From now until the 2017 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
Jordan Willis/OLB Kansas State – 6’3/6 255
The Good
– Ideal size and length with big hands (33 1/2 and 9 7/8 respectively)
– Excellent hand placement, strong punch, and converts speed to power
– Able to string together multiple pass rush moves better than most
– Reads OTs well and counters off their set, has a pass rush plan and able to adjust in the moment
– Uses length really well and creates space as a pass rusher and against the run
– Tons of ways he wins (speed/bull, long-arm, rip, swim)
– Timed absurdly well at the Combine, checked every box
– Good IQ, vision to the football, and gets hands up in throwing lanes
– Great production in college career, been a success at every level/event
– Tons of starting experience
The Bad
– Frustratingly inconsistent bend around the edge, bends off contact but struggles to show the same in space, tape doesn’t always match up with his numbers
– Average athlete and isn’t as fast as he tests
– Asked to one-gap a lot at college level, hard to gauge run defense at next level off ball
– Will have to stand up as a linebacker in the NFL, didn’t play with his hand up in college and very limited time dropping into coverage
– Runs to the ball if it’s on the same side of him but doesn’t show same level of effort when the ball is away
Bio
– 39 career starts
– Career: 40.