Assessing Possibilities: Clint Sintim

As we all know, Miami needs a quality rusher on the opposite side of Joey Porter. I think that they will address this early in the draft, in hopes of strengthening the defense for the upcoming season.

Clint Sintim, OLB, 6-3 256lbs.
40 Time: 4.82/ Vertical: 34 1/2

- 2008 Second Team All-ACC.

Sintim is the prototypical rush linebacker out of a 3-4 system. He has unbelievable burst up the field and great closing speed. He's quick at the point of attack, and can wrap up the "run you over" type backs.

Sintim is a heavy hitter. He loves to get the big hits, create plays, and cause turnovers. He doesn't get manhandled by tackles, and often sheds the block and gets to the quarterback. He can hold fullbacks in spot and create a pile that stops the running game. He is monsterously strong. He has long arms and huge hands, and will securely make tackles.

Sintim can occasionally play the Defensive End spot, although I don't expect to see him in that position very much in the NFL.

More importantly, Sintim is intelligent. He understands the 3-4 since he has played it for four years in college. He was a vocal leader at Virginia, and with some time under his belt will do the same in the pros. He is extremely coachable, and is always ready to play the game. At Virginia, he was always one of the first in and one of the last out.

Sintim's weakness, much like many other linebackers coming out of college, is to predict how the speed of the NFL will affect his game. Sintim is not extremely fast, and although he can handle a tight end in pass coverage, at times, he can also get beat. This goes hand in hand with his inability to block passes, be it at the line or in open space.

Sintim's negatives are somewhat coachable. His coverage abilities can improve, although his 40 time must improve to be efficient against the much faster NFL players.

It certainly seems as though Sintim will be a great situational OLB right off the bat, and can develop into an above average OLB in the future with the proper coaching. I certainly doubt that he will not be successful in the NFL.

Overall: I think he would fit great in Miami. He understands the 3-4, and he has a hell of a OLB in Miami right now (JP) to mentor him and teach him how to best play the position. I think he has star potential if developed properly, and through some effort of his own working in pass coverage.