2014 NFL Draft: Prospect Profile -- Kyle Van Noy, OLB, BYU

The New York Giants' need for an impact linebacker is legendary amongst the BigBlueView faithful. When talking about such impact players at this position, certain names get bandied about like Khalil Mack, C.J. Mosley, and Anthony Barr. Kyle Van Noy does not and I'm not sure why. He certainly fits with that group.

Pros

- Speed and explosion off the edge as a pass rusher is a plus. He was used heavily as a pass rusher and used his speed and bend to get around tackles well. He even won against guards inside.

- Rangy and coverage is above average. He's certainly not Dion Jordan in coverage, but he is strong against running backs and tight ends. Was the best cover linebacker during the Senior Bowl.

- Accomplished block shedder and is stout against the run. Can shoot gaps with the best of them.

- Read and react skills are good. Rarely fooled by play fakes and is consistently disruptive.

- Motor is not a question.

- Great frame at 6-foot-3, 246 pounds.

Cons

- Overall athleticism is simply average.

- He doesn't take great angles at times and will often loop back to make tackles.

- Change of direction and lateral agility are question marks.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

I can't think of a a more perfect SAM prospect for this team. Van Noy would be the one true three-down linebacker for the New York Giants. He is an accomplished and explosive pass rusher that does not give up the edge. He can shoot gaps and sheds blocks well on a consistent basis.

His coverage ability is well known. He might not be able to cover guys like Darren Sproles or Jimmy Graham, but what linebacker can? He can stay disciplined in his zone and won't make mistakes in that regard. He is also consistently disruptive, even if he may not appear so on the stat sheet.

Prospect Video

Kyle Van Noy vs Texas (2013) (via Adrian Ahufinger)

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - 35

Mocking The Draft - 68

CBS Sports - 38

Draft Countdown - 51

Draft Tek - 37

Final Thoughts

Kyle Van Noy is likely my favorite prospect in the 2014 NFL Draft because of how well balanced his skill set is. He has plus attributes in coverage, in run defense, and in rushing the passer. He won't blow you away in any one area, but he's the type of glue guy and noted team leader that every team needs. He's a guy that goes relatively unheralded, but are large parts of their team's successes.

Think of guys like K.J. Wright or Chad Greenway. That's the type of under the radar great play that Van Noy will bring. He is a solid first round player for me, even though the rankings don't bear that out. His upside is likely limited to being a very, very solid player and that's probably why. I think his positional value doesn't match up for the Giants to select him at 12th overall (though I'd still be happy with him there, absolutely), but for me personally, there would be very, very few prospects that I might take over Van Noy if he's available in the second round.