Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft less than a month away, let’s take a look at the scouting report for LSU LB Micah Baskerville.
Micah Baskerville NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Linebacker
- School: LSU
- Year: Fifth-year Senior
Baskerville was a four-star recruit out of Evangel Christian Academy High School in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was highly sought-after by recruiters. After considering his options, Baskerville chose to play college football at LSU.
As a freshman, Baskerville only recorded stats in three games. However, he made appearances in six games, thus prohibiting him from qualifying for redshirt status. He totaled 18 total tackles and no sacks.
Baskerville played in more games as a sophomore but actually saw 28 fewer snaps. Statistically, he did not impress, amassing just 15 total tackles and one sack.
Baskerville started to get going as a junior in 2020. Despite all the complications due to COVID, his tackle total shot up to 55 in eight games.
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In his senior year in 2021, Baskerville recorded his first career interception and added 83 tackles and two sacks.
Likely not satisfied with his body of work, Baskerville opted to exercise his extra year of eligibility due to COVID and returned to LSU for a fifth season. I’d say it was a good move, as Baskerville was able to prove that the improvements he made the previous year were for real.
As a fifth-year senior, Baskerville recorded 89 total tackles, one sack, and returned his lone interception for a touchdown.
Overall, Baskerville finished his college career with 128 solo tackles, 132 assisted tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, and one interception.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Micah Baskerville
Strengths: Athletic linebacker with an underrated game. Breaks down well, effectively uses his hands to protect himself, and chases hard to get involved in the action. Quickly locates the ball, displays good change-of-direction ability, and takes proper angles to plays.
Scrapes well laterally, shows speed in pursuit, and gets out into space to make plays. Goes sideline to sideline and shows excellent range. Possesses a closing burst and gets depth on pass drops. Shows ability and awareness in coverage. Plays within the system.
Weaknesses: Not a strong or stout tackler. Easily taken from the action by blocks. Doesn’t play to his size. Instincts run hot and cold.
Overall: Baskerville has been rated as a draftable player on my board the past three seasons, and he’s a terrific run-and-chase LB who displayed development in his game. He needs to pull the pieces together, but Baskerville comes with an upside and offers possibilities as an eighth linebacker/special-teams player at the very least.
Micah Baskerville Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 6’0 5/8″
- Weight: 221 pounds
- Arm Length: 31 1/4″
- Hand Size: 9 5/8″
- Bench Press: 18 (pro day)
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.75 (pro day)
LSU LB Micah Baskerville Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Baskerville ranked 187th overall and is projected to be drafted in the sixth round. With a 3.38 grade, he is Pauline’s ILB10 in this class.
Baskerville didn’t run the 40 or do the bench press at the Combine, reserving those for his pro day.
While Baskerville looks quick enough on the field, his 40 time is definitely concerning, especially for someone his size.
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College production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Baskerville couldn’t really put everything together until his final two seasons. While that doesn’t preclude him from becoming a successful pro, it doesn’t exactly bode well.
Even as a Day 3 pick, Baskerville should be able to make an NFL roster. Yet, his athleticism and body of work suggest his ceiling is becoming a rotational player at the NFL level.
Ultimately, Baskerville’s college career definitely didn’t play out the way he or those who recruited him expected. He will almost certainly be drafted and have the opportunity to prove himself at rookie minicamp and training camp, but simply earning a spot on an active roster would be a success for him.
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