DeAndre Levy

The defense's sparkplug from the strong-side linebacker position, Levy provided the Badgers with a quality blitzer with the quickness to easily cover receivers on deep routes. Ever since he was inserted into the starting lineup as a junior, he has consistently delivered impact plays in the opposition's backfield. In 21 of his last 39 games, he registered at least one tackle behind the line of scrimmage or a sack. Creating turnovers has been his specialty, as he blocked one kick, intercepted two passes, caused six fumbles and registered six fumble recoveries during his time in the starting lineup. Levy was a Midwest Top 100 selection by Super Prep during his senior year at Vincent High School. The two-time All-Conference selection added All-State first-team honors as a senior. He served as team captain in each of his last three seasons, twice earning squad Most Valuable Player honors. In his final season, the linebacker recorded 84 tackles, including 21 stops behind the line of scrimmage, along with five sacks and four forced fumbles. He also saw action on offense that year, catching 12 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns. In addition to football, he also lettered in basketball and track. Levy made an immediate contribution on special teams for Wisconsin as a true freshman in 2005. He also saw limited action at strong-side outside linebacker, producing 18 tackles (13 solos) with a 7-yard sack. He also caused two fumbles and recovered one on the coverage units. Levy moved into the starting lineup at strong-side linebacker in 2006, earning All-Big Ten Conference academic honors. He ranked fourth on the team with 50 tackles (26 solos), registering three turnovers on an interception and two forced fumbles. He had a career-high six sacks to go with seven pressures and 7.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage. He also blocked a kick and knocked down a pair of pass attempts. In 2007, Levy earned Player of the Week honors three times, as he again manned the strong-side position. He was in on 70 tackles (49 solos), the second-highest total on the team. He added three sacks among his career-high 10 stops for loss and posted a pair of pressures. He caused two fumbles, recovered two others and deflected two passes in 13 contests. The Tom Weisner Award recipient was named All-Big Ten Conference honorable mention as a senior. He struggled during the first month, playing with a groin injury that had sidelined him late in fall camp. He still managed to place second on the squad with 73 tackles (28 solos). He recovered two fumbles, advancing one 45 yards to set up a Badgers' field goal and broke up three passes to go with his second career interception. His 9.5 stops behind the line of scrimmage led the second-level defenders, much like his five sacks did.

positives

Very physical at the line, takes on fullbacks in the hole or tight ends on the edge to allow other players to make the tackle. ... Uses above-average arm length to effectively wrap up and form tackle in the open field. ... Has better straight-line speed and quickness than most college strong-side linebackers. ... Handles coverage responsibilities against tight ends and running backs in the flat. ... Smart, assignment-sure defensive leader.

compares to

ALEX LEWIS, Detroit -- Both are smaller than you want, but has that incredible quickness just looking to be harnessed. Levy is very effective blitzing off the edge, but seems to generate a better burst when he comes off the snap with his hand on the ground rather than when standing in a normal linebacker's stance. He is more comfortable working in space, as he likes to use his speed to avoid rather than utilize his strength to take on offensive linemen. Some scouts compare him to the Titans' Keith Bulluck, but Levy's inability to locate the ball or eye the quarterback in passing situations shoes he is not the complete player some would like you to believe he is. In a draft that is lacking in quality linebackers, some team will overlook his pass coverage deficiencies and draft him higher than his grade indicates.

negatives

A bit stiff in the hips, works best in a straight line. ... Backpedal is tall and choppy. ... Not explosive closing on the ball. ... Gets caught up in traffic too much. ... Does not use his hands or speed to beat linemen when blitzing, although he can dispose of running backs. ... Lines up in a stack, but must learn how to play as a nine-technique.

2008: Limited in fall camp and early in the season by a groin pull. 2009: Suffered a right hamstring strain that prevented him from completing agility tests at the NFL Combine.

4.50 in the 40-yard dash

1.57 10-yard dash

2.62 20-yard dash

4.11 20-yard shuttle

7.13 three-cone drill

35.5-inch vertical jump

10'3" broad jump

Bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times

Suffered a right hamstring strain that prevented him from completing agility tests at the NFL Combine.

Attended Vincent (Milwaukee, Wisc.) High School, playing football for head coach Elliot Lightfoot

Midwest Top 100 selection by Super Prep during his senior year

The two-time All-Conference selection added All-State first-team honors as a senior

Served as team captain in each of his last three seasons, twice earning squad Most Valuable Player honors

In his final season, the linebacker recorded 84 tackles, including 21 stops behind the line of scrimmage, along with five sacks and four forced fumbles

Also saw action on offense that year, catching 12 passes for 260 yards and three touchdowns

Added letters in basketball and track.

Sociology major

Son of Paula and Rodney Levy

Born 3/26/87

Resides in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.