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2018 NFL Draft Profile: San Jose State LB Frank Ginda
Frank Ginda is prepping for the NFL DRaft
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What are the strengths and weaknesses for the former SJSU LB?
The NCAA leader in tackles will be entering the 2018 NFL draft. Frank Ginda, has decided to forgo his senior season and enter this year’s draft. The 6-foot 245 pounder was a three year starter and this season was a first-team All-Mountain West selection. Ginda joins a record number of 112 underclass men who will be draft eligible this spring.
Since 2014, almost a third (31.6 percent) of those declaring have gone undrafted. Using that ratio, a record 37 underclassmen won’t be drafted in April. Although the current trend, is to leave early it may have been wise for Ginda to have another outstanding year, maybe another Top 3 year in the NCAA in tackles combined with another All- Mountain West selection, gets him drafted in a higher round. Either way he has decided to leave San Jose State so we will take a look at his strengths, weaknesses and projected draft round.
Strengths:
If you learn anything about Frank Ginda from this article it should be that, this man knows how to make a tackle. To first tackle someone, you have to be in the right position to make a play. Knowing where exactly to be on the field comes down to having a high football IQ.
Having a high football IQ is important for a middle linebacker and it looks like Frank has just that. Although Ginda played under 3 different defensive coordinators he seemed to perform well in each system, making the transition to different defenses did not affect his play. Not to mention this season his position coach is up for the Broyales award, which is given to the top assistant coach in college football.
Being in position is not enough if a 300 pound offensive lineman can just move you to the side. One of Ginda’s other strengths is his ability to fight through blocks and still make a play. Frank’s ability to shed blockers is a testament to his quickness and ability to get hands off of him quickly. Also his big build and pure strength play a part in that also.
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Ginda has been reported as a workout warrior, which combine that with a motor that never stops and it can take you pretty far. If Ginda receives a NFL scouting combine invite or at least at his pro day, his numbers on many tests like the bench press, vertical jump, and broad jump should be higher than average. If he can score really high on those tests, he may be able to garner some more attention like fellow spartan and current New York Giant Shane Smith did last season.
Frank not only lead the NCAA in tackles this season, but had the 2nd most in a season since 2006. The 176 tackles he made is a mind boggling number looked at alone, but if taken into context some of those tackles can be contributed to the San Jose State defense being on the field the majority of the time. No matter what, 176 is a huge number of tackles and some credit has to be given to Ginda for continuing to battle through a year where the only Division 1 win for the team came in the last game of the season.
Weaknesses:
One area Ginda will need to improve on if he wants to stick around in the NFL is his ability to play the pass. The NFL has become a passing league, and for inside linebackers this means they also have had to adjust to not only being run-stuffers but by also being able to play in coverage.
Ginda needs to improve his footwork and speed to be able to cover NFL level skill position players. Frank’s current 40 yard dash time of 4.85 would have been the third slowest out of players at the combine last year. This does not bode well for Ginda as in general tight ends continue to become more athletic and fast and running backs have become better pass catchers.
Draft Prediction:
If Ginda is drafted it probably will not be until the 6th or 7th round. At the very least he should find himself on a team during training camp battling for a roster spot. Do not rule him out of making a team . . . if only as a special teams player, making 176 tackles in a season combined with a high motor can go a long way.