Micah McFadden Scouting Report

Linebacker, Indiana Hoosiers # 47

Micah McFadden Scouting Report Measurements

6’1” 240 lbs.

40: 4.63

3 Cone: 6.88

Shuttle: 4.15

Vertical: 35”

Broad: 9’10”

Bench: 21 reps

Micah McFadden NFL Draft Profile

I don’t understand why Micah McFadden is ranked so low. He’s a projected late day 3/UDFA and I’m very confused. He’s a good prospect and I’m going to tell you why.

High School

Micah McFadden attended Plant High School in Tampa, Florida. Coming out of high school he was a three star recruit and the 139th outside linebacker in the country. He had offers from Southern Mississippi, Massachusetts, Boston College, South Dakota, Toledo and Indiana. McFadden committed to Indiana and started an impressive college career.

College

Impressively, McFadden saw the field as a true freshman. He wasn’t a full time starter, but he did manage 20 tackles, one for loss and a forced fumble. Once his sophomore season came around, he grabbed the starting role and never let go. His first starting season was impressive, he put up 61 tackles, ten for loss, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions and three passes defended. Junior year was more success for McFadden. His junior year was a Covid shortened season that was only eight games. In those eight games, McFadden racked up 58 tackles, 10.5 for loss, six sacks, two interceptions and two passes defended.

This past season the Hoosiers struggled, but it certainly wasn’t due to McFadden’s play. He made 77 tackles, 15.5 for loss, 6.5 sacks, three passes defended, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovered. McFadden was making plays all over the field for Indiana. He was recognized as a  second team All-American and first team All-Big10. 

Micah McFadden Strengths

Leadership

McFadden’s leadership is truly impressive. He was a two year captain for Indiana. This past season he was awarded the Tallen Football Leadership Scholarship, given to an Indiana player who represents leadership on the field, in the classroom and in the community. McFadden led the defense from the MIKE linebacker position. Even though Indiana wasn’t a great team during McFadden’s time, he continuously played at a high level. He led the best way, by example. You can’t find film of McFadden ever taking a play off. He gave everything he could and left it all on the field. His fellow Hoosiers followed his lead, and though it didn’t translate to a lot of wins, they were competitive because of McFadden. He’s the definition of a locker room leader.

Athleticism

Look at those NFL Combine and pro day numbers, they look good to me. The 3 cone and shuttle times are elite, that’s quick change of direction useful for shifty running backs or coverage. A lot of scouting reports mention his size as a concern. He was 6’1” 240 pounds at the combine, prototypical NFL middle linebacker size. Honestly, I’m not sure what they’re looking for. Really, he could play outside linebacker in a 3-4 as well. He’d be a little undersized as an outside linebacker in a 4-3, but that’s pretty easy to avoid, don’t put him there. McFadden has NFL level athleticism, and high NFL level change of direction speed. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel here, it’s good for a linebacker to be quick.

Tackling

McFadden is an excellent tackler, that’s good news for a middle linebacker. He’s a hard hitter, running backs don’t want to see him in the hole and receivers don’t want to see him over the middle. Along with big thumping hits, he’s a wrap up tackler. Once he gets his hands on an opposing player, the play is usually over. He’s talented enough to stand out as a great tackler among linebackers, you know where tackling is the biggest part of their job.

Football IQ

Another must have for a standout middle linebacker, they’re the quarterbacks of the defense. He quickly diagnoses whether the play is a run or pass and reacts accordingly. He’s strong against the run and the pass as well. McFadden is a great run thumper, as one would expect. The interesting thing about him is that he’s primarily a blitzer when the offense is passing. Though, as his stats show, he can make interceptions as well. It’s pretty simple, look at his sack numbers, look at his tackle for loss numbers, he penetrates the offensive line and wreaks havoc in the backfield.

Micah McFadden Weaknesses

Play Strength

His bench press numbers are decent for a linebacker, but bigger offensive lineman can give him fits. McFadden short arms accentuate this problem, as he needs to get close in order to engage. Watching him on tape, he needs to split offensive lineman to be successful most of the time. He’s got decent pass rush moves, but he’s definitely not bull rushing anyone or knocking any offensive lineman on their butt. You can see him get swallowed up anytime he goes at an offensive lineman head on.

Though he had a good game against Ole Miss in the Outback Bowl, there are a lot of plays where he was manhandled by the offensive line. He needs to work on his arm and leg strength. His vertical is alright, but if he wants to really stand out his broad should be bigger. McFadden needs to beef up those thighs.

Micah McFadden NFL Draft Stock

I mentioned it before, most sites have him as a later day 3 pick or even an undrafted free agent. Now inside linebacker is a position that has been devalued in the draft in recent years, so that has to be taken into consideration. However, even with the inside linebacker position devalued, I think he’s a 3rd to 4th round pick. He’s not perfect, but he’s really good. McFadden was a playmaker for a struggling Indiana team, teams should be looking at him as a starting inside linebacker. His best fit would be as a MIKE linebacker in a 4-3 defense. In my opinion, McFadden will be a steal for some team in the draft.

Micah McFadden NFL Comparison

CJ Mosely, obviously less celebrated coming into the draft, but a very similar size, workout numbers and play style.

Final Thoughts on Micah McFadden Scouting Report

McFadden is one of my guys, I’m happy to claim him. He’s very undervalued in the 2022 NFL Draft. If your team runs a 4-3 defense, root for them to take McFadden on day three. As I mentioned, he could even be a rush outside linebacker in a 3-4. McFadden is a steal, he’s a great sleeper this year. He’ll make some GM look very smart.