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NFL Draft profile: Raekwon McMillan is ready to lead at the next level

The Buckeye linebacker will contribute on and off the field in the NFL.

NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Ohio State vs Clemson Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State linebacker Raekwon McMillan has the skills on the field and leadership off the field to be successful in the NFL. Often considered the quarterback of the defense, linebackers have to get their front seven in a position to succeed, and then find the football. Throughout his career, McMillan did just that — and more.

Measurements

Height Weight Arms Hands 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump
Height Weight Arms Hands 40-yard dash Bench Press Vertical Broad Jump
6'2 240 lbs 33" 9 3/4" 4.61 sec* 23 reps 33" 121"

*Denotes top performer among position group

Strengths

  • Fundamental and ferocious tackler. Once McMillan lays his hands on the ball carrier, he’s bringing him to the ground.
  • Excellent motor and never takes a play off. You’ll see him play every snap at 100-percent.
  • Better in zone coverage than given credit for; he’s never exposed in coverage.

Weaknesses

  • He has a tendency to get lost in the rubbish around the line of scrimmage and sometimes has trouble getting off blocks.
  • McMillan doesn’t possess the elite speed to make plays sideline-to-sideline.

Highlights

Stats

Year Games Solo tackles Total tackles Tackles for loss Sacks Interceptions Touchdowns
Year Games Solo tackles Total tackles Tackles for loss Sacks Interceptions Touchdowns
2014 13 30 54 7 2.5 1 1
2015 13 57 119 4 1.5 0 0
2016 13 49 102 7 2 0 0

Projections

Per SBNation’s Dan Kadar, McMillan is the No. 6 linebacker in the incoming draft class among a very talented group. The Buckeye got some additional interest after his impressive 40-yard dash time, and climbed him way up draft boards in the months that followed.

Outlook

McMillan is a work horse and is ready to step into a leadership role with his new team. He might not snag the starting role right away, but he’s a good student and will do well to study under a vet for a year or two before taking the league by storm. It wouldn’t be surprising to hear about McMillan as a top linebacker in the league within his first five seasons.