Colson has the physicality and speed to have a long NFL career.
Michigan linebacker Junior Colson appeared in 43 games during his collegiate career with 36 starts. Colson led Michigan in tackles the past two seasons with 101 in 2022 and 95 in 2023.
Colson also came up big this past season against Michigan’s toughest opponents — he led the team with 11 tackles versus Ohio State and led Michigan with 10 tackles against Alabama in the Rose Bowl.
The Basics
Height: 6-2
Weight: 238
Age; 21
Strengths
- Hard hitter
- Relentless pursuit sideline-to-sideline
- Great communicator
- Savvy in zone coverage
- Is like a locomotive coming at you downhill. Comes with steam and force
- Rarely misses tackles
Weaknesses
- Cannot be expected to cover fast receivers laterally on shallow crossers
- Struggles in man coverage from time to time
- Hesitates on zone runs
- Can improve shedding blocks
Do Your Homework
Colson with a bull rush
This season, I want to see more Junior Colson using whole guys to tackle opposing quarterbacks
— 〽️att Hartwell (@MaizeCrusader) July 31, 2022
Great awareness by Colson underneath
The Packers need linebacker help. Let’s take a look at 10 potential targets in the 2024 NFL Draft, including Michigan’s Junior Colson. https://t.co/60MqsG2pBl pic.twitter.com/VCsRZF4KnO
— Brennen Rupp (@Brennen_Rupp) March 19, 2024
Colson flys downhill in coverage
Top Prospect Watch
Michigan’s Junior Colson stands out as one of the elite linebackers in this draft class.
A projected second-round pick, his 6’2″, 238 lb frame combined with an IGA Score™ of 97.7, underscores his exceptional talent and readiness for the NFL.
Colson’s… pic.twitter.com/kv8c9D4uUo
— Reel Analytics (@RAanalytics) March 16, 2024
Colson gives up a touchdown to Marvin Harrison Jr.
MARVIN HARRISON JR. TOUCHDOWN
Ohio State makes it a one-score game #OSUvsMICH pic.twitter.com/H9gItWEdSr
— Vendetta Media (@VendettaVSM) November 25, 2023
Conclusion
Colson does a lot of things at a very high level and would be a steal in the third or fourth round. He rarely misses tackles, he hits extremely hard, and he’s incredibly strong and tough. He has football smarts in zone coverage and has a good knack at diagnosing plays presnap. However, he must improve diagnosing zone runes and his overall abilities in man coverage, especially laterally where there are times he does not keep his feet moving and a speedy receiver leaves him in the dust. Colson’s a great teammate and will be willing to do whatever it takes to get better at the next level. There are elements to his game that are still raw, but you can’t coach heart and hustle, which Colson has a lot of. He is willing to fly to the football and hit with authority, and what coach doesn’t love that?