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UCLA Football: The top candidates to be taken in the 2019 NFL Draft

By Mike Regalado

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Los Angeles Chargers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes over the defense of Josh Woods #2 and Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Steven Montez #12 of the Colorado Buffaloes passes over the defense of Josh Woods #2 and Boss Tagaloa #75 of the UCLA Bruins during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on September 30, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Josh Woods, LB

UCLA’s linebacker depth became very thin, very fast midway through the 2017 season and Woods was one of the casualties. He sat out most of spring, but is still considered to be a top talent as he went through first-team walk-throughs, so by the time fall comes around, he should be ready to help anchor the linebackers.

Woods is a very athletic specimen and has the tools to thrive in Azzinaro’s aggressive defense. Last season, the Bruins played a bit more conservatively, so what the new coaches have in mind could definitely benefit Woods.

Woods has the skills to lock onto defenders in coverage, but can also be a misfit in the backfield. Last year, he had 3.5 tackles for a loss (30 total) with one sack. With the direction the defense is going, GJB expects those numbers to rise significantly. With that happening, he will turn heads at not just the college level, but could catch the eye of a few NFL teams that are looking for an active linebacker of his caliber.