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From nfldraftblitz.com


Alfred Fincher


School: Connecticut
Position: Inside Linebacker
Class: Senior
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 238lbs
Birthday: 8/15/83
40 Time: 4.67


Positives


- Fincher defines “tackler.� He uses his prototypical size to literally swallow congestion up the middle. Fincher isn’t the type to rely on solid interior lineman hogging blockers – he has performed at a higher level than ever this year despite UConn losing key surrounding defenders to injury. His strength is in his fundamentals. Fincher does not miss easy tackles and rarely over-pursues, despite having plenty of burst to get into the backfield and enough range to roam horizontally. Fincher stepped into the role of a vocal team leader quite nicely as a junior and is a true presence on and off the field.

Weaknesses


- Despite possessing a good push into the backfield and a knack for chasing down a play, Fincher is not a demon. He makes few mistakes, but he won’t make many eye-catching plays downfield, either. Trap and lead blocking can take him out of a play. His coverage is also a concern; he lacks fluidity in the secondary and doesn’t match up well with athletic backs and tight ends.

Overall Analysis


- Fincher plays with a fundamental base and an excellent head for the game. He’s certainly a refreshing shift from the 220-pound inside linebackers who dominate collegiate foes, but are engulfed by NFL blockers. He is rarely out of position and won’t slip a game-winning tackle, but he also won’t chase down many long gains. Fincher will need some seasoning on the NFL plane in terms of shedding blocks and fighting through crowds at the line. Still, his ability to “mirror� the line and pursue into the backfield when asked project him as a solid contributor, probably in a 3-4 scheme.

Reminds You Of:


- James Farrior, Pittsburgh Steelers




LB Alfred Fincher, UConn

- Fincher is probably one of the more underrated LB prospects in the draft. He’s a sideline to sideline player, intelligent, a sure tackler, and a guy with very little downside. He’s not a complete player, with his lapses in coverage and can get caught up by blockers, but should develop very quickly with work. He could go as early as Rd 2, but is seemingly a better fit in the 3rd round.

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I had never heard of this guy before. But he sounds exactly like the kind of ILB that I wanted.

I want a LB who can run. But I want him to run foward. I wanted him to get into the backfield and tackle the RB. Is that too much to ask for?

I don\'t care about his coverage skills. Let the high priced DBs take care of that.

I want a guy just like Fincher!!

[Edited on 24/4/2005 by GumboBC]

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I like the fact that he\'s a good tackler and that he doesn\'t need big lineman hogging the blockers (because if sully doesn\'t show up we dont have good interior linemen).

I think this is just the kind of linebacker we need on this team. Love the pick.

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.. I have never seen this guy play, but everyone is using \"character\" and \"tackling\" in the same sentence... that\'s good..

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Agreed, TR. Agreed.

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Maybe his work ethic will rub off on a few veterans...namely Sullivan.