By Adam Aniba
This year's linebacker class might not boast top talent within the top 25, but Day 2-3 should feature a few prospects who can contribute immediately.
Texas Longhorns linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was one of the highest ranked high school safety prospects in the nation in 2017, before making the switch to linebacker in 2019.
Overshown is an athletic linebacker prospect, who plays with the type of tenacity and energy that will intrigue teams on Day 3 of the NFL Draft.
DeMarvion Overshown
6'3" 229 lbs | LB | TEX
Proj 4th Rd
Career (50 Games)- 165 TAK (89 solo), 18.0 TFL, 5 SACKS, 1 FF, 3 FR, 9 PD, 1 INT & 1 BLK
'22 Stats (12 Games)- 96 TAK (49 solo), 10.0 TFL, 4 SACK & 5 PD
Background
Overshown grew up in Arp, TX and was a 4-star recruit during his time at Arp High School. As a senior he was named Defensive MVP of District 9-3A II and 1st-Team All-District after registering 142 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 5 interceptions, forced 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and had 13 pass breakups.
Overshown was ranked #33 nationally and the #2 safety in the nation in '17 by ESPN. The Arp safety was was named to the the All-Texas Team and was a 1st-Team All American, which led to an invite to the Under Armour All-America Game.
Overshown was highly recruited and received scholarships offers from Texas, Kansas State and the University of Houston. He ended up committing to the Longhorns for the 2018 season.
As a true freshman in '18, the Arp safety played in 9 games, contributing exclusively on special teams and registered 1 tackle on the season.
In '19 Overshown played in eight games, making his first career start at linebacker. Although he was moved around, Overshown saw most of his snaps at weakside linebacker. He finished the season with 18 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception and 4 pass breakups.
In 2020 the Longhorns linebacker started all 10 games, earning All-Big 12 honorable mention with 7 pass breakups (team-high), 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 4 quarterback hurries and a team-high 2 interceptions. Overshown was named the 2020 Valero Alamo Bowl Defensive MVP vs Colorado. (6 tackles and 0.5 tackle for a loss).
The following season in '21, Overshown was a All-Big 12 honorable mention and a Butkus Award semifinalist after starting 10 games. He led the team with 74 tackles (38 solo), 5.5 tackles for a loss, 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 QB pressures, 2 pass break ups and 1 blocked punt. He had a career-high 13 tackles (4 solo) with 0.5 sacks vs Louisiana on opening day.
Overshown had a best game of the season vs Oklahoma in the Red River Showdown. In the rivalry matchup the linebacker recorded 8 tackles (5 solo), 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 2 quarterback hurries and a blocked punt.
Overshown elected to take advantage of his extra year of eligibility and returned for another season in '22. He was named 1st-team All-Big 12 and for the second consecutive season was named a Butkus Award semifinalist.
The linebacker played in 12 games registering career highs with 96 tackles (49 solo), 10 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 quarterback hurries and 5 pass breakups.
For the second season in a row, Overshown shined during a shutout victory in the Red River Showdown vs Oklahoma, registering 6 tackles (2 solo) and a pass breakup.
Overshown displayed tremendous growth in coverage last season and the full time transition from safety paid off. (5 of his 9 career defended passes occured in '22).
PROS
Excelled when asked to drop into zone coverage, effectively drops his hips with good change of direction ability
DIsplays a nonstop motor with sideline to sideline tackling ability
Violent hitter and effective when asked to blitz
Fast and displays impressive acceleration when in pursuit
Has the ability to line up at multiple spots with the upside to be a 3-down linebacker
CONS
Too often knocked off the ball in the run game
Slender build will need to add mass to consistently contribute as an NFL linebacker (has frame to carry more weight)
Had issues getting off blocks
Can be a step slow when diagnosing run pass option plays (RPO), putting himself out of position
Although improved in coverage, struggled to stick with athletic tight ends
Outlook
Overshown has effectively made the transition to weakside linebacker from safety, after playing defensive back until 2021. Although still a work in progress, the Longhorns linebacker has the ability to line up at multiple spots along the defense.
It's doubtful Overshown can transition to middle linebacker early in his career, but he posses the athleticism and coverage ability to have the conversation in time.
The team that selects Overshown, will expect him to be an immediate contributor on special teams. If he continues to progress, Overshown could even see snaps at linebacker on obvious passing downs.
Overshown impressed teams during the pre-draft process and his sub 4.5 second forty combine time only improved his draft stock. The linebacker has the tools for success and just needs the right team to develop him.
*Games Watched- 9/10/22 vs Alabama, 9/17 vs UTSA, 9/24 vs Texas Tech, 10/1 vs WVU, 10/8 vs Oklahoma & 10/22 vs Oklahoma St.
**CLICK CARD Below for MORE NFL Draft Scouting Reports**
Comments