• NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Cody Leonard, LB, Quincy by Matt Anzio
• Player: Cody Leonard
• Position: Inside Linebacker/ OLB
• School: Quincy
• Height: 5’11
• Weight: 225  lbs
• Arm: 19”
• Wingspan: 77 “  
• Hand: NA
• Projected Forty:  4.56
• Projected Round: 7- UDFA
• Projected Vert:  36”
• Projected reps at 225 lbs:
• Draft: 2019
• Hometown: Carrollton, Illinois
• Jersey Number: 22

Stats & Awards

• 2018:
• GLVC D Player of the year
• GLVC Single Season tackle record holder
• National Bowl Attendee, Senior Bowl Combine invite, Podyum All Star invite HBCU Spirit of America Bowl invite
• GLVC Single Game Tackle record
• GLVC Record Tackle per game 15.3
• Broke Quincy’s All Time Record For Solo Tackles with 72

• 2017 : Started 11 games for the Hawks
• 110 tackles, 14.5 TFL Lead team in bpth
• His 72 solo tackles are Most in School History
• First Team All GLVC
• GLVC Defensive Player Of The Week
• 12 tackles, 3.5 TFL, 1 sack & a FF vs Lincoln

Diamond Report

Athletic energetic prototypical inside backer with a Nasty streak.

Cody Leonard might be from a very small school in a very small town but make no doubts about it he plays very big. Both in run defenses & pass coverage there is much to like about the Inside backer from Quincy.   Leonard is a field general that can orchestrate the D like a conductor does a symphony. Instinctual Leader on the field 110 tackles this season is proof that Cody is a workhorse & tackling machine. 72 solo tackles further ensure  Leonard is a force to be reckoned with. Showing improvement every year he has added 25 – 30 lbs of muscle this year. played in the National & is set to showcase his skills at the HBCU Spirit of America Bowl then finally the Senior Bowl Combine.  His work ethic is prevalent both on & off the field. This is a prospect I will be keeping an eye on. After the combine, this profile will be updated available upon scouts request.

Against The Run

Explodes off the ball like a savage with the bend and the burst to get in the backfield on the regular. Uses his bend wellsprings into tackles with the right technique. Recognizes outside run plays takes excellent angels. laterally shoots the gap closing any room the runner has to stretch the play out. Doesn’t get hung up on blocks able to read & react in space. Avoids clutter/ traffic with his speed & agility stays free to roam about dissecting plays attacking the ball carrier. Intelligent the way you want your Mike or Middle LB to be. Good enough toughness upper body muscle to chop even the big 220-240 backs down to the ground. Tackles with ferocity 73 solo tackles in 2017 were good for a team record. Put 20-25 lbs of muscle on this small school star think he can be a run stuffing LB that can really shine sniffing out the screen short pass game.  Non-stop motor shedding blocks pushing his target securing his tackles. Strong tackles with a variety of ways to put his opponents on the turf.

In Pass Coverage

Can move laterally with great fluidity exciting to watch in coverage.  Understands Zone coverage schemes. Can play wellsprings or underneath closing with intensity strong tackler in the open field. Safety type coverage skills but hits like a linebacker for real.  Plays like a slot over the middle at times reading & breaking on balls. Reading the QB’s eyes with conductive attention to details Leonard is a true Pro. Great transitioning in & out of breaks in the ferocity game. Good at getting in the passers line of fire attacking the ball or being a disruption. Leonard is undoubtedly one of the most athletic Inside Backers in a deep class of players.  The trick will be can we get him to the proper 225- 230 weight class without him losing any of that explosiveness.

Summary

Leonard says he models his game off of Luke Kuechly.

When you see his intelligence & pursuit on the field you can see some of the same traits. Although can’t put many players on that level this early in their career can see the influence in his game. Watched his tape from the National Bowl Game & practices where he suited up for the National team. Against other All American & talented small schoolers Leonard was all over the field making his presence felt.  Now Cody prepares for The Senior Bowl Combine in Mobile Alabama. The young Inside Backer is checking all the boxes. A good showing in Mobile & he could be on many GM’s big boards. The NFL these days Linebackers are asked to be able to shed blocks, blitz, make tackles & cover both short, intermediate & even long balls on occasions. It is there to have an athletic LB that is also physical. If there is one area of improvement I would say he plays with such intensity he can over pursue at times. Believe that something he can improve on in the right situation.  He is aware of this tendency is something he is working on improving this.

Cody Leonard is not only one of the best LB prospects I have profiled, he is also one of the most humble respectful young men.  Scouts, GM’s & coaches alike whatever team decides to bring Leonard in to compete will get a smart tough prospect that gives 100% every time he puts that helmet on.