Tristan Sinclair, LB, Stanford
Size:
Height: 6’1” (v) | Weight: 225 lbs (v)
Accomplishments:
All-Pac-12 Honorable Mention (2023)
“Tristan Sinclair showcases good instincts and a quick downhill trigger to make a consistent impact on early downs.”
Strengths:
Tough
Physicality
Vision and pursuit within tight confines
Elite run defender
Concerns:
Missed tackles
Athleticism
Coverage
Film Analysis:
Tristan Sinclair showcases excellent instincts and a quick downhill trigger to make a consistent impact on early downs. Aligns primarily as the ‘MIKE’ LB inside the Stanford defense.
Against the run, Sinclair showcases an advanced understanding of run concepts, blocking schemes, and where vacant alleys could appear. He’s a dynamic downhill defender who has a quick trigger to burst through the line. He has shown the ability to sniff out runs just moments after the ball is snapped, leading to consistent TFL opportunities. Plays with an excellent blend of patience and aggressiveness that puts him in a spot to make plays on the football.
Sinclair is a good tackler but does attack opponents a little too high at times leading to missed tackles. Has good footwork to slide, shuffle, and click downhill, but his athletic profile is too limited to project as an every-down LB. He mixes it up with any and all linemen in the trenches, and Sinclair has shown an understanding of stacking/shedding different body types and skill sets. If his momentum is halted at any point, however, he has a tough time accelerating and working towards the play. Overall, Sinclair remains one of the ACC’s premier run defenders, regardless of position.
In coverage, Sinclair’s limitations arise. He showcases good awareness and depth in zone, but if asked anything more, questions arise. He has an average athletic profile to run with faster and more nuanced running backs and tight ends. Asking Sinclair to work in man in high-leverage third-down situations is well-wishing at this point. He has tight hips that limit his flexibility to twist, flip, and redirect. In his career, he’s allowed 56 of 70 targets against to be completed (80%).
Overall, Sinclair’s ability as a run defender is elite and he will warrant a look as a potential rotational piece on early downs. He also projects well on special teams. However, his limited success and comfortability in coverage will limit his profile.
Prospect Projection: Day 3 — Scheme Specific Contributor
Written By: Ryan Fowler
Exposures: USC (2023), Colorado (2023), Cal (2023)
