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Ahmad Brooks LB Virginia 6’4 249 Soph
By: Robert Davis

Editor's note: This profile was written 11/30/2004. Since then Brooks' stock has dramatically dropped due to both off-field issues, injuries and poor on-field performances. For updated information on Brooks please visit our NFL draft forum. With over 9000 members, it's the best place for draft information regarding Brooks and other draft prospects, rumors, and news.

Ahmad Brooks was one of the elite recruits in the country three years ago, and he may have already exceeded expectations in just two seasons of playing time. Brooks is draft eligible because he spent a year after high school at Hargrave Military Academy. During his freshman season, Brooks set a UVa freshman record with 117 tackles with 10 of them for loss, 4 sacks and 6 pass breakups. This season, as a sophomore, he has had another fine season, being named one of three finalists for the Butkus award. Brooks’ father, Perry, played for the Washington Redskins.

Ahmad Brooks is a physical specimen. He’s got awesome size, he’s a great athlete, he’s fast, and he’s strong. You may not be able to create a better looking linebacker than Brooks. On the field, he can do it all. He can drop back into coverage, he can weed through traffic and stuff the run, and he can get up field after the passer. Brooks is very versatile on the field; having the ability to play inside or out, and possessing the size to be a 3rd down pass rusher on the line. He has even lined up as a kick returner, averaging 27.5 yards on 2 returns in 2004.

There aren’t many negatives with Brooks. The obvious one is experience, as he has only played two seasons at the college level. Even that may be overrated, as he played at Hargrave for a year, and he has started every game he’s played in during his two years at Virginia.

Ahmad Brooks is a great prospect, whenever he declares. He should be a Top 20 pick if he declares this year. With his size, athleticism, and versatility, it’s hard to not see Brian Urlacher. Brooks is that type of talent, and he’s going to be an excellent NFL linebacker.

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