Nick Bolton - Backer Moving up the Board

By: Hussam Patel

Nick Bolton was the bright spot in Missouri's defensive front, taking on the mantle of the communicator and leading the Tigers’ defense in a competitive SEC conference, ultimately getting him ready for the NFL.

#Mizzou LB Nick Bolton is an enjoyable watch. As far as diagnosing, attacking, and finishing, he’s arguably the best second level defender in this class at that. The game vs. Alabama is a great snapshot of that.

Outstanding at seeing pullers. pic.twitter.com/l5QOCuRoYr

— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) December 2, 2020

In the passing game, Bolton does well in zone coverage and plays underneath routes, minimizing the YAC ball carriers look for. However, he needs to be better over the top and well beyond the first down markers. He will need to get better in space and work on tracking down ball carriers who can switch angles on a dime. 

Nick Bolton having a day! pic.twitter.com/XhxmX2O1nb

— Represent Mizzou (@RepresentMizzou) September 7, 2019

In the run game, his initial burst is as quick as I have seen, which allows him to stay clean in a mosh pit, shooting through the gaps and penetrating the backfield to deliver hits and generate pressure.  With only a six foot frame, Bolton is a bit undersized at the MIKE position so he will need to pair up with an off ball linebacker who plays well in man coverage. 

Love watching Nick Bolton, flows with Toney the entire way and then makes the open field tackle. Stud! pic.twitter.com/pRB7F8Jz84

— Lorenz (@ScoutingLenz) December 29, 2020

The Tiger product might not be able to take on blocks well at the NFL level; he seems to run around blockers instead of getting dirty and playing the violent game to take them on directly. His size is a concern while taking on bigger linemen; he is taken out of the play when asked to take on direct blocks, and can’t move from lineman to lineman. 

Nick Bolton with back-to-back tackles at the line of scrimmage for Missouri.

He’s an all-around outstanding football player. Can do anything you’d want a modern linebacker.

Currently our #29 prospect and #3 LB. pic.twitter.com/GUmz39L7Ns

— Boom or Bust: The Draft Show (@BoomOrBustDraft) December 12, 2020

Bolton would be a great fit to a team that blitzes its linebackers heavily on 3rd downs to generate pressure, and mainly play at the WILL position.