Bjoern Werner was a largely unheralded prospect out of Connecticut. He didn’t post fantastic stats, but his athleticism was without question. As a German exchange student, Werner had to spend time getting used to the game in America.
He still doesn’t have a complete hang of the game, and that’s obvious when watching him. He shows a really good understanding of the running game, but he’s still learning how to rush the passer.
Against the run, Bjoern is tremendous. He doesn’t have the range to get out and hit the point of attack and stretch and toss plays, but he will stretch enough so that when someone forces the carrier back inside, he can make the play. When the ball is run straight ahead, Werner is great at recognizing the designed hole and closing it as the back gets there.
He can control lineman up until the last possible second and disengage and make the play. He can also penetrate on the inside and find the ball carrier in the back field.
Against the pass however, he’s still learning. He has a good first step but seems to slow down to engage lineman. He has an inside spin move, but it’s not very successful. His best quality against the pass is his willingness and ability to get his paws up in passing lanes.
Because of his background, he still has a lot of room to improve as a player. After just four years playing the sport, Werner has put himself in a position to leave early from Florida State if he should choose to do so.
*The scouting report has been put together based on 2011 tape. It will be updated with 2012 information during and after the season.
WHERE HE FITS: Werner is clearly limited to a role as a Left End in a 4-3 Base Defense. He could put on weight and make the transition to Five-Technique in a 3-4, but that is not going to be an easy transition.