STRENGTHS
If you’re looking for more explosiveness from the linebacker position then you should not pass on selecting Channing Tindall. He might be the fastest linebacker in this draft and his workout numbers should be outstanding and show that he can be used at any one of the linebacker positions. Channing is a sure tackler and makes plays all over the field. He can go sideline to sideline faster than you can blink. He has the agility to cover, dropping off into a zone and when singled up against those quick slot receivers or those big Tight Ends. He will run and chase players from behind as well as be able to take the angle and make the tackle behind the line of scrimmage from the backside. Channing has not reached his potential as a player and leader on the field. Out of all the very good linebackers in the draft class, Channing has the most upside to his game and most likely is the fastest. He is the type of linebacker you can build your defense around and you will be smart if that’s what you do. I call him Channing (Blink) Tindall.
CONCERNS
Channing just needs more repetitions. He’s the type of player who needs to get on the field and learn so at first, you will have to be patient with some of his mistakes. In the meantime, don’t blink or you will miss some unbelievable plays on the field.
BOTTOM LINE: 1.43
Channing reminds me a lot of a former Panther Linebacker who was selected as a Safety, Thomas Davis. He played for Georgia also and at the time was considered as one of the faster players in the 2005 draft. He ran a 4.66, 40 at the combine and that got him selected in the 1st round at the 14th pick. Channing is faster and quicker. Channing is made for the new defenses that use a 4/2/5 as their base defense. He is not limited to playing just one linebacker position or limited to just playing in one style of defense. There might be bigger linebackers in this draft but I do not believe that in the future there will be many from this class that will be better. Channing has the potential to get better and impact more than any of them given the time and the repetitions to do that. At least that’s what I see in the film because I kept my eyes open and didn’t blink.
