From now until the 2026 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today, a scouting report on Southern California linebacker Eric Gentry.
NO. 18 ERIC GENTRY/LB/USC – 6063, 221 POUNDS (REDSHIRT SENIOR)
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand Size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Eric Gentry | 6063/221 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 40-Yard Dash | 10-Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A |
-Rare size and length for the position
-Elite-level wingspan that allows him to make tackles outside of his frame
-Productive defender that can handle many roles defensively, both off-ball and off the edge
-Comfortable dropping into zone coverage and has a good feel in space
-Utilizes his length well to get into throwing lanes at multiple levels
-Flashes good movement skills and bend as a pass rusher off the edge
-Very productive, consistent tackler in the heart of USC’s defense across four years
-Nose for the football; had five forced fumbles in 2025
THE BAD
-Size works against him as a run defender; he tends to play too high and doesn’t have play strength
-Must add weight and strength to handle NFL physicality
-Struggles to stack and shed in the box as a run defender; gives up too much ground when attempting to take on
-Lots of missed tackles all over his tape, particularly in the open field
-Doesn’t have much of a physical edge to his game; more of a wrap and roll guy
-Tries to slip underneath blocks too often, rather than standing and delivering a blow to take on
-Has had issues with change of direction in man coverage; more of a zone coverage guy
-2025 stats: played in 12 games and finished with 76 tackles, 7.