2012 NFL Draft Scouting Report – ILB Luke Kuechly

SCOUTING REPORT – MLB Luke Kuechly:

Measurables:

Height:  6’3”

Weight: 242

Pros:

•  Good size linebacker
• Very impressive speed for a linebacker
• Extremely highly productive in college
• Has elite instincts and is always capable of finding the football
• Great in pursuit, takes excellent angles and plays till the whistle
• Exceptional  tackler
• Better in coverage than most expect, capable of covering most tight ends and running backs
• True three down linebacker

Cons: 

• Lacks much of any pass rushing ability, and isn’t a real blitzing threat
• Made most of his plays down the field, and not at the line of scrimmage

Analysis:

Kuechly is a guy who should really be considered an elite talent. While many will try to knock his down field tackles and lack of blitzing ability, they ignore many of his top attributes. Kuechly’s relentless pursuit is exactly what teams are looking for in their linebackers, and his ability to cover makes him highly valuable. In today’s NFL tight ends are becoming harder and harder to stop, but Kuechly could have the skill set that neutralizes most tight ends. He’s definitely a first round pick, but based on talent he should go in the top 10-15.