49ers big board for 2020 NFL Draft: Bowl games edition

Pros:

• Excellent athleticism, is an absolute terror in open space
• Adept at getting into the backfield with great sack/tackles for loss production at Oregon
• Can match against tight ends and running backs in man coverage
• Is a three down player, can play in zone coverage
• Athletic ability and speed allows him to slip blocks

Cons:

• Needs to gain weight to reach his potential in the NFL
• Some question of his desire to be physical
• Must improve diagnosing the run, can be caught out of position as he doesn’t react until it’s too late
• Angles of attack are inconsistent, has been guilty of over or underpursuing

A linebacker prospect of insane athletic potential, Troy Dye presents a challenge as someone can succeed at the next level with the right coaching.

Dye’s best attribute is his ability to get into the backfield. With 41.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks in his college career, his ability to be a weapon while blitzing is a big plus in a league where teams need to rush the passer effectively.

He can also make use of his athletic gifts. He can either be used in man coverage against running backs or tight ends, or be used in zone coverage. Dye projects as a true three down player for the NFL.

Where Dye has to develop is in his physicality and instincts. Too often he is too slow to diagnose run plays, or take the correct angles against players he’s trying to tackle.

The other problem is his physicality, there have been times where he’s guilty of letting the Oregon defensive line do the heavy lifting while he waits behind them. He needs to be more willing to battle when assisting the trenches in plays.

Draft range: First round

Criticisms on his play aside, Dye has the athletic gifts to succeed in the NFL and should do so with the right coaching to help improve his game. He makes a good fit for the 49ers, who need more athletic linebackers to play behind Kwon Alexander.