Germaine Pratt, LB

School: NC State | Conference: ACC

College Experience: RS Senior | Age: 22?

Height / Weight: 6-2 / 240 lbs

Projected Draft Status: 2nd or 3rd Round

NFL Comparison: Raekwon McMillan

College Statistics

Player Overview

Germaine Pratt was a wide receiver and safety coming out of high school when he was ranked 4-stars by recruiting boards. Pratt decided to stay close to home and chose NC State over other offers from Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Virginia just to name a few. Pratt started his career at free safety and primarily contributed on special teams his first two years. Pratt was given a redshirt in 2016 due to recovery from shoulder surgery he was also converted to linebacker. That was a good decision. Pratt has been one of the best linebackers in the ACC and arguably in college football. He has produced nicely at the position and teams ought to be intrigued by his blend of size, physicality, and athleticism. As a converted safety he’s one of the best in the class as far as speed. Pratt showed off his speed at the Senior Bowl but will need to show off his movement and other skills at the combine to make a run up the board. If he can show that he has more flexibility and fluidity than previously thought he could go early on day 2 of the draft.

Strengths

Good size, athleticism, and great speed for the position. Solidly built physique and can play with some power and has some pop to his hits.

Has sideline to sideline athleticism makes a lot of plays others can’t because of his athleticism. Solid as a run defender and offers some pass rush ability as well.

Has some versatility as he played inside and outside linebacker at NC State.

Good tackler who can wrap up and stop opponents in their tracks.

Looks pretty good in coverage moves well in space.

Weaknesses

Offers little resistance to offensive linemen blocking him. Can get washed out of plays pretty easily. Looked like he has close to zero moves to get off blocks.

I’m not so sure about his instincts and read and react ability. He looks to be a bit slow in diagnosing plays but makes up a lot of ground with his speed. Thats not going to work nearly as well in the NFL.

Has a bit of stiffness in his lower half would be big if he could show that he cleaned in up in offseason work otherwise he’ll probably be nicked for not ideal fluidity and change of direction ability.

Would like him to have a bit more awareness as perhaps related to his instincts. In his hesitation or diagnosis its almost like he loses some urgency as he waits for the ball to come to him. This is especially evident when he’s rushing the QB. He seems to run into blocks rather than avoid them.

Let’s see his work:

More Germain Pratte videos

Hello Germaine Pratt. Even if this a duck, Pratt stayed with a slot receiver through a damn near double move. Dude is fluid as hell and has tremendous ball skills for a LB. I’m a big fan of his game. #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/lfk8E6FalK — Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 9, 2019

I'm waiting to see how Germaine Pratt tests at the combine, but from what I've seen, his speed seems almost too good to be true. Seen blitzing here from the right linebacker spot, the QB had no chance. #NCState #CollegeFootball #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/gzaKAwFMTh — Black and Gold Nation (@B_GNation1) January 23, 2019

NC State LB Germaine Pratt fits the mould of the modern day LB who the Bengals should be looking for. Former safety, who holds up in coverage and athletic playmaker as seen here moving across the field smoothly to prevent the 1st down. #NFLDraft #Bengals #NFL pic.twitter.com/r9gPZ0Z9SQ — Rory-Joe Daniels (@rjdanielsnfl) January 17, 2019

I love this play from Germaine Pratt so much. Stands the HB up right there. Grown man strength. pic.twitter.com/5s3bYFoN1y — formerly @DeckTheCards (@PrimeKellyOubre) January 27, 2019

Not a RB. Not a WR. A LB had the fastest speed during North practice today:

Germaine Pratt (LB) - 20.4

Tony Pollard (RB) - 20.1

Terry McLaurin (WR) - 19.6

Karan Higdon (RB) - 19.4

Corey Ballentine (DB) - 19.3 #SeniorBowl @PackFootball @ZebraTechnology — Reese's Senior Bowl (@seniorbowl) January 24, 2019

How He Would Fit On The Redskins?

Pratt certainly is an intriguing option for the Redskins on day 2 of the draft. His athleticism is what the team has needed and the fandom has been craving for for a few years now. The Redskins ILB position is still in flux right now. Regardless of what Bruce Allen says there still is a chance Reuben Foster could be suspended for some period of time by the NFL not to mention the probability of Foster making a mistake again. Mason Foster should not be brought back for obvious reasons and the Redskins may not bring back Zach Brown as there seems to be some tension between him and the team. It would be a wise investment in the position to draft a player like Pratt on day 2 if they do not look to the position in the 1st rounds. Pratt has his issues but by and large he is fundamentally solid and is a well rounded player. He could start right away in this defense and has the skill set to remain on the field in all situations. Pratt probably would be the most athletic linebacker on the team and could definitely help the Redskins in the run game and in coverage. As he develops I expect him to be able to diagnose things a bit quicker (remember he is a converted safety). I think his potential is quite high and I would love to have him on the team.