Kyle Van Noy scouting report

To wrap up the 2014 NFL Draft, we are going to take an in-depth look at each Detroit Lions pick. Next up is Kyle Van Noy.

OLB Kyle Van Noy (BYU) - Round 2, Pick No. 40

Going into the second day of the draft, many people were hoping that the Lions would select BYU outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy in the second round. As the picks started being made, Van Noy remained available, and the Lions made the decision to trade up five spots in a deal with the Seattle Seahawks to make sure they got him. In the process, they filled a big need at outside linebacker.

Measurables

Height: 6-foot-3 | Weight: 243 pounds

Stats

2010: 35 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 2 PD , 2 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
2011: 68 tackles, 15.0 TFL, 7.0 sacks, 3 INT, 5 PD, 3 FF, 1 FR, 1 TD
2012: 53 tackles, 22.0 TFL, 13.0 sacks, 2 INT, 7 PD, 6 FF, 2 TD
2013: 67 tackles, 17.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, 2 INT, 7 PD, 1 TD

Random fact

Van Noy roomed with Lions defensive end Ziggy Ansah when the two were teammates at BYU. Now they are once again teammates, this time in the NFL.

What the experts are saying

SB Nation:

Kyle Van Noy won't be a fit for every team. He is a strong athlete, showing the ability to change direction in a hurry and chase down ball carriers in the open field. However, he's not particularly strong and will need to address that early in his NFL career in order to shed blocks a bit easier. Van Noy is more of a blitzer than he is a pass rusher, but he finds his way into the backfield by taking smart angles to the football and tracking the football through traffic. He has the skill set to play multiple linebacker spots but would make the most sense as a WILL in a 4-3 defense.

Vanquish The Foe:

Pros: Kyle Van Noy is very quick off the ball and knows how to pressure quarterbacks. He has a very good football intellect and knows how to read offenses. In a league growing more and more fond of scrambling quarterbacks and running backs who love to bounce around the outside, KVNs stock is very valuable. He has the speed and capability to keep up with those offensive threats and can move quickly from sideline to sideline.

Cons: Despite being 6’3 and 243 lbs Van Noy doesn’t have the arm span that most teams are looking for in the NFL. Although NFL teams said the same thing about Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers and KVN has an identical build to him. Van Noy also has a bad habit of leaving his feet when making tackles which could be more costly in the NFL than at the college level.

NFL.com:

Good-sized, athletic, smooth-moving stand-up player who projects best as a 3-4 right outside linebacker, but could also warrant consideration from 4-3 teams as a Will or Sam. Is not without flaws, but has unique ability to play up the field, laterally or in reverse.

CBS Sports:

Compares To: Chad Greenway, Vikings - Greenway might just be the best all-around outside linebacker in the NFL, and comparing any rookie to him is therefore hyperbole. Van Noy plays with similar instincts and efficiency, however, making plays behind the line of scrimmage as well as dropping back into coverage with impressive consistency. He isn't flashy or physically dominant, but ranks among the safer prospects in the 2014 draft.

ESPN:

Van Noy isn't elite in any one area, but he has above-average instincts and brings a lot of versatility. He must continue to get stronger against the run but uses his hands well to shed and has a knack for coming up with big plays.

Videos

More:

• Herman Moore announces Van Noy pick
• Van Noy vs. Georgia Tech (2013)
• Van Noy vs. Utah State (2013)
• Van Noy vs. Virginia (2013)
• Van Noy vs. Washington (2013)
• Van Noy vs. Hawaii (2012)
• Van Noy vs. New Mexico State (2012)
• Van Noy vs. Oregon State (2012)
• Van Noy vs. San Jose State (2012)
• Van Noy vs. Utah (2012)
• Van Noy vs. Washington State (2012)
• Touchdown on interception return vs. San Diego State
• Touchdown on fumble recovery vs. San Diego State
• Touchdown on interception return vs. Utah State
• Touchdown on fumble recovery vs. Ole Miss
• Sack vs. Central Florida
• Interview at BYU pro day
• Interview at 2014 Senior Bowl
• Interview about Ziggy Ansah on SportsCenter
• Highlights from high school
• Combine workout
• Van Noy receives 2012 CFPA National Defensive Performer of the Year award
• BYU commercials featuring Van Noy

Outlook for 2014

Van Noy is already viewed as a starting outside linebacker for the Lions, meaning he is taking over Ashlee Palmer's spot atop the depth chart. The Lions will likely use Van Noy as a pass rusher quite a bit, but he has the ability to be a more traditional three-down linebacker as well. Either way, he is going to be a Day 1 starter for the Lions.

Previously: TE Eric Ebron