2014 NFL Draft Profile: Cincinnati Bearcats Linebacker Greg Blair
By Chris Bains
Sep 14, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebackers Greg Blair (51) and Clemente Casseus (57) tackle Northwestern State Demons running back Daniel Taylor (29) during the 1st quarter of the game at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Leifheit-USA TODAY Sports
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SEASON REVIEW
Cincinnati Bearcats middle linebacker Greg Blair had a solid senior season in red and black. He led all defensive players with 106 tackles and posted 7 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hurries, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. But he didn’t pace the Bearcats in any of those last four categories. Plus, other than quarterback hurries, Blair’s production actually regressed from the 2012 season. Even so, the senior was the anchor of the Cincinnati defense. The other ten players on that side of the ball went how Blair went and more often than not it meant a world of hurt for opposing offenses.
STRENGTHS
- Downhill run defense
- Size
- Sticky tackler
Greg Blair is an exceptional between-the-tackles defender. He does a nice job reading the play like he’s standing in the huddle then jumping on the ball carrier when he crosses the line of scrimmage. The only issue is that Blair doesn’t always get there before he gains yardage. Even so, he clearly does his homework on the opposing offense. Blair quickly recognizes the player, reads the gaps, and hits them with an urgency like every play is a goal line stand.
Plus, when the middle linebacker does find contact he’s not an ease player to block or defender to shed. Blair’s 252 lbs frame is a leaner version of himself from when he first arrived at Cincinnati. But he didn’t sacrifice muscle in thinning down. Blair is every bit as strong as he was as a junior, if not more so. As such, offensive linemen have a difficult time holding their blocks against him and runningbacks, even the larger ones, can’t seem to shed the sure tackler. It’s an annoyance to the opposing team, I’m sure.
WEAKNESSES
- Lateral run defense
- Coverage
For as big of a linebacker as Greg Blair is, he sacrifices a ton of speed with all of that size. Last season Cincinnati got burned more than once, and several times against Illinois, by plays that stretched the defense laterally. The problem was that UC’s defenders at the second level, including Blair, couldn’t get to the sideline fast enough and close off the edge. As a result the offense could churn out 10, 15, 20 yard gains with ease using simple run and pass plays.
Additionally that lack of speed hurts Blair in coverage. As a middle linebacker, he’s tasked at primarily locking down tight ends and the occasional runningback leaking out of the backfield. Those players at the next level are far faster than at the collegiate level. That’s why they’re being paid eight times the average person’s salary. Tight ends and runningbacks in the NFL have a demigod-like blend of size and speed. Blair can matchup with the former but not the latter and it could wind up hurting him in the Draft.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Blair is an exceptional middle linebacker from a leadership and run defense standpoint. He has NFL measurables and a solid resume to his name. But what dings Blair on his evaluation, and quite a bit I might add, is his lack of speed. That impedes his ability to cover the outer two-thirds of the field and opposing offenses will key in on him with quick tight ends all game long. It’s a serious red flag on Blair’s resume and what I think prevents him from being drafted this weekend. Hopefully he can find a way to stand out in a NFL camp.
HIGHLIGHTS
This is a pretty comprehensive mix of his highlights against Illinois.