3. Darius Leonard, LB
Former Defensive Rookie of the Year, linebacker Darius Leonard, is a freight train at inside linebacker. Last year, as a rookie out of South Carolina State, Leonard racked up a league-leading 163 tackles (12 for loss) to go along with seven sacks.
What makes him so good? He’s a tackling machine with incredible instincts. He’s always around the ball, and he finishes. Not only will Leonard wrap you up on his own, but he doesn’t require anyone to help him clean up. A Swiss army knife at inside linebacker, Leonard forces fumbles, generates pressure and is a threat to take any interception to the house.
All Darius Leonard does is make plays! @dsleon45#Colts https://t.co/NiifLEEr5Y
— NFL (@NFL) December 31, 2018
Leonard could make it difficult for the Titans to establish a footing on the ground. For RB Derrick Henry to have success, LG Rodger Saffold and C Ben Jones will need to get to the second level quickly to seal Leonard.
In coverage, look for Leonard to attempt to give TE Delanie Walker trouble early on, and throw him off his game. While Leonard is quick enough to hang with most TEs, Walker is a savvy veteran and should have a few tricks up his sleeve.