Jon Bostic, OLB

01/02/2013 - PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB Jon Bostic has been Florida's most consistent defensive player this season. In the middle, Bostic has proven steady against the run with 62 tackles, while posting three sacks and two interceptions. Bostic returned one of those interceptions for a TD and also has a forced fumble. - The Sports Xchange

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Like most Florida Gators prospects, Bostic was a highly regarded prep athlete who could have signed with virtually any program out of school. After picking the Gators over the likes of Miami, LSU, Florida State and Clemson, Bostic emerged as one of Florida's best young defenders, leading all freshmen with 18 total tackles in 2009.

Bostic appeared in all 13 games a year later, starting six games and demonstrating surprising instincts and ball-skills for an inside linebacker by picking off three passes in his first extended duty.

While he never matched his 2010 success as an interceptor, Bostic emerged as one of the Gators' leading tackles, topping the team with 94 stops in 2011 before dropping to a disappointing third with 68 tackles in 2012 to close out his career in Gainesville.

Instinctive, physical and productive against quality competition, Bostic ranks as one of the better no-nonsense run-stuffing inside linebackers of the 2013 draft class. As his five career interceptions and 7.5 sacks attest, he's also capable of contributing against the pass -- traits which should help him earn a selection during the late second to mid third days of the draft.

STRENGTHS: Instinctive, physical football player who doesn't back down from a challenge. Reads the action well and is faster to the ball than he might appear on the track. Closes with aggression, bringing his hips and driving through the ball-carrier to flash the ability to make the big hit. Seems to enjoy the physicality of the game, rushing to take on fullbacks and pulling linemen.

Does a nice job of keeping square and taking on blocks aggressively, rarely losing ground. Slides off blocks to make the tackle if the ball-carrier gets close. Good strength for the drag down tackle. Keeps his eyes on the quarterback when dropping into coverage and shows some understanding of route development, slipping into holes to thwart passing opportunities. Good ball skills for the position. Times his blitzes well.

Natural special teams candidate due to his aggression, physicality. Vocal team leader.

WEAKNESSES: While Bostic is quick to take on blockers, he isn't necessarily quick to shed them. Appears to have shorter than ideal arms and will lose sight of the ball when battling with blockers. Appears to possess just adequate sideline-to-sideline speed and may struggle to protect the edge against speedier NFL ballcarriers.

A bit stiff in his upper body and can be eluded in the open field. Relies on his eyes rather than athleticism when in coverage and will likely struggle in this area in the NFL, making him likely a two-down linebacker.

COMPARES TO: David Hawthorne, ILB, New Orleans Saints -- Just as "The Heater" has done for the Saints and previously the Seattle Seahawks, Bostic will make a club as an effective run-stuffing middle linebacker despite a lack of top-notch speed.

--Rob Rang