Summary

Blake Cashman was selected in the 5th Round (#157 Overall) of the 2019 Draft out of University of Minnesota. Cashman offers a strong combination of athleticism, good coverage skills for a linebacker, high effort and production in space, and versatility. His main constraints are his somewhat smaller frame for inside battles, power/run-game finishing, and durability. If he plays in a system that aligns with his strengths and continues to refine his areas of weakness, he should continue to be a meaningful contributor. If those limitations aren’t addressed, he may settle into more of a specialized rather than full-every-down role.

Strengths

Blake Cashman brings several qualities that make him a valuable contributor on defense:

• Range and sideline-to-sideline speed: At the college level and in early evaluations, he was noted for his ability to cover a lot of ground, chase plays down, and make tackles out wide. The Daily Gopher

• Instincts, motor and tackling in space: He shows a strong effort level, plays with energy, and is adept at finishing plays.

• Coverage ability for a linebacker: He has demonstrated aptitude in zone coverage, diagnosing plays, dropping into zones, and making plays on the ball. Big Blue View+1

• Versatility and value in multiple roles: Cashman has been used in various linebacker spots and sub-packages. His work ethic and adaptability give him a strong floor. Gang Green Nation

Weaknesses

While Cashman has plenty of positive traits, there are some limitations and areas where he needs to improve:

• Size/functional strength vs. big blockers: At 6′1″ and 235 lbs, he’s somewhat undersized for certain inside linebacker roles, and evaluators noted he can struggle in physical battles at the line of scrimmage. The Daily Gopher

• Block-shedding and power in the run game: One of the recurring critiques is that he needs improvement in disengaging blockers, holding up at the point of attack, and fully controlling gaps against heavier runners. The Daily Gopher

• Consistency in physical finishing / impact plays: While he is productive and has a high motor, some reports suggest his “ultimate explosion” or dominant physical underpinning may be limited relative to elite linebackers. Big Blue View

• Durability / history of injuries: He has had injury issues in the past (e.g., groin injury in his earlier career) which raise questions about availability and long-term wear. golongtd.com

Fit & Outlook

Cashman is well-suited to defenses that emphasize speed, coverage ability, and athletic linebackers — especially in systems where he can roam, play off blocks, drop in coverage, and make plays in space. If his team uses him more as a “weakside” or “off-ball” linebacker with responsibilities in coverage and pursuit rather than as a heavy mind-the-gap run-stuffing middle linebacker, his strengths will shine. If he continues to build up strength, refine his run-game technique, and stay healthy, he projects as a solid starter with good upside. On the other hand, if his size/physicality limitations become more exploited or injuries hamper him, his role may be more limited to certain packages or coverage situations.