Nelson may be a bit raw and inexperienced in linebacker play but after watching film on this guy it's hard not to see a special linebacker prospect. Range, speed, closing burst and explosion at the point of attack are all excellent, the fundamentals will come. Lacks ideal height but is long, rangy and his well-built body looks to still have a lot of physical development left. Gets a quick read on the ball and flashes great reactive athleticism. Changes direction without wasted motion and beats blockers to the point of attack with his fast-twitched athleticism and first-step quickness. Takes sharp, direct angles and flashes great acceleration supporting the outside run. Difficult to outflank to the frontside. His striking velocity closing in space allows him to deliver the pop on contact of a much bigger defender. Very strong tackler. Potentially a great blitzer with his first step quickness, closing speed and experience as a pass rushing end. Needs to use his hands more sifting through traffic but he displays good feet and lateral agility mirroring and keeping proper leverage on ball carriers. However, hip-fluidity is a concern, he struggles at times breaking down in space and has a tendency to over-pursue. We would like to see him play with a bit more knee bend and improve flexibility. Better attacking vertically and chasing from the backside than sifting through the wash laterally and stalemating blockers at the point of attack. Coverage skills need polish as well. Lack of ideal size could be exploited at the next level. That said, Nelson is a defensive playmaker with the quick-twitched burst and striking short-area power you just can't coach. Doesn't always look smooth but he plays fast, physical and with a relentless motor. A future stud on special teams; perhaps this class' best kick blocker.