2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Willie Gay Jr., OLB, Mississippi State Bulldogs
Career Snapshot
First-year starter who made 28 tackles (3.5 for loss) with one interception in five games as a junior in 2019 before he missed eight contests due to a violation of team rules. Started six games and made 48 tackles (5.5 for loss) with five sacks and two interceptions as a sophomore.
Positives
Athletic linebacker with next-level size and speed and big upside. Keeps the action in front of him, effectively diagnoses plays and moves well laterally. Fires up the field to defend the run. Explosive at the point and creates turnovers. Displays good change-of-direction skills and nicely redirects to ball carriers.
Negatives
Despite his 40 time, does not show great range and struggles to cut off the corners from ball carriers. Average pursuit ability and ball skills.
Analysis
Gay possesses the size and speed to develop into a productive linebacker at the next level. He must keep his focus on the field and learn to play at a high level on every down to have a career in the NFL.