2024 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Shane Lee, LB, USC
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Shane Lee, #53 |
| School (Code) | CASC |
| DOB, Class Yr | N/A, 5th year Senior |
| Height, Weight | 5116, 245 |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.68e |
| Position/Depth | WILL, #1 |
| Honors/Captainship | 2022 All-Pac 12 Honorable Mention; 2-time USC team captain, 2019 ESPN Freshman All-American; 2019 All-SEC Freshman Team |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2022 |
| Games Watched | @ORST, @UTUN, CAUN, @CALA |
| Scout Name / Date | Ryan Vidales 7/27/23 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
| 2022 | 13 GP, 78 Tkls, 7.5 TFL, 3.5 Sacks, 2 IINT |
| 2021 | 11 GP, 6 Tkls, 0.5 TFL |
| 2020 | 5 GP, 3 Tkls, 1.0 TFL, 1 FF |
| 2019 | 13 GP, 86 Tkls, 6.5 TFL, 4.5 Sacks, 1 INT, 2 FF, 1 FR |
Player Summary:
Began career at Alabama, where he started at MLB as a true freshman for the Crimson Tide in 2019. Hampered by injuries and a crowded linebacker room during his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively. Transferred to USC before the 2022 season and became an instant starter in the Trojans’ 3-4 defense. Below-average height for an inside linebacker but compensates with a formidable build and a sturdy lower half. A firm base enables him to take on blockers and control the POA using high overall play strength. Adequate hand use when attempting to shed blockers but rarely gets knocked off his feet or dominated in one-on-one situations. Quality pass rusher from the interior and off the edge. Proficient burst/acceleration allows him to penetrate the backfield from the ILB spot; Utilizes a blend of speed, power, and bend to find pass-rush success as an EDGE. Has a high motor, strong closing speed, and secure tackling ability to stop plays behind the LOS consistently. Lacks a diverse set of pass rush moves to be an every-down pass rusher but produces high TFL and sack numbers when he can play a full season. A decent run defender with sufficient vision and read & react ability. Experiences lapses in gap discipline against power-run blocking schemes and tends to overrun plays before they reach the second level. Possesses a fluid lower half and smooth COD that flashes when he drops into zone coverage. Displays the ability to sink hips and transition cleanly out of his backpedal. Appears less comfortable in man coverage. Lacks physicality at the top of the route and offers too much separation on short and intermediate concepts. Does have the speed and lateral agility to stick with running backs out of the backfield on long-developing routes while in man, however. Not your typical rangy, sideline-to-sideline ILB, but provides a versatile skill set to adapt to multiple defensive systems. Prime candidate to move to WILL to capitalize on his coverage skills and pass-rushing talent. Valuable position and special teams versatility for a player that is a bit of a tweener at the LB position.
Scheme Fit:
Rotational 3-4/3-3-5 WILL Linebacker with value on passing downs as a coverage LB or pass rusher off the edge.
Power Statement:
Well-rounded linebacker who boasts significant play strength, solid athleticism, reliable coverage skills, and intriguing upside as a pass rusher at the next level.