A speedy, athletic linebacker with the skills to make plays outside the box, Ben Heeney flashed on a Kansas team that lacked NFL talent. Heeney lived behind the line of scrimmage in 2014 and showed impressive motor when attacking ball-carriers. He's a bit of a freelancer, but it tends to work for him. He attacks the offense, and the net result is big plays.
WEAKNESSES
Missed tackles are a major issue for Heeney, and they are what keep him ranked lower than other linebackers here. Part of Heeney being a freelancer who makes big plays is that he completely blows plays, too. He'll shoot gaps and be nowhere near the ball and takes himself out of position to make a lot tackles. That leads to questions about vision and instincts for this undersized linebacker.
2014 STATISTICS
Tackles Sacks Tackles for Loss
127 1.5 12.0
PRO COMPARISON: Lawrence Timmons, Pittsburgh Steelers
Timmons and Heeney are both good athletes with the skills to play inside linebacker while being undersized. From an athletic and style standpoint, they're similar players.
FINAL GRADE: 5.40/9.00 (Quality Backup)
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
