WVU draft Q&A with Lance Zierlein
Lance Zierlein is responsbile for putting together over 500 NFL Draft profiles each season for NFL.com with his role as the draft analyst and content provider. The positions asks him to list the strengths and weaknesses of each player.
So with West Virginia set to have several prospects on the board to become possible NFL Draft Picks this April, WVSports.com catches up with Zierlein to ask him his opinions on Kyzir White, Ka'Raun White and Justin Crawford.
So here is a rapid fire Q&A with Zierlein.
1. What do you like about Kyzir White's skill set, what stands out the most to you?
Good tackler and very physical. Some teams see Kyzir White as a linebacker if he adds more weight. He's limited in coverage, but I love his toughness and consistency.
2. Do you see him more as a linebacker or safety at the next level? Why?
I think he's definitely a hybrid player meaning big safety on early downs and linebacker on sub-packages.
3. Who do you compare him to?
Michael Boley
Here is his review on Kyzir White on NFL.com
STRENGTHS
Gift wrapped, NFL-ready frame with good length and well-distributed musculation. Expected to carry more weight and transition to hybrid role. Comes from athletic family that is highly supportive. Team captain and true team leader. Plays every down with the same level of grit and urgency -- even when he's away from the ball. Quick to diagnose. Supports run with vigor along the edge and in contain. Forceful hitter. Thumps and engulfs targets while running his feet to finish. Quick to diagnose play-action and retreat into coverage. Very physical with tight ends in man coverage. Has movement, size, and hands making it hard to finesse throws over him without risking a turnover. Absolute freight train as a blitzer who looks to leave a mark on the quarterback.
WEAKNESSES
Safety role will have to be limited due to average play speed. Better playing downhill. Has man coverage limitations that may need to be managed according to the matchup. Sluggish to open hips and transition smoothly from off-coverage. Lacks fluid change of direction. Could take time to adjust to more weight and a more physical role. Needs to get stronger and better with his hands. Average athlete. Lacks explosiveness. Could see inconsistencies as open-field tackler.
4. How do you see Ka'Raun White's skill set fitting in at the next level?
I think he has a chance to be a late draft pick and maybe making a practice squad in year one with a chance to work his way up in year two.
5. How did his performance at the combine help his stock?
I thought his Comine was just okay. If you look at the standards for that position his workout wasn't something that blew people away.. I don't know if it helped him a ton.
6. Your biggest concern? How about what stands out the most?
His biggest concerns for me are average vertical separation and average hands. What I really like about him are his consistency, toughness, and football intelligence.
Here is his review on Ka'Raun White on NFL.com
STRENGTHS
Has feel for eluding jam attempts and finding relatively clean releases against press. Carries long, energetic strides into his routes. Uses light feet with good quickness out of his breaks and stems. Able to create some workable separation with his burst. Consistent at working back to the throw. Tape shows ability to go high, low and to reach back to pull in errant throws. Willing to catch punishment and footballs when working in the middle of the field. Can snag and secure with defender draped over his shoulders. Active scrambler who finds fortune when the play breaks down.
WEAKNESSES
Underdeveloped frame with thin arms. Play strength needs to get much better. Cornerbacks challenge and beat his block in run support. Feasted on limited route tree with curls, posts and comebacks as the main meals. High 2017 touchdown total due, in part, to scrambles and some defender confusion on combo routes. Drops plague him from time to time primarily due to focus. Doesn't reach and snatch throws and allows them into his frame. Doesn't build on initial vertical separation. Allows in-breaking routes to drift.
7. What is your take on Justin Crawford when it comes to a possible NFL future?
I don't see him getting drafted, but has a chance to get into camp and make some noise.
Here is his review on Justin Crawford on NFL.com
STRENGTHS
Quality athlete. Was state champ as long jumper in high school (just under 23 feet). Plays with gather and cut foot quickness that allows him to bounce from cut to cut. Has decent change of direction ability. Can stop suddenly to allow penetration to flow past before cutting downhill behind it. Good open field burst helps him get around the corner. Has a sharp, open-field spin move in his pocket and would benefit from using it more. Used sparingly in passing attack, but does show separation burst out of his breaks. Highly motivated by wife and two kids. Puts in any work necessary.
WEAKNESSES
Thin-hipped and is easily tripped up by traffic around his legs. Lacks toughness and commitment as interior runner. Plays with too much hesitation before hitting it downhill. Contact balance is below average and will not break tackles. Vision is questionable. Regularly indecisive in processing blocks and play speed can be effected by it. Lacks creativity as a runner. Will lose balance when making second level cuts. Needs to get better at setting up blocks. Does not offer short yardage solution or third down option.
