Power Echols, LB, North Carolina
Size:
Height: 5113
Weight: 237
Arm: 30 ⅝”
Hand: 9 ¼”
Accomplishments:
Third-Team All-ACC (2023)
“Power Echols plays with tenacity and aggressiveness that showcase a potential multi-phase contributor.”
Strengths:
Coverage
Plays with a ton of pop in his pads
Instincts
Range
Concerns:
Tweener (undersized off-ball LB)
Strength at point of attack
Technique as a tackler
Film Analysis:
A tone-setter within the middle of the Tar Heels defense, Echols enters the draft process as a four-year contributor in the ACC with a versatile and explosive skill set. While his size may knock him down boards, his downhill trigger and burst in the open field showcase a player who should challenge for snaps in multiple phases inside a defense that prioritizes hybrid defenders. Echols plays with a tenacity and aggressiveness that showcases a potential multi-phase contributor. Undersized for NFL standards at the linebacker position, but he flashes a high level of physicality and aggressiveness at the second level that could mask size concerns for teams.
Against the run, Echols displays excellent sideline-to-sideline speed, allowing him to cover ground quickly. Arrives at contact with violence but must improve as a fundamental tackler. His process in identifying rush lanes was adequate entering the year, but improved as a senior (Boston College tape was excellent). Can be displaced out of his run fit when squared up by opposing linemen, but will consistently utilize his agility and natural lower center of gravity to bend around blocks. Changes direction quickly and efficiently. Very little wasted movement—that is beneficial when navigating through traffic to make tackles.
In coverage, Echols’ athleticism showcases well but he remains a bit out of control at times in space, where he will attack opponents instead of patiently running and carrying players. Has good makeup speed to close distance against faster running backs or tight ends, but better throws against could have led to chunk plays (Florida State). Does a nice job of reaching the correct depth in zone drops to keep everything in front. Instinctive playmaker with eyes for the football (four INTs, seven PBUs last two years). Excellent range inside the numbers where he is quick to identify route concepts. Can be overpowered by larger tight ends, but has the agility and burst to stay hip-to-hip up the seam. Does a nice job of chopping his feet when approaching wideouts on screen plays. Echols shows good awareness as well as the ability to track and defend against intermediate routes.
Echols is excellent when asked to blitz. Times his rushes well and utilizes his speed to penetrate the backfield. His quick first step often puts offensive linemen on the back foot, creating pressure on the quarterback. Consistently plays with his hair on fire, a trait that will translate and is reminiscent of Vikings LB Ivan Pace Jr.
Concerns remain about his ultimate role at the next level, but his skill set will fit a multitude of teams that value athletic, hybrid types of defenders. Has room to improve taking on isolated blocks, as well as in his one-on-one tackling in space.
Overall, Echols’ instincts showcase a tone-setter at linebacker who has the chance to make plays at a variety of depths. His floor as a contributor will come as a core special teamer.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written by: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: Boston College (2024), Duke (2024), Florida State (2024), Clemson (2023), Virginia (2023), Miami (2023), Minnesota (2023)
