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2016 NFL Draft Profile: Aaron Wallace Jr. of UCLA

By Michael Chavez

Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Aaron Wallace (51) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins linebacker Aaron Wallace (51) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. UCLA defeated Arizona State 62-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Go Joe Bruin continues their coverage of the 2016 NFL Draft with our profiles of UCLA Football players. Here we look at Aaron Wallace.

2016 NFL Draft Profile: Aaron Wallace Jr. #51 – UCLA

San Diego, CA

RELATED: UCLA Football Showcases Themselves

The Upside

The light came on as a senior and Wallace exploded onto scouts’ radar. Has a chiseled physique and is capable of holding the edge in run defense. Has a great first step and knows how to dip to get around the edge.

Was used all over the linebacking corps including OLB, SLB, and even some DE. When he sees it he goes and gets there fast. Has powerful hands that can shock blockers back allowing him to make the tackle. Just scratching the surface.

The Improvements Needed

As a one-year starter and only starting because of injury, the question remains how good is Wallace really? Has impressive stats but again was for only one year. Stiff in his lower body and missed a few sacks because he doesn’t have elite bend around the edge.

Played in coverage but will need plenty of practice time doing it. Takes too long to diagnose what he sees and reacts rather than being instinctual. Struggles to shed blocks when latched onto.

UCLA Bruins
UCLA Bruins /

UCLA Bruins

Vital Stats

Position-OLB
Height-6’3
Weight-240lbs
Arm Length-N/A
Hand Size-N/A

Combine Stats

Grade-5.39
Bench-25 reps (UCLA pro day)
40-4.57 (UCLA pro day)
Vert- 36” (UCLA pro day)
Broad Jump- 10’10” (UCLA pro day)

2015 Stats

Honorable mention All PAC-12 with 65 tackles, 12.5 TFL and 7 sacks
NFL

Draft Projections

Walterfootball.com- Round 7 Selection #234, Oakland Raiders
NFL.com-Round 6 Selection #214, New England Patriots

Final Analysis

Wallace passes the eye test but up until this year didn’t live up to the hype he had when he arrived on campus. He does have some special traits and although he compared himself to Von Miller in an interview earlier this year, I see a lot of Brian Orakpo in him. Fits best as an OLB or SLB but will need to contribute heavily on special teams.

Next: Sports Illustrated Predicts 3 Bruins Going in the First 3 Rounds of the NFL Draft

Final Grade: Late 6th round.