WorldWide Rams Draft Profile Azeem Victor

WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Azeem Victor, ILB, University of Washington

4/24/2018

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams

Who is the 6-foot-2 240 pound Azeem Victor?

As a sophomore, Victor was named as a All Pac-12 Honorable Mention, recording 95 tackles (nine for loss), 1 ½ sacks and breaking up six passes. He started 10 games his junior year and was being considered as a first-team All-Pac-12 Player before breaking his leg. He was having a promising collegiate career before hitting a bump his junior season. Victor suffered a broken leg against the USC Trojans, which cost him to miss the remainder of the season. The 2017 season didn’t far any better, as the Huskies head coach Chris Petersen suspended Victor from the team’s first game for violating team rules. Later that season, he would be arrested for a DUI charge and was again suspended.

Azeem Victor Highlights

Strength
Has very active and quick feet, rarely being caught flat-footed. A very aggressive linebacker that attacks the blockers and to gain an advantage to make the play. Is a very hard and heavy hitter as he accelerates to attempt to run through the ball carrier making punishing tackles. Has exceptional coverage skills that allow him the ability to cover running backs or tight ends. He has a great vision and is very aware of screenplays, stretched runs or backs trying to cut back for extra yardage. Good sideline to sideline pursuit allowing the sideline to be an extra tackler. Never shy's away from contact, willing to initiate the contact with any player on the field. Watches cutback lanes rarely get caught on the wrong side of a moving blocker. Ability to set up quarterback to force throws to create turnovers or small windows to throw through.

Weakness
There are concerns about his mental state as he was suspended twice in a season. Mindset can be compromised and weaken and seems to fade if he’s not in control of the situation. Lack of communication with the coaching staff, and will be able to receive and process the team rules and conditions. Score at the 2018 NFL Combine is questionable, as he only recorded 19 reps on the bench press, as 23-25 reps is a better score for a linebacker. Physicality may raise questions but has natural strength. Pursuit speed and closeout burst are below average. Needs to find a stick and move with hands to keep himself clear from blocks. Can be slow to find his man after play-action and is below average in mirroring pass catchers. Increased weight game may not transition well with his body if not getting stronger in the gym.

Is he a great fit for the Rams?
It boils down to which Azeem Victor that show's up to the playing field. Will you see the player that once was projected as a late first round or early second player from his first two seasons; or will you get the player of his last two years where it involves a suspended twice in the same season of his senior year. Victor has a high motor and forceful with a gap to gap penetration, who can knock out any sized running back. Good fit for at the ILB position, but probably will excel on special teams or sub-package schemes. Projected in the late round as he would reunite with three current Los Angeles Rams and UW alumnus, Marcus Peters, Cory Littleton, and Jake Eldrenkamp. The question raised is which round of the 2018 NFL Draft Victor will hear his name announced.

Draft Prediction
6th - 7th Round