3. Daniel Bituli
Linebacker
6’2″ 246 pounds; Nashville, Tenn.
Projected NFL Draft landing spots:
- SI.com – New England Patriots: Round 6; Pick 195
- Sporting News – Washington Redskins: Round 7; Pick 216
Daniel Bituli is the type of guy who, if drafted, would be one of the later picks. He would be taken so late that he’d almost be in a better position to not get taken and then find a spot with a better team as an undrafted free agent. His problem is he doesn’t blow anybody away in any area when it comes to major physical advantages.
However, Bituli’s production with Tennessee football is his selling point. Without him to start the season, Rocky Top fell to 0-2 with losses to the Georgia State Panthers and BYU Cougars. He then returned, and the Vols only losses the rest of the year were to their three opponents who finished in the top 10: The Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs and Florida Gators.
On Rocky Top, Bituli demonstrated his leadership abilities and his knack for being all over the field. He made plays in key moments, such as the two goal-line tackles to stop the Kentucky Wildcats for a win, and he was the signal-caller. Given those factors, he’d be a great fit under Bill Belichick with New England, so that’s a great landing spot. Washington is a major wildcard.
Versatility will be Bituli’s selling point. He was recruited to be an edge rusher who doubles as an outside linebacker, similar to what Curt Maggitt was. Then, in Jeremy Pruitt’s 3-4 defense, he moved to inside linebacker as the leader of the defense. The book on Bituli is clear. He’s a solid prospect but doesn’t bring all-world potential, making for a late-round pick if taken at all.