Washington Redskins Unheralded Players: ILB Zach Vigil

With Vigil, it’s not a matter of production. He produced at a massive scale in college, recording 13.5 sacks and almost 400 tackles in three years as a starter. With Vigil, the problem is processing.

While the numbers suggest a player sound in every aspect of the game, Vigil showed on many occasions in college that he may not be able to keep up at the next level. Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about the All-WAC linebacker in his 2015 draft profile:

"His lack of run-game instincts will make it hard to overcome marginal speed when flowing to the sideline and he gets leveraged out of gap by linemen too easily. His production and ability in coverage should get him a look. Needs to shine on special teams to land a roster spot as a backup linebacker. Might be worth a look at the SAM ‘backer spot in a 4-3."

Vigil has an intriguing combination of size and speed. He ran in the 4.6’s at the NFL Combine, and he shown an ability to use his adequate size to wrap up opposing players. He’s an athletic specimen, and his effort and drive are not in question. His ability to keep up and impose himself at the line is, however. If he can’t improve in this regard, then he may find little work other than in special teams.