Positional ranking: 26 out of 187
Overall ranking: 291
Height/ Weight: 6’1” / 241 LBS
Overview: Hailing from St. Charles, Missouri's Francis Howell High School, Calvin Munson had the option to play college football or enter minor league baseball as a pitcher for the St Louis Cardinals — he was selected in the 31st round.
He chose to follow his father's footsteps in football (Kurt, a defensive lineman at Oregon State). After playing 11 games as a true freshman, Munson entered the starting lineup with a vengeance the following year, and quickly became one of the best defenders for San Diego State.
He earned honorable mention All-Mountain West pick with 83 tackles, 10.5 for loss, four sacks and four interceptions- including one for touchdown. Plus, he was named the Aztecs best defensive player that year.
As a junior he was one of the best defenders in the Mountain West as he took home first-team all-conference honors as a result (98 tackles, 15 for loss, 9.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles). Munson repeated those accolades in 2016, leading the team with 116 stops, 11 for loss, and 4.5 sacks.
In addition to those football numbers, Munson did play on the Aztecs baseball team as a reliever in 2015, and that was the year San Diego State won the Mountain West title.
Strengths: Physically talented — obviously as he was a stud baseball player — hard-hitting linebacker. Plays the game downhill and very aggressively and has speed at the linebacker spot.
He uses balance and that quick first step to get the better position against an offensive lineman when he attacks. Willing to stand his ground and challenge lead blockers with force. Plays with his hands. Can punch and release to play off of blocks and make tackles, many for loss. Tackles with heavy pads. Munson is very productive as a starter. Showed exceptional talent on special teams early in his career.
Weaknesses: Straight-liner with good but not great lateral acceleration in pursuit. He also will go head-first into blockers rather than trying to make a move and go around an oncoming offensive player. Needs to be more fluid in pass coverage and particularly when he is in a one-on-one situation.
The bottom line: He's a much better athlete than people think, again he was drafted to play Major League Baseball. Teams will like his aggressiveness and his ability to stand his ground and bump in the box. He is a productive player who shows exceptional overall talent.
Projected round: 7-FA