Xavian Sorey Jr. LB Arkansas | NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
Xavian Sorey Jr. LB Arkansas
NFL Draft Profile & Scouting Report
| PLAY STYLE: MULI-ROLE LB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last Updated: 11/29/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Draft Year: 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (95%*) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Age: 22.8 DOB: 04/07/2002 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| PLAY STYLE: MULI-ROLE LB | |
| Last Updated: 11/29/2024 | |
| Draft Year: 2025 | |
| 40 time: 4.49 seconds (95%*) | |
| Age: 22.8 DOB: 04/07/2002 | |
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SHARE THIS PROFILE:
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| Overall Rating: | 74.8 / 100 | |
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| Average rating of opposition Offense player has faced | ||
| Offense Rating: |
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78% |
| Click the links below to view how player ranks vs other prospects. | ||
| Tackling: |
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69% |
| Pass Rush: |
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75% |
| Run Defense: |
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73% |
| Coverage: |
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49% |
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DRAFT PROJECTION:
UDFA
Overall Rank:
#357
Position rank:
#35
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| College Games: 34 College Snaps: 1011 | ||
ESPN RATING: 88/100
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247 RATING: 99/100
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RIVALS RATING: 6.0 (98%)
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| Player Comparison* (Similarity level) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Gant - Toledo |
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78% |
| Jeremy Banks - Tennessee |
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74% |
| Ben VanSumeren - Michigan State |
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73% |
Draft Profile: Bio
Xavian Sorey Jr., a former five-star recruit and IMG Academy standout, has taken a winding path to the NFL draft. After spending three seasons at Georgia, including a redshirt year, Sorey transferred to Arkansas for his final two years of eligibility. The Graceville, Florida native's journey from high school phenom to SEC transfer underscores both his immense potential and the challenges he's faced in living up to lofty expectations.At Georgia, Sorey's playing time was limited, but he showed flashes of his ability. In 2023, he appeared in 11 games with two starts, recording 19 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. His performance in the SEC Championship game against Alabama, where he notched five solo tackles, demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage.
Sorey's high school career was nothing short of spectacular. As a multi-position player at Graceville High School, he excelled as a running back, linebacker, and defensive back before transferring to IMG Academy for his senior year. His athleticism and versatility earned him numerous accolades, including selection to the 2021 All-American Bowl and recognition as a top-20 national prospect by multiple recruiting services.
Scouting Report: Strengths
- Elite athleticism for the linebacker position - has exceptional speed and agility that put him in the upper echelon of linebacker prospects
- Exceptional tackling ability, showcasing his potential as a sure-fire stopper at the next level with consistent form and technique
- Versatile skill set allows him to contribute in various defensive packages, from run support to pass coverage, making him valuable in multiple schemes
- High football IQ and instincts, developed through playing multiple positions in high school and adapting to SEC-level competition
- Impressive physical tools with a 6'3" frame that provides excellent length for a modern NFL linebacker, allowing for effective coverage and block shedding
- Proven ability to perform in high-pressure situations, as demonstrated by his strong showing in the SEC Championship game
- Special teams experience from his time at Georgia, which could help him contribute immediately at the next level while developing his defensive skills
- Raw potential and room for growth, having not yet reached his ceiling due to limited college playing time, suggesting significant upside for NFL coaches to develop
Scouting Report: Weaknesses
- Lack of consistent playing time at the college level raises questions about his ability to quickly adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game
- Run defense needs improvement, as he sometimes struggles to disengage from blocks and maintain proper gap discipline against power running schemes
- Pass rush skills are still developing, with room for improvement in his technique and effectiveness when blitzing from various positions
- Limited production in college stats may cause concerns about his ability to translate potential into on-field results at the professional level
- Weight at 220 lbs is on the lighter side for an NFL linebacker, which could impact his ability to shed blocks and hold up against the run in more physical matchups
Scouting Report: Summary
Sorey's journey to the NFL draft is a tale of untapped potential. His elite athleticism and tackling ability make him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to bolster their linebacker corps. However, his limited college production and areas for improvement in run defense and pass rush will likely see him drafted as a developmental prospect with upside.In the NFL, Sorey projects as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme or an inside linebacker in a 3-4 system that can maximize his coverage skills and sideline-to-sideline speed. His special teams experience will be valuable as he works to earn a larger defensive role. Teams with strong linebacker development programs will be particularly intrigued by Sorey's raw tools.
Ultimately, Sorey's success at the next level will depend on his ability to refine his skills and translate his athletic gifts into consistent on-field production. If he can make that leap, he has the potential to become a dynamic, three-down linebacker in the NFL.
Written By:
Bill Miller (SEC)
How other scouting services rate Xavian Sorey Jr. (Overall Rank)
All Scouts AverageOverall Rank
478.0
All Scouts AveragePosition Rank
45.0
*Percentile Ranking in Player's Position Group (NFL Combine Historical Data): This percentile reflects how a player's specific statistics rank
in comparison to historical performances at the NFL Combine, specifically within their position group. A higher percentile indicates a better performance.
For instance, being in the 90th percentile for a particular stat means the player outperformed 90% of their peers in that category.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.
*Similarity Percentage: This percentage is calculated based on a comprehensive analysis of various factors, including height, weight, 40-yard dash times, on-field performance statistics, and overall player rating. The analysis is conducted against our database of draft prospects from 2021 to 2023. This similarity score helps in evaluating how closely a current prospect aligns with past prospects. It is important to note, however, that this score reflects similarities based on college production and attributes, and does not account for eventual success or performance in the NFL.