2016 NFL Draft: West Virginia’s K.J. Dillon Scouting Report
By Jon Dove
West Virginia’s K.J. Dillon Scouting Report
K.J. Dillon isn’t a flashy player but is reliable and consistent. He’s not the type who’ll produce game changing plays, but he’s also unlikely to make a major mistake. Defensive coordinators like big-play potential but they also understand the importance of consistency.
West Virginia used Dillon to cover the deep middle, drop into the slot and blitz off the edge. He was at his most effective when working in zone coverage to a specific side of the field. This is because he plays with balance and keeps his head on a swivel.
Dillon makes solid reads and will break on the ball to generate a pass breakup. He’s a dependable tackler who breaks down and rarely misses a tackle. Dillon does a good setting the edge which forces the ball carrier back inside.
When working out of the slot, he will aggressively attack wide receiver screens and again make a sound tackle. Dillon can be described as a catcher when tackling as he doesn’t deliver many big hits.
The concerns with Dillon surround his explosiveness and top-end speed. He doesn’t show quick-twitch ability and appears to only have one gear. This is especially noticeable when he’s asked to blitz off the edge.
His lack of short-area quickness hurts his ability to click and close on the ball and create turnovers. Dillon’s intercepts tend to come from putting himself in proper position to capitalize on a quarterback’s mistake.
The lack of overall athleticism limits Dillon’s upside which also impacts his draft position.
Draft Range- 4th Round