Philip Wheeler will not be the biggest or strongest linebacker of this class. In fact, it is his undersized 6-2, 238 pound frame that will knock him down the draft a little ways. However, despite those concerns, Wheeler could go in the second round thanks to his great athleticism. Wheeler is a solid cover man for a linebacker and will be able to match up well with most backs and tight ends in the league. Ideally, the Columbus, Georgia native will play in a 'cover two' defense where his skills could be best utilized. Despite being a little undersized at 6-2, Wheeler is a strong player who can shed blocks and stuff the run with seeming ease. Wheeler led Georgia Tech as a senior with 88 tackles and added 5.5 sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss and he will use that nice combination of strength and speed to put up some decent numbers in the NFL too. His versatility will get him a long look from a few teams and he could be a steal for the right team in the third round. With a good showing at the combine, it may take a second round selection to get Wheeler. 2/28 Update: Philip Wheeler had one of the better overall combines of any linebacker. The numbers across the board were solid and Wheeler should reap the benefits. His strength and speed did not blow anybody away, but his combination of skills and quick feet will get the scouts' attention.
3/21 Update: Philip Wheeler improved his overall numbers a bit during his Pro Day compared to the combine. Speed will not be his greatest asset, but Wheeler did prove that he is a solid athlete with decent strength. The linebacker is slowly working his way into a late second round selection, but that has little to do with his numbers off the field. Wheeler's best asset was his production at Georgia Tech and since he did nothing at the combine or Pro Day to make scouts shy away from him, Wheeler should be a late first day pick.
4/11 Update: The buzz around Philip Wheeler is diminishing a little bit as other linebackers slowly climb up the draft boards. Still, Wheeler is a versatile linebacker who should immediately be able to fill in off the bench at both inside and outside linebacker positions in the right defense. A third round selection is the most likely at this point, but some team may remember his performance at Georgia Tech's Pro Day and feel they need to use a second round pick on Wheeler in order to secure his services.
