04/30/2012 - A closer look at the Raiders' picks: 7/230 Nathan Stupar, LB, 6-2, 241, Penn State...An outside linebacker for the Nittany Lions who led the team with 80 tackles, Stupar will move into the middle for the Raiders. The nephew of former Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler. - The Sports Xchange
Positives: Cerebral defender with starting experience inside and out in Penn State's 4-3 alignment. Q11ucikly recognizes run and has the burst to beat linemen to the hole due to his instincs and underrated overall athleticism. Solid wrap-up tackler. Shows good awareness in coverage as well as a the burst and strong use of hands to rush the quarterback. Standout special teams performer. Blue collar, high effort player with leadership traits. Good blodlines. His father and two uncles played at Penn State, including quarterback Jeff Hostetler, who played for the New York Giants, Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders and Washington Redskins. His brother, Jonathan, was a tight end at Virginia and has played with the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens.
Negatives: Looks and plays smaller than his listed size. Possesses very long legs and only average foot quickness and balance, making him susceptible to cut blocks and getting caught up in the trash. Is too often washed out by bigger blockers and, while a solid wra-up tackler, isn't an explosive hitter that ball-carriers need to fear. Relies more on instincts and fundamentals in his pass drops rather than athleticism in coverage and might get picked apart against NFL-caliber passers. Never emerged as a standout despite playing in a acheme designed to funnel the action towards the linebackers. Starred a carer high nine of 13 games in 2011.
