2016 NFL Draft: West Virginia’s Nick Kwiatkoski Scouting report
By Jon Dove
West Virginia’s Nick Kwiatkoski is an underrated prospect who could come off the board earlier than most expect.
West Virginia’s Nick Kwiatkoski is an athletic linebacker prospect who plays with a nasty streak. He doesn’t hesitate to attack the line of scrimmage or take on blockers. Kwiatkoski is able to work off blocks thanks to his violent hands.
His hand usage allows him to deliver a jolt to the blocker, create space and make plays away from his frame. It’s a bit of a surprise to see Kwiatkoski able to anchor after contact because he doesn’t have ideal bulk or size.
He’s a bit undersized which could be an issue at the next level. However, his instincts and quickness will help him overcome this problem if he’s used in the right system. Kwiatkoski would benefit from having a strong defensive line in front of him that occupies blockers and allows him to freely flow to the football.
His ability to support the run is only part of his value as he also does a good job in passing situations. Kwiatkoski has experience blitzing off the edge where he’s able to generate pressure on the quarterback. He mainly looks to gain the edge with his quickness, but also shows some power by forcing the blocker into the pocket.
Kwiatkoski is also solid in coverage where he keeps his pads down and head on a swivel. He’s not an elite coverage linebacker, but he has enough skills to remain on the field in passing situations and not be a liability.
This is an underrated player who has a chance to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
Draft Range- 3rd Round