SURRATT!!

QB who switched to LB? The heck? Chaz the rat?

LB is a need but someone tell me how to feel about this please, ha

I never looked at this guy. Am I right thinking that this is the guy who ran the painfully slow 40? Could be wrong about that. Former QB, sounds like he's a project with some upside....

Replacement for Wilson

By now, the story is well-documented.
Chazz Surratt, one of the most prolific high school football players in North Carolina state history, commits to UNC as a quarterback, the next man in line behind eventual No. 2 draftee Mitch Trubisky. When Surratt’s time behind center comes, though, he struggles. UNC loses, a lot. Mack Brown is hired … and the first thing Surratt says to his new coach? That he’d like to change positions. Brown had ideas: receiver, safety, maybe even tight end.
Nope, Surratt said. Linebacker.
The two seasons that followed were a crash course in a position Surratt hadn’t played since ninth grade. But he ended up doing so well that he quickly developed into North Carolina’s defensive leader — and now, he becomes the No. 78 pick in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. Quite the ascent, no?
And while Surratt still has things to learn about the position, as anyone would after practicing something for just two years, the physical tools that made him such an all-around stud athlete have immediately translated. The speed, the quickness, the power with which he plays: put it all together, and you have the sort of uber-athlete so popular on most modern NFL defenses. The only lingering question about Surratt is just how high his ceiling is. If he’s this good after two seasons — racking up a combined 207 tackles, including 22.5 tackles for loss — try imagining what he’ll be capable of after five.
Dane Brugler on Chazz Surratt (No. 8 linebacker, No. 97 overall prospect in ‘The Beast’)Surratt is field fast and moves really well at the position to cover, blitz or chase down the run, showing the smarts to consistently be around the football. However, his take-on skills and finishing ability aren’t yet strengths to his game, and he sticks to blocks and often arrives too hot as a tackler. Overall, Surratt must improve his run fits and develop in several areas, but he has the athleticism, instincts and competitive toughness to be a high-volume tackler and run-around weakside linebacker in the NFL.
Top college highlightFor as many tackles, sacks and other bone-jarring hits that Surratt made in two seasons at linebacker, none of those plays were his signature moment as a Tar Heel. That honor goes to his game-sealing interception in 2019 against Duke. With the Tar Heels up three with 18 seconds left, Duke had the ball two yards out from a game-winning score. But on the handoff, Duke’s running back attempted a jump pass, which Surratt deflected and then caught himself. That pick not only sealed a key home rivalry win for North Carolina but showcased Surratt’s athleticism and ball skills.
CoachspeakBrown hasn’t stopped spreading the gospel of Surratt since he got back to Chapel Hill. “It didn’t look like at first he had great instincts, but he’d never been over there before. He’d never tackled anyone before,” Brown said. “There’s no telling how good he can really be, and that’s because he can play all over the field.” Brown still remembers Surratt’s first college game against South Carolina, when he missed an early tackle that led to a touchdown run — and how he then had to remind defensive coordinator Jay Bateman to go easy on Surratt, who’d never made a tackle in-game before.
What you may have missedAs a high school senior, Surratt was incredibly close to breaking the North Carolina all-time yardage record … until he injured his elbow mid-game. That injury ended up being the reason he couldn’t play his final basketball season, and the reason he enrolled early at UNC. But the under-the-radar part of that story? Surratt re-entered that final football game with an injured elbow and threw an underhand pass through the pain to nab the record. That’s the sort of competitor he is.

9. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina (6-foot-2, 229, 4.59, Round 3): Redshirted as a quarterback in 2016 before starting seven games under center (80.1 passer rating) in ’17. Eyeing his NFL future, he voluntarily made the move to inside linebacker in 2019 and started in a 3-4 defense.

“He’s probably the closest one to being able to run your defense because he’s so intelligent,” said one scout. “It wouldn’t surprise me if at the end of the day, he’s the most productive of all these guys. He’s really athletic. He’s tough. He’s got to learn how to play under control. He can match in space. He’s got to get a little bit bigger.”

Said a second scout: “I was pleasantly surprised by the kid’s instincts and compete and tackling,” said a second scout. “He’s not a killer, but he’s a good wrap-up tackler. He can run and cover.”

His short arms (30¼ inches) concern some teams.

“If you want a guy that will bend people over backward, he’s not your guy,” a third scout said. “But for a guy who used to be a quarterback, he showed pretty good toughness. I just like the athlete.”

The Denver, N.C., native finished with 207 tackles (22½ for loss) and 18½ big plays.

“He needs time to develop,” a fourth scout said. “He is a vocal leader. He’s got problems getting off blocks. He’s got sideline-to-sideline speed.”

Would have preferred Jabril Cox if we were going LB.  I would have gone DE Weaver/Sample or one of the Guards Wyatt/Meneirez

Loved Darrisaw Mond picks this one not so much

@"MaroonBells" said: I never looked at this guy. Am I right thinking that this is the guy who ran the painfully slow 40? Could be wrong about that. Former QB, sounds like he's a project with some upside....

"He's barely played linebacker, so a lot of these mistakes he makes are going to disappear once he gets more snaps. It takes time, but he's smart and competes his ass off, so he'll get it." -- Personnel executive for AFC team

UH...no, not Surratt. Painfully slow 40 belonged to Paris Ford. 

PROSPECT SUMMARY - CHAZZ SURRATTChazz Surratt came to North Carolina to play quarterback, where he started seven games as a redshirt freshman in 2017 and entered 2018 as the Tar Heels’ starter. His 2018 season was delayed, however, because of a four-game suspension because he sold team-issued sneakers. When he returned to the lineup, Surratt completed 4-of-10 passes for 10 yards and three interceptions before injuring his wrist, which required season-ending surgery. When his wrist healed and he was ready to return to the field, discussions between Surratt and then-head coach Larry Fedora began regarding a switch to the defensive side of the football. Surratt considered a transfer to another university to continue as a quarterback but he met with newly hired head coach Mack Brown regarding his status with the program and he decided to stay. Surratt made it clear to Brown that it was his goal to play in the NFL and both agreed his best course was to make the transition to linebacker. Surratt’s first year at linebacker was in 2019 and he was outstanding. Appearing in all 13 games with 11 starts, Surratt was a First-Team All-ACC selection and runner-up for ACC Defensive Player of the Year. With 115 tackles, Surratt led the Tar Heels and finished second in the ACC with 88 tackles per game. Surratt logged 15 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hurries. He took another step forward in 2020, becoming more polished when it comes to coverage drops, pursuit angles, and tackling. Surratt is an exciting package of size, mobility, and physicality, but there are times studying his tape when you are reminded that he is still new to the position. Surratt will need to continue developing at the position and if he does, he has the makings of a starting pursuit-style linebacker that can make plays on every down. 
Ideal Role: Pursuit-style 4-3 outside linebacker that brings value on every down.
Scheme Fit: 4-3 outside linebacker.
FILM EVALUATIONWritten by Joe Marino 
Games watched: South Carolina (2019), Clemson (2019), Virginia (2019), Virginia Tech (2019), Syracuse (2020), Notre Dame (2020), Miami (2020), NC State (2020) 
Best Game Studied: Syracuse (2020) 
Worst Game Studied: Virginia Tech (2019) 
Tackling: Surratt significantly improved his tackling skills when comparing 2019 to 2020. While he’s never been adverse to contact, his angels were sloppy in 2019 and it didn’t set him up for success to finish with consistency. That improved greatly in 2020 and Surratt showcased a consistent ability to finish by playing more under control, arriving on time, wrapping up, and bringing his feet through contact.  
Football IQ: A converted quarterback in 2019, Surratt is still new to the position and there are times that it shows. While his processing and play-diagnosing skills improved in 2020, there are times he is moved out of his run fits with tardy/incorrect responses. He did show improved comfort in zone coverage drops when it comes to anticipating and squeezing routes in 2020. 
Competitive Toughness: Surratt is a tremendous competitor and he’s a physical player. His willingness to stick at North Carolina and switch to linebacker after playing quarterback speaks to his competitive toughness. He is willing to take on contact and he’s an urgent player in pursuit. 
Pass Coverage Ability: Surratt has the movement skills needed to reach his landmarks in zone coverage and match up with running backs and tight ends in man coverage. He demonstrated improved route-anticipation skills in 2020. His quarterback background shows up in zone drops where he often reads the backfield and fluidly works into throwing lanes.
Run Defending: Surratt has some impressive moments triggering downhill and stopping the run where he processes quickly, commits, and finishes. When he’s kept clean and can fill a window, Surratt closes rapidly and is a good finisher. Some of his angles need to be tighter so that he doesn’t inadvertently widen gaps/create cutback opportunities. 
Block Deconstruction: Surratt’s technique for taking on blocks and disengaging improved when comparing 2019 to 2020. He is on the leaner side so there are times he gets worked out of his feet and he would be well-served to add more functional strength and play with more consistent leverage when taking on blocks. North Carolina gave him regular opportunities to blitz and he needs to do a better job having a plan to defeat blocks. 
Lateral Mobility: Surratt has outstanding range and mobility. He has easy movement skills working toward the sideline and he closes in a hurry. He’s lateral pursuit reveals natural mobility without segmentation. 
Flexibility: Surratt is springy and agile. He has fluid change of direction skills with easy transitions. He can carry speed through tight angles and finish outside of his frame. 
Leadership: Surratt was once the starting quarterback at North Carolina and he became a team captain at linebacker which speaks to his leadership traits in multiple ways. Morphing from quarterback to a top linebacker prospect in a short period of time speaks to his work ethic and commitment to football. His multi-sport background shows up on the football field and it’s obvious that he loves to compete. 
Versatility: Surratt has the makings of an every-down linebacker in the NFL. He’s quickly become experienced in man coverage, zone coverage, rushing the passer, and, of course, defending the run. For an off-ball linebacker, there aren’t any restrictions to how he can help a defense.  
Prospect Comparison: Shaq Thompson (2015 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers) 

Probably better QB than Mond but Im thrilled with this pick. Was torn between him and Jabril Cox but Im sure the Vikes knew better than me

@"Hawkvike25" said: Probably better QB than Mond but Im thrilled with this pick. Was torn between him and Jabril Cox but Im sure the Vikes knew better than me

Cox would have been a better thread title

https://www.vikings.com/video/chazz-surratt-talks-about-how-his-background-at-qb-helped-him-adjust-at-lb

Ranked ahead of Cox by McGinn....

9. Chazz Surratt, North Carolina (6-foot-2, 229, 4.59, Round 3): Redshirted as a quarterback in 2016 before starting seven games under center (80.1 passer rating) in ’17. Eyeing his NFL future, he voluntarily made the move to inside linebacker in 2019 and started in a 3-4 defense.
“He’s probably the closest one to being able to run your defense because he’s so intelligent,” said one scout. “It wouldn’t surprise me if at the end of the day, he’s the most productive of all these guys. He’s really athletic. He’s tough. He’s got to learn how to play under control. He can match in space. He’s got to get a little bit bigger.”
Said a second scout: “I was pleasantly surprised by the kid’s instincts and compete and tackling,” said a second scout. “He’s not a killer, but he’s a good wrap-up tackler. He can run and cover.”
His short arms (30¼ inches) concern some teams.
“If you want a guy that will bend people over backward, he’s not your guy,” a third scout said. “But for a guy who used to be a quarterback, he showed pretty good toughness. I just like the athlete.”
The Denver, N.C., native finished with 207 tackles (22½ for loss) and 18½ big plays.
“He needs time to develop,” a fourth scout said. “He is a vocal leader. He’s got problems getting off blocks. He’s got sideline-to-sideline speed.”

Vikings probably knew plenty about Cox because he was at NDSU all but this past season. 

What does Surratt offer that Troy Dye does not?   I thought Dye was supposed to be a smaller, faster cover-type linebacker?   

He might not like going up against Darrisaw in practice everyday...those highlights were brutal.

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I never looked at this guy. Am I right thinking that this is the guy who ran the painfully slow 40? Could be wrong about that. Former QB, sounds like he's a project with some upside....

"He's barely played linebacker, so a lot of these mistakes he makes are going to disappear once he gets more snaps. It takes time, but he's smart and competes his ass off, so he'll get it." -- Personnel executive for AFC team

UH...no, not Surratt. Painfully slow 40 belonged to Paris Ford. 

Well Barr is FA next year and Kendricks is nearing 30, so I'm hoping this is a pick to let a natural talent marinate for a year  soaking up knowledge before unleashing in 2022.  Plus we need LB depth, so it may as well be fast depth.

Which is a nice way of saying we just used picks 66 and 78 on a QB who won't play until at least 2023 and a 2021 ST gunner.

@"Geoff Nichols" said:

@"MaroonBells" said:

@"MaroonBells" said: I never looked at this guy. Am I right thinking that this is the guy who ran the painfully slow 40? Could be wrong about that. Former QB, sounds like he's a project with some upside....

"He's barely played linebacker, so a lot of these mistakes he makes are going to disappear once he gets more snaps. It takes time, but he's smart and competes his ass off, so he'll get it." -- Personnel executive for AFC team

UH...no, not Surratt. Painfully slow 40 belonged to Paris Ford. 

They'll take him tomorrow lol. Vikings are fans or at least were. 

@"RS Express" said: Well Barr is FA next year and Kendricks is nearing 30, so I'm hoping this is a pick to let a natural talent marinate for a year  soaking up knowledge before unleashing in 2022.  Plus we need LB depth, so it may as well be fast depth.

Which is a nice way of saying we just used picks 66 and 78 on a QB who won't play until at least 2023 and a 2021 ST gunner.

Does he really provide much insurance if Barr leaves in FA? He seems more like a replacement for Wilson, which they also drafted Dye for last year. Maybe the D shifts away from Barr like they had to with Wilson last year, but I was hoping they'd target a bigger LB with some pass rush ability. I knew they weren't going to spend a 1st on someone like Zaven Collins this year, but it does make me wonder if the eventual replacement for Barr is not on the roster.