Overall
After a fantastic Junior season, Mark Herzlich looked destined to be a high first round pick, but everything changed when he was diagnosed with bone cancer and had to sit out the entire 2009 season. I cannot do his story justice, so you should research it for yourself, and watch the videos below to get a grasp on what he went through. Herzlich returned last year, and started the season off rusty, which is understandable, but definitely progressed as the season went on. As far as football goes, Herzlich has the ability to be a tackling machine at inside linebacker, either in a 4-3, or a 3-4, or strongside in a 4-3. His instincts and ability to read plays quickly and immediately attack are top notch. If he played with lower pad level, is game would show immediate improvement, as he tends to miss a few too many tackles, and doesn't turn and run in coverage very well. I think Herzlich would be excellent as a 3-4 Inside Linebacker where he wouldn't have as much space to cover, and be able to use his instincts and aggression to stuff the run.
