Kyle Van Noy, Linebacker: Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
With just a few weeks until the 2014 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs need to be thinking about what directions they want to go with this draft. Kansas City only has six picks, and don’t have any selections in the second round. While many analysts link the Chiefs with various different wide receivers in the first round, there are still five other picks for Kansas City. Will linebacker be one of the positions they draft? If so, perhaps Kyle Van Noy of Brigham Young will become a Chief.
Kyle Van Noy played four seasons at Brigham Young and put up impressive stats during his time there. He had 223 tackles, 26 sacks, seven interceptions (two pick sixes), and 11 forced fumbles (three for touchdowns). Van Noy also had experience with punt returns, but only did so his sophomore and junior years (Source: Sports Reference).
Kyle Van Noy Combine Results
40-yard dash – 4.71 seconds
Bench press – 21 reps
Vertical jump – 32.5 inch
Broad jump – 112.0 inch
3-cone drill – 7.22 seconds
20-yard shuttle – 4.20 seconds
(Courtesy of NFL.com)
Van Noy has been projected to go in several different rounds. NFL Draft Scout thinks he is a second rounder, in which case the Chiefs won’t be getting him due to not having a second round pick. Here’s what NFL Draft Scout analyst Rob Rang had to say about Van Noy’s strengths,
"“Quick, instinctive linebacker with excellent reaction skills. Athletic enough in coverage, showing balance and change of direction. Locates the ball quickly and provides good effort in pursuit. Impressed at the Senior Bowl with his fluidity and instincts in coverage by closing quickly to bat away multiple passes during practices.”"
Nolan Nawrocki of NFL.com sees Van Noy as more of a third or fourth rounder in the draft. This is a scenario that the Chiefs would prefer to have because there’s actually a chance of landing him.
"“Eyes the quarterback and tries to get his hands in the passing lane. Athletic with good movement skills in all directions — equipped to keep pace with backs and tight ends in coverage. Is rangy and can open up his stride and run vertical. Glides on the field. Scheme versatile. Football smart.” – Van Noy’s strengths according to Nawrocki"
While Van Noy had some off the field issues before starting his college career, he got his act together and played some pretty good football. He would be a good selection for Kansas City because this way they can use their first round pick on a wide receiver or offensive lineman and snatch a linebacker in the middle rounds. Van Noy might still be on the board by the time the Chiefs’ second selection comes in round three.
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