Sean Spence an intriguing prospect for New Orleans

Despite being one of the most productive linebackers in the history of a college program known for producing outstanding linebackers, Sean Spence will not be selected on April 26, in the first round of the NFL draft.

His 317 career tackles as a four-year starter at Miami ranks among the best in Hurricanes history.

But Spence's other numbers could turn some NFL teams off, as he measured just 5 feet 11 and 231 pounds.

"I can't do nothing about my height," Spence said. "I think I bring great production. All my years at Miami, I was very productive. If you just look at what I did on the field and not my height, you're going to be very happy."

Spence's measurables could have him still on the board when the Saints make their first pick of the draft, a third-round selection (No. 89 overall).
Although the Saints already have used this offseason to strengthen their linebacker position by adding free agents Curtis Lofton, David Hawthorne and Chris Chamberlain, the availability of Spence could give Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis something to think about when they are on the clock on April 27.

Spence, who likely will play outside linebacker in the NFL after playing primary in the middle at Miami, is the type of defensive playmaker the Saints have lacked in recent years.

He also has displayed the ability to cover tight ends and running backs.

"That's one of my strengths," he said. "I definitely can cover any back in the NFL, any tight end. I know the guys are bigger, faster, stronger in the NFL, and I'm going to be, as well."

Although he had a disappointing showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, where he had just 12 bench-press reps of 225 pounds and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.71 seconds, he finished his career with 47 tackles for losses, which ranked second among active NCAA players. He had 14 last season.

Spence said a lingering shoulder injury prevented him from performing better.

"I'm a three-down linebacker, very fast, I can go sideline to sideline," Spence said. "I'm a smart, very instinctive player. I'm going to play hard. I'm a leader. I lead by example. And most of all, I make plays."

Apparently, NFL Network's Mike Mayock agrees.

"I love Sean Spence," Mayock said. "Someone is going to get a hell of a player."

Even if Spence is gone by the time the Saints pick, there still should be some quality linebackers available.

Florida State's Nigel Bradham, Oklahoma's Travis Lewis and Arkansas State's Demario Davis are all in the second tier of outside linebackers who could fall into the third or fourth rounds.

But Spence could have the most value.

He made more than 100 tackles his junior and senior seasons, earning him first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference as a senior and the Hurricanes' co-MVP as a junior.

Most scouts consider him a smart and instinctive player, capable of playing all three linebacker positions.

In the NFL, however, he'll likely spend much of his time on the weak side, which should free him to makes plays all over the field.

"I know it's going to be pretty difficult at first, just transitioning with the NFL speed; you're playing against veterans and Pro Bowlers," he said. "I know it's going to be a little difficult. Once I get a hang of the speed and catch up with the playbook, I think I'll be OK."

Spence said he's ready to carry on the legacy of linebackers from Miami, a school that has produced NFL standouts Ray Lewis, Jon Beason, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams and Dan Morgan.

"That's one of the reasons I went to Miami, because they have a great history of linebackers and players," Spence said. "Coming in here as a freshman, I wanted to be one of those guys who could be in that group, the Ray Lewises, Jon Beason, Jonathan Vilma, Jesse Armstead, and the list goes on and on."

He has already been picking up tips and pointers from Vilma, the Saints' defensive captain and starting middle linebacker.
Spence said it's only natural for him to pattern his game after Vilma's.

"Being able to meet him down in Miami and seeing what he did on the field, he's been a great mentor for me," Spence said. "He's a guy I look up to."


(nola.com)