January 30, 2016 - Greg Gabriel
Breaking Down Linebackers Terrance Smith and Nick Kwiatkoski
Terrance Smith – ILB – Florida State
Size –
6026 – 237 – 4.65 (All Estimates)
Strong Points –
Very good athlete with adequate size, long arms and the frame to get to 240+. Has excellent speed and range to go along with quick reactions and good instincts. Plays the run well but better in pursuit than at the line of scrimmage. Can shed bocks and stack at the point. Very good in coverage, can play man on backs and tight ends.
Weak Points –
Needs to get a little bigger and stronger and become more of an inside presence against the run. Has missed time for injuries in two of his college seasons.
Summation –
Smith is a good fit to play as a Will linebacker in a one gap 4-3. If he can get to 245+ and learn to play a bit more physical game he should also be able to play inside in a 3-4. He has great speed and athleticism to go along with good instincts. Is effective when used to blitz. Won’t be a rookie starter but will be very good on specials while he learns
Nick Kwiatkoski – ILB – West Virginia
Size –
6017 - 241v – 4.78 (Est)
Strong Points –
Big, tough, aggressive and instinctive. Good player versus the run. Can shed, stack and fill at the line of scrimmage. Strong. Good ability to take on blocks. Is able to get depth with his pass drops and plays the underneath zones well. Very good tackler. Can hit and wrap.
Weak Points –
Average range, doubt he will run much better than the high 4.7’s.
Summation–
He won’t be a premium round draft choice, but he is the kind of players the coaches will love. Has great football character and though limited he wants to be great. Is best versus the indie run and can be reliable in pass coverage. Has a chance to be a down the road starter in the right situation. Has great special teams mentality. An overachiever with upside because of his desire to be a great player.
Follow Greg on Twitter @greggabe