Strengths

• Downhill defender and physical tackler. Uses his eyes to decipher and break down the play, showing good awareness and discipline to sniff out fakes.
• Plays fast, flows with the action, showing smooth lateral agility and short-area burst. Has good instincts and awareness to quickly find the ball.
• Reads the quarterback to anticipate and is a candidate to play outside.
• Combines very good instincts with above-average reaction skills. Almost always finds the ball in traffic.
• Has a filled-out frame with good thickness. Plays at full speed at all times with an active motor and determined quickness in pursuit.

Weaknesses

• Does not blow up targets. Many inside tackles are catch-and-drags, which will be more difficult to make at the next level.
• Limited vision and is easily fooled by misdirection. Lacks range and lateral agility in coverage.
• Chase speed is below average, and he gets too upright as a pass rusher - needs to play with better leverage.
• Lacks elite quickness and change-of-direction ability to handle NFL slot receivers after initial contact.
• He's a tweener who lacks the bulk and strength to be a thumper inside and isn't fast enough to stay on the weak side in the NFL.

Aaron Hansford percentiles vs other Inside Linebacker's (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance)