Mark Herzlich Scouting Report

Mark Herzlich is back. A year ago at this time Herzlich was battling cancer and looking at the NFL was the farthest thing from anybody's mind. The senior was then bothered by a few injuries heading into the 2010 season. Just being back on the field was amazing enough, but Herzlich is finally healthy and had his best game of the season against Clemson on October 30th. On the year Herzlich has played in all nine games thus far, despite his injuries, and has tallied 40 tackles and two interceptions.

Back in 2006 Herzlich was named to a variety of Freshman All-America teams after tallying 42 tackles, 5.0 tackles-for-loss and a sack. He even had an interception and forced two fumbles. By 2007 the 6-4 linebacker was a staple in the lineup and turning into a leader of the Eagles. On the year he totaled an impressive 97 tackles and led the team with 12.0 tackles-for-loss. It was in 2008 when Herzlich went from a great player in the Atlantic Coast Conference to a great player on a national level. Herzlich picked off six passes, ranking tops in the nation for a linebacker and returned two of those for touchdowns. He also led the Eagles with 110 tackles and added eight pass break-ups and two forced fumbles. That effort earned him the ACC Defensive Player of the Year award.

Herzlich's story is an inspiring one and there has been and will be much talk about his heroic return to football. But his football story will continue. Herzlich is a fine outside linebacker who obviously has a ton of heart and work ethic. He is a good athlete too and even if nagging injuries continue to slow his senior season, Herzlich will tough it out and should be a second round draft pick.

2/8 Update: The Senior Bowl was not good to Herzlich. He was too often easily blocked by running backs on blitz attempts. On top his of his poor pass rushing, Herzlich was also beat in coverage. Unfortunately, a player who was considered one of the best NFL prospects just a couple years ago has slipped to the second round and is now falling even further.