2018 NFL Draft Profile: Linebacker D.J. Calhoun

Linebacker D.J. Calhoun is not expected to be taken in the 2018 NFL Draft, but a productive senior season could make him wanted in the free agent market.

D.J. Calhoun enters this weekend’s NFL Draft hoping to hear his name called.

The four-year Sun Devil was productive during his time in Tempe tallying 237 tackles and 19.5 sacks over his career.

Calhoun is coming off his best season of his collegiate career posting 99 tackles and 6.5 sacks, both numbers good for second on the team, earning him a spot on the Pac-12 All-Conference team as an Honorable Mention.

The El Cerrito, California native played in every game over his four years at Arizona State as he was an All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention twice with the first coming in his freshman year.

At Arizona State’s Pro Day, he came in at six-feet tall and 242 pounds running a 4.84 40-yard dash and bench pressing 20 reps weighing 225 pounds.

Calhoun’s 20 reps on the bench press placed him even with Central Florida’s Shaquem Griffin, who’s expected to be drafted this weekend, and Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch, who was drafted 19th overall by the Dallas Cowboys Thursday night.

When it comes to the other measurements, Calhoun would have placed among the worst performers to those who competed at the NFL Scouting Combine.

While the measurements don’t stand out, Calhoun’s tape should pop out for teams across the league as he was one of the most productive players in the Pac-12.

He’s also pretty good returning onside kicks.

Calhoun was asked to do a lot considering Todd Graham’s blitz-heavy defense and a leaky pass defense. Despite that, Calhoun ranked ninth in the Pac-12 last season averaging 7.6 tackles per game and sacks (6.5).

According to Pro Football Focus, Calhoun only missed one tackle on running plays and one tackle on passing plays last season, which is good for third among inside linebackers. This comes after he missed 18 tackles his junior season.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft Profile: Running back Demario Richard

While it’s not expected for Calhoun to get drafted, he should get consideration on Day 3 of the NFL Draft Saturday and most certainly will get signed as an undrafted free agent.