

Chad Muma NFL Comparison

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Chad Muma Scouting Report by Justin Trevisani