Tommy Polley UFA Rams – His play has been up and down since being drafted by the Rams in the second round in 2001. Polley has played all three linebacker positions and has good quickness and ability but isn’t strong at the point of a attack which is a trait that is symptomatic of all their linebackers. He hasn’t shown that he’s capable of being an impact player but is good enough to warrant a starting job likely on the weak side.

ANALYSIS
Positives: Has a lean, athletic build with long arms, developing muscles and a frame with the potential for additional growth … Intelligent player who is effective at jamming the tight end at the line of scrimmage … Shows good lateral agility and the quickness to make plays wide … Has a sharp closing burst on the play side … Breaks down properly in the open when runners change direction and has the quickness to catch the backs from behind … Goes low in his stance, extending his arms to wrap, secure and drive the opponent back on his heels … Has good field awareness dropping back in the zone … His pass drop skills and fluid backpedal allow him to stay on the receiver\'s hip when operating in the deep half of the field in zone coverage.

Negatives: Gets suckered out of position at times, having problems with misdirection … Will finesse rather than try to maul blockers (does not have enough strength to defeat the more physical linemen), which results in him getting tied up by some blocks when trying to shed … Better flowing to the play side than from behind … Drives for depth with good angle in his pass drops, but keeps his feet a little narrow handling the switch-off in the zone … Does not have natural hands for the interception.