Curtis Weaver, Miami Dolphins
It seemed likely for Curtis Weaver to go anywhere between the late second and late fourth rounds of the NFL Draft, but seeing him fall to 164th overall was a real surprise. Taken by the Miami Dolphins, it looks like Weaver could get classified as a linebacker in the team’s 3-4 scheme.
Weaver wreaked havoc during his three seasons at Boise State, playing alongside Dallas’ Leighton Vander Esch in 2017. During his three years with the Broncos, Weaver amassed three forced fumbles, two interceptions, 34 sacks, 47.5 tackles for loss, and 128 tackles.
Weaver’s 34 career sacks rank fifth in NCAA history, sitting just 1.5 sacks behind third place. That total also stands as a Mountain West Conference record.
As a junior, Weaver set career-highs with 13.5 sacks, 19.5 tackles for loss, and 52 tackles, winning the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Year award for 2019.
At the NFL level, Weaver could bully his way into Miami’s starting lineup alongside Kyle Van Noy. While Weaver lacks NFL-caliber length, he’s reliable against the run and knows how to make plays around the football.
Analysts don’t view Weaver as a Day 1 starter or Pro Bowl talent, but he’s good for at least six sacks a year if he’s given enough opportunities. They utilize vastly different playing styles, but in terms of raw talent, Weaver should win one of Miami’s starting outside linebacker jobs from Vince Biegel.
