Player Profile: Kyle Van Noy

Height:  6'3
Weight:  243
School:  BYU
Position:  Outside Linebacker
Ranking:  #5 Outside Linebacker
Projection:  2nd Round

Strengths
-Experienced. 52 games played. 36 games started
-Has the size (6'3 243) to be able to play the OLB in a 3-4 defense
-Above average speed (4.71) for a linebacker
-Explodes off the ball (1.60 10 yard shuttle). Can turn speed into power
-Uses his speed and quickness to get past tackles and to the QB (26 career sacks)
-Has some savyness to his pass rushing.  Good spin move and quick changes of direction.
-Has experience playing in a 3-4 and rushing from a two point stance
-Relentless pass rusher. Doesn't give up on getting to the QB
-Does a good job of setting the edge in the run game
-Uses his hands well to disengage from blockers and make plays
-Experience dropping into coverage
-Versatile. Lined up at OLB, DE, ILB, and out on slot WRs
-Has a knack for making splash plays 11 Forced fumbles in career
-Durable. No injury issues to speak of.

Weaknesses
-Shorter arms (31 5/8") could make it harder to disengage from blockers in the NFL
-Doesn't always take the best angles. Forces him to have to make a arm tackle
-Lack of strength could be an issue. Can be rocked back by a good punch
-Will relax if the play goes away from him
-Is gonna struggle to match up man to man in coverage

Summary
Kyle Van Noy is one of the better players nobody is talking about.  Why? I'm not sure, but he's a flat out football player who has a knack for making plays.  Van Noy plays all over the field in the Cougars defense but he's at his best when he's attacking.  He has 26 (13 in 2012) career sacks to go with 62 tackles for losses and can just take over games (Texas).  He has a knack for getting the quarterback with his speed and quickness.  It's not just his athletic ability he have some savyness to his rushing with change of speed and a nasty spin move.  Add in that he has the ability to play in coverage and there is a lot for teams to like.  Van Noy's best fit as a Strongside LB in a 3-4 defense or in a 4-3 Under.  There he can still blitz a lot and play in coverage.  I see Van Noy going in the second round, but wouldn't be surprised to see a team like New Orleans take him in the first, especially if Dee Ford is off the board.