Kentrell Brothers, Missouri (6’0 | 245 | 4.84) – Like Matakevich, Brothers is a run-stopping force inside. He has the power to shed blockers, the strength to stop running backs in their tracks, and a knack for sifting through traffic to make plays near the line of scrimmage. Brothers excels between the hashes and fits well as a “Mike” ILB who can shut down interior running lanes.
Brothers led all FBS linebackers with 152 tackles last year and was a beast between the tackles the last two seasons. He struggles a bit when asked to roam outside in coverage. He’s not quick or long enough to cover tight ends and backs, but can hold his own in zone coverage when dropping back over the middle. Brothers is also a smart player with only three penalties in 1,683 snaps last season. He’s been a leader on the field for Mizzu and controls the middle of the field with authority.
Brothers needs to improve his flexibility and ability to cover in the flat. Bears DC Vic Fangio asks more from his ILBs than most 3-4 teams, requiring them to cover backs and tight ends, blitz up the middle and also have the range to cover sideline-to-sideline. Those aren’t Brothers strengths right now, but if he improves his mobility than Brothers could eventually push Freeman for his ILB position.
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