6 linebackers the Vikings could select in the 2020 NFL Draft
By Nik Edlund
Shaquille Quarterman (Miami)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-feet | Weight: 234 pounds
2019 Stats:
- 107 Total tackles, (15.5 for a loss)
- 5 pass breakups
- 1 sack
- 1 forced fumble
Shaquille Quarterman is the definition of a downhill thumper. He’s got a nice thick frame with wide, intimidating shoulders. He’s very experienced, having been a four-year starter for the Hurricanes.
In this span, he racked up a total of 356 tackles, 46.5 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks and one interception. He plays with a lot of intensity and he developed into one of the leaders of the Miami defense.
While Quarterman has impressive numbers and he is an impressive physical presence on the field, there are some red flags when it comes to his game.
He lacks overall speed, he will not cover a ton of range in the pros, and he doesn’t have the wheels to stay with running backs or tight ends who come over the middle on routes. While he doesn’t have that sideline-to-sideline speed, he does close in on a ball carrier quickly and he will be very effective attacking downhill.
Quarterman’s future in the NFL is at inside linebacker. The Vikings could take him and use him as the primary back up to Eric Kendricks next season. With his experience, it shouldn’t take him long to be ready to help out. He’ll also be a special teams asset early in his career.