Curtis Bolton, a linebacker from the University of Oklahoma, may not be a household name like some of the top prospects in this year’s NFL draft. However, his talent and potential make him a hidden gem that shouldn’t be overlooked. In this article, we will dive into the journey of Curtis Bolton to the NFL draft, his strengths and weaknesses, and how he can make an impact on any team that drafts him.
The Early Years: From High School to College Football
Early Signs of Potential
Curtis Bolton grew up in Murrieta, California where he first started playing high school football. Despite being undersized for a linebacker, he quickly caught the attention of his coaches with his speed, agility, and natural instincts on the field. He became a starter in his sophomore year and never looked back.
Rising Through the Ranks
During his senior year, Bolton recorded 120 tackles, 10 sacks, and 2 interceptions, earning All-League honors. Despite his impressive performance, he was only offered walk-on spots at smaller schools. However, his perseverance paid off when he received a scholarship offer from the University of Oklahoma.
A Standout at Oklahoma
Bolton redshirted his freshman year, but once he hit the field, he quickly made a name for himself. In his junior year, he had a breakout season, recording 56 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 3 sacks. His senior year was cut short due to injury, but he still managed to record 42 tackles and 4 sacks in just 8 games.
Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses
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Speed and Agility
One of Bolton’s biggest strengths is his speed and athleticism. He has the ability to quickly read and react to plays, allowing him to make tackles all over the field. His lateral movement is also impressive, making it difficult for blockers to get a hold of him.
Instincts and Football IQ
Bolton’s instincts and football IQ are what set him apart from other linebackers in this draft class. He has a natural feel for the game and always seems to be in the right place at the right time. This allows him to make plays that others may not be able to.
Coverage Skills
In today’s NFL, linebackers need to be able to cover tight ends, running backs, and even slot receivers. Bolton’s speed and agility make him a strong coverage linebacker, and his instincts allow him to anticipate routes and make plays on the ball.
Size and Strength
Bolton’s size and strength are his biggest weaknesses. At 6’0” and 228 pounds, he is undersized for an NFL linebacker. He will need to bulk up and add strength in order to hold up against bigger and more physical blockers at the next level.
Injuries
Bolton’s senior season was cut short due to a knee injury, which could raise some red flags for teams. However, he has shown resilience and determination in coming back from injuries in the past, so it shouldn’t be a major concern.
How to Use Curtis Bolton Draft
Curtis Bolton can be used in a variety of ways on defense. His speed and coverage skills make him a valuable asset in pass coverage, while his instincts and ability to read plays make him a solid run defender. He could also excel as a special teams player, using his speed and athleticism to make plays on kick and punt coverage.
Examples of Curtis Bolton Draft
One example of how a team could use Curtis Bolton is similar to how the New England Patriots have used linebacker Dont’a Hightower. Hightower is not the biggest or fastest linebacker, but his instincts and football IQ allow him to make plays all over the field. Bolton could thrive in a similar role, utilizing his natural abilities to make an impact on defense.
Comparisons to Other Linebackers in the Draft
Bolton’s skill set and playing style draw comparisons to former NFL linebacker Lavonte David. Like David, Bolton may not have ideal size, but his speed, instincts, and coverage skills make him a valuable asset on any defense. If he can stay healthy and continue to develop, he has the potential to have a similar impact at the next level.
Advice for Teams Interested in Drafting Curtis Bolton
Curtis Bolton may not be a first-round pick, but he has the potential to become a valuable contributor to any team that takes a chance on him. His combination of speed, athleticism, and football IQ make him a unique prospect in this year’s draft class. For teams looking for a steal in the later rounds, Bolton should definitely be on their radar.
FAQs About Curtis Bolton Draft
Q: What position does Curtis Bolton play?
A: Bolton is a linebacker who can play both inside and outside depending on the defensive scheme.
Q: Does Bolton have any injury concerns?
A: Bolton’s senior season was cut short due to a knee injury, but he has shown resilience in coming back from previous injuries.
Q: How would you describe Bolton’s playing style?
A: Bolton is a fast and instinctive linebacker who excels in pass coverage and has a natural feel for the game.
Q: Can Bolton contribute on special teams?
A: Yes, Bolton’s speed and athleticism make him a valuable asset on kick and punt coverage teams.
Q: Will Bolton’s size be an issue at the next level?
A: It could be a concern, but with proper training and development, Bolton has the potential to overcome any size limitations.
Conclusion
Curtis Bolton may not have the name recognition of some of the top prospects in this year’s NFL draft, but his talent and potential make him a hidden gem that shouldn’t be overlooked. With his speed, instincts, and coverage skills, he has the ability to make an impact on any defense and contribute on special teams. For teams looking for a late-round steal, Curtis Bolton is definitely worth taking a chance on.
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