2024 NFL Draft profile: Linebacker Aaron Casey of Indiana football

Indiana football linebacker Aaron Casey attended the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Casey was one of 30 invited linebackers, and 30 linebackers were selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Casey led the Hoosiers in tackles (109, a Big Ten-leading 20 for loss) and was a consistent inspiration for a struggling team.

“He's just a special, special person,” former Indiana coach Tom Allen said of Casey late in the season. “He's the leader of our defense, the leader of our team.”

Casey is viewed as a potential third-day pick.

Aaron Casey NFL Draft profile

Height: 6-1

Weight: 231 pounds

Strengths: 'Physicality' is the first word that comes to mind when tape comes on; challenges blocks with consistent thump and aggression.

Weaknesses: Lacking in play recognition; drifts into situations in which he gets caught behind blockers inside.

NFL.com prospect grade: 5.88 (average backup or special teamer)

NFL Scouting Combine results

40-yard dash: 4.75 seconds

10-yard split: 1.59 seconds

Vertical jump: 30 inches

Broad jump: 9 feet, 9 inches

Bench press: 16 repetitions

Aaron Casey scouting reports

From NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: Casey looks like and hits like an NFL inside linebacker but doesn't always seem to see the game like one. The instincts and play recognition fall below par, but the production still stands out. His high number of solo tackles displays an ability to work through blocks and hammer ball-carriers or pass catchers. Casey will take shots downhill when he reads his keys but needs to balance that aggression with more patience to keep from running himself into traffic. He's not the best fit for pass coverage, but he's an instant "yes" for special teams. If he runs well enough, Casey could find a home as a backup inside linebacker and special teams ace.

From Pro Football Network: Whenever you turn on tape for Indiana’s defense, you can’t take your eyes away from No. 44, Aaron Casey. He had 11 tackles and a TFL against Ohio State, two sacks and three TFLs against Louisville, and two sacks and four TFLs against Wisconsin.

Casey’s 2023 was dotted with spectacular performances. All told, he stacked up 109 tackles, 20 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.

Casey is one of the most explosive, physical, and tenacious downhill attackers in the 2024 class, and he could be a steal on Day 3.

At the combine: Casey wants NFL to know he 'affects the people around him'

Aaron Casey stats

Aaron Casey highlights

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Draft profile 2024: Linebacker Aaron Casey of Indiana football