Luke Kuechly NFL Draft prospect notes

by Dan Kadar on May 23, 2011 2:00 PM EDT in 2012 NFL Draft

Luke Kuechly
6'3, 235 pounds | Middle linebacker | Boston College

First word: As far as stat-sheet stuffers, there are few better on defense that Kuechly. He led the nation in total tackles (183) and solo tackles (110) in 2010. His stats aren't why he's considered a top prospect, though. Boston College classifies Kuechly as a middle linebacker, but he's used all over the field. He's been used to roam and maintain both the A- and B-gap. Kuechly's has even been asked to play off the edge some to get after the passer.

A high school safety, Kuechly has quickly grown into being one of the best linebackers in the nation. A consensus All-American in 2010, Kuechly's ceiling may not be high, but his floor is certainly low.

Bold statement: Kuechly is the most instinctual linebacker prospect since James Laurinaitis in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Games watched: (All 2010) Florida State, Nevada, Clemson, Notre Dame

Luke Kuechly
6'3, 235 pounds | Middle linebacker | Boston College

Notes:

• For someone only entering his junior season, Kuechly has incredible instincts. He seems to always be flowing to where the ball is going long before it gets there.

• May not be an explosive player who pops off the screen with his athleticism, but Kuechly gets by on his smarts and first step.

• Plays with a lot of discipline, not overrunning the play or getting out of position.

• Plays downhill. Kuechly isn't the type of linebacker who just gets tackles up field. Makes a lot of plays near or behind the line of scrimmage.

• Struggles some taking on and shedding blockers, especially in the box.

• Speed is adequate but not great. Will have trouble tracking down speedy ball carriers running in a straight line.

• Although BC doesn't ask him to drop back much, Kuechly has the skill set to do so. He's not stiff in the hips and and turn and move well.

• Is a technically sound linebacker who always plays with his head up and keeps blockers out of his feet.

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Comments

More tape I watch the more I love this kid.

I think he may be my new man crush in this draft. I actually think he will be in my top 10 soon. But then again LBs always do well in the preseason rankings and then slip as the season gets going.

by tomwghagger on May 23, 2011 2:18 PM EDT reply actions

Low floor or high floor?

by SagehenMacGyver47 on May 23, 2011 3:58 PM EDT reply actions

High Floor

Cock my 40 glock and my partna just bought a replica
Now Asians sayin they don’t keep no cash in they register
We run from red & blue lights to get that green
But whoever got that white is winnin like Charlie Sheen

by 4QB on May 24, 2011 1:00 AM EDT up reply actions

Sorta reminds me of a Dan Connor/Laurinaitis (As you said) player

Not going to be a crusher on the field, but does everything quite well

I AM PHIL DAVISON AND I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE FOR MY TONE TONIGHT

by ICEICETHATGUY13 on May 23, 2011 4:34 PM EDT reply actions

A better Mason Foster?

"You're gonna notice me when I come in. I'm gonna make a statement without opening my mouth, and when I leave, you're gonna remember that."

by 4QB on May 23, 2011 5:47 PM EDT reply actions

Better in coverage, no doubt

As instinctual as Foster as well.

I haven’t seen much in the way of him rushing the QB though. That and as was mentioned, shedding blocks are the two biggest knocks on him for me.

David Wright played a month with an undiagnosed broken back. I'm pretty sure it was the shitstain of an organization that did it, too.

Thank you, Fred Wilpon, for making my favorite team the laughing stock of the league. You are a disgrace.

by BigBlueIntervention on May 24, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions

He's a really great guy too. High quality person off the field.

Pats Pulpit | @Follow Me On Twitter

by Richard Hill on May 23, 2011 10:25 PM EDT reply actions

Great size

Love his playing speed. This is the next great inside linebacker

I'm not the next Hemingway, Steinbech, or Palahniuk. I am the first Drauschak.

by birds'n'raiders on May 23, 2011 11:26 PM EDT reply actions

A more aggressive, better tackling Barrett Ruud- don't know if he will transfer well to a Cover 2 scheme

by 4QB on May 24, 2011 1:03 AM EDT reply actions

he should

from what I saw last year, he’s got nice zone discipline and while his straight line speed isn’t great, he’s pretty good going laterally.

David Wright played a month with an undiagnosed broken back. I'm pretty sure it was the shitstain of an organization that did it, too.

Thank you, Fred Wilpon, for making my favorite team the laughing stock of the league. You are a disgrace.

by BigBlueIntervention on May 24, 2011 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions

He is always in the correct position

Watch the Florida State and Nevada games he takes great angles and is always around the ball. Plus being a S in HS he can drop well into coverage and that pick he made against Nevada was outstanding.

by tomwghagger on May 24, 2011 6:12 AM EDT reply actions