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Friday, November 3
Sleeper of the Week: Edgerton Hartwell
Editor's Note: Each week Mel Kiper Jr. will highlight one of the intriguing "sleeper" prospects available for the 2001 NFL Draft.
EDGERTON HARTWELL -- MLB -- WESTERN ILLINOIS
The rock solid 6-foot-1, 244-pound Edgerton Hartwell actually began his college career in the Big Ten at Wisconsin. He redshirted there in 1996 and saw action primarily on special teams the following year.
Hartwell transferred to the Leathernecks for the '97 season, immediately moving into the starting lineup. That year, Hartwell recorded 156 tackles. He's been captain the last two seasons and should soon have the WIU record for career tackles and solo tackles.
Through eight games, he's totaled 132 stops (85 solos), six tackles for loss, four sacks, two pass breakups, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. Hartwell played at around 230 pounds as a junior, but has tipped the scales at between 240 and 245 pounds this season. He's strong, clocks in the 4.70 to 4.75 range, and has a 36-inch vertical leap.
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In the NFL these days, the MLB is allowed to run and chase. Instincts and range are key, which is where Hartwell gets top marks. ” |
With the pads on, Hartwell doesn't waste any time moving in the direction of the play. His read-and-react skills are excellent, he's a form tackler and plays the game with a sustained level of intensity.
At the pro level, the question will be how effective Hartwell will be when it comes to taking on the huge centers and guards who are dotting NFL rosters. Sure, he'll need to be protected by defensive tackles, freed to flow sideline to sideline. Keep in mind, however, in the NFL these days, where the majority operate out of a base 4-3 scheme, the middle linebacker is allowed to run and chase. Instincts and range are key, which is where Hartwell gets top marks. He can also handle coverage responsibilities.
Hartwell's durability is excellent. He's out there every week, playing in 33 straight games since joining the Leathernecks.
I mentioned he's been WIU's captain the last two years. Well, he's also very active in the community, doing a great deal of volunteer work. While he's not 6-2 or 6-3 and 250 to 255 pounds like some defensive coordinators may prefer, you have to be impressed with a productive, hard-working, dedicated mike-man like Hartwell who has been such a quality performer over the last three seasons.
Hartwell has dominated games in the Gateway Conference against Division I-AA competition, which is what you have to do in order to pique the interest of the NFL brass. On day two of the draft (rounds four through seven), Hartwell is exactly the type of prospect who ultimately could outperform some of the major-college, high-profile linebackers who go ahead of him in the draft.
Keep in mind, WIU has sent a number of players to the NFL over the years.
That list includes notables such as Bryan Cox, Rodney Harrison, Frank Winters, Aaron Stecker, David Bowens and former Steeler DB Mike Wagner. If things fall right, it won't be long before Edgerton Hartwell is added to that list.
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