Draft Profile Series: Kyle Van Noy
- Updated: April 27, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Kyle Van Noy, OLB, 6-3, 243, BYU
Key stats: Finished career with 223 tackles, 61.5 for loss, 26 sacks, 7 picks, 21 passes defensed and 11 forced fumbles.
Strengths: An all-around player who had an incredibly productive collegiate career. … Just makes plays, whether rushing the QB, defending the run, or as a pass defender. … Really reads plays well, quickly diagnosing run/pass. … Does a great job of getting into passing lanes. … Is adept at blocking passes. … Takes away the quick out, and is quick to sideline to assist with tackles. … Very good at chasing plays down.
Weaknesses: Has short arms, which can be a problem when locked up with NFL offensive tackles. … Needs to attack backfield under control … Sometimes lunges, resulting in missed tackles. … Also loses eye discipline and bites on fakes. … Not a powerful tackler, but usually gets the job done. … Needs to work on when to attack or slip blockers. … Sometimes he attempts to slip and loses contain. … Not as experienced in man coverage. … Better in zone.
Conclusion: Van Noy is an NFL-ready player. … His ceiling isn’t as high as some, but his floor is higher than most. … Could fit as a SAM Linebacker in the 4-3 or outside in a 3-4 scheme. … To become a 3-4 backer, will have to improve setting edge, because he currently doesn’t have the best take-on skills. … Whatever the scheme, Van Noy is a capable three-down linebacker, who also likely will contribute on special teams early in his career due to his above-average instincts.
NFL comparison: Shaun Phillips.
Draft projection: Late first or second round.
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