Nate Landman
Summary
Nate Landman went undrafted in the 2022 Class out of University of Colorado. Landman enters the league as a physical, high‑motor off‑ball linebacker known for his sound run‑fill instincts, strong tackling production, and leadership background. At Colorado he was a multiple‑year starter, earned All‑Pac‑12 honors, and piled up big numbers as a tackler and run‑defender. His profile projects as a high‑effort, dependable ‘every‑down’ linebacker who may lack elite athletic traits or coverage range but brings dependable physicality and gap‑integrity.
Strengths
Tackling prowess and physical presence near the point of attack: Landman has an established reputation for finishing plays, engaging aggressively and bringing a physical edge to the run game.
Strong football IQ, key‑recognition and fit‑reads: His ability to diagnose run vs pass, locate gaps and fill flow is praised in pre‑draft and early evaluations. NFL Draft Buzz
Size/frame and tackling build for the position: At about 6′3″, ~235 lbs, he has the size to handle off‑ball linebacker duties, take on blocks and resist being easily knocked off his spot. ESPN.com
High motor, competitive nature and leadership traits: Just an“old‑school”, aggressive, and consistent thumper—traits that often translate into reliability.
Run‑game specialization and gap‑control value: In many situations his strength is defending inside runs, closing lanes and being a ‘thumper’ linebacker who helps minimize damage in the box.
Weaknesses
Limited range, speed and coverage burst: Evaluations frequently flagged his less‑than‑elite athleticism, particularly when required to cover fast backs, tight ends or stretch plays to the boundary. CBS Sports
Block‑shedding and agility in space can lag: While physical, he sometimes struggles when asked to disengage from larger blockers, change direction quickly or operate in open‑space pursuit.
Pass‑rush upside modest: He is not often projected to be a high‑volume blitzer or sack specialist; his value is more in positional integrity than flashy disruption. NFL Draft Buzz
Coverage skills (especially man‑on‑man) need refinement: When asked to mirror receivers or handle very prototype tight ends in coverage, his limitations in athleticism and reaction time may be exposed. CBS Sports
Ceiling somewhat tied to scheme fit and role clarity: Because his traits lean toward run‑control, his impact may plateau if placed in a system demanding wide‑range coverage or elite athleticism rather than strength and tackling reliability.
Fit & Outlook
Landman fits best in a defense that prioritizes gap‑control, physicality at the second level, and linebackers who can play the run well, maintain leverage, make tackles in space and help plug the middle of the field. A scheme that uses him around the box, perhaps with some sub‑package usage for special teams or run‑heavy downs, will maximize his strengths. He is especially effective in fronts where the linebackers are asked to hold ground, react to run flow, and support against inside and intermediate threats rather than to cover wide‑open space or play constant man‑on‑man deep coverage. Looking ahead, Landman’s outlook is promising. His floor is that of a reliable starter or strong rotational linebacker—someone who consistently contributes, brings toughness, and serves as a dependable piece in run‑defense. His upside, if he continues to refine his coverage ability, improves agility, and is placed in a favorable scheme, is that of a long‑term starter who can be a dependable ‘thumper’ in the mid‑defense and contribute across phases. The key variables will be how well he adjusts to the pace and athletic demands of the NFL, whether he can expand his coverage range, and if he is deployed in a defensive system aligned with his strengths rather than his weaknesses.