Continuing our post-draft evaluations, we’re diving into the Pittsburgh Steelers undrafted free agent pool. We’ll do full breakdowns of the players that have enough tape available. After a brief break, we’re looking back towards the offensive lineman today. Evaluating Utah State’s Kevin Whimpey.
#74 – Kevin Whimpey/OG Utah St – 6’5/2 306
The Good
– NFL looking size and though length doesn’t appear great, is adequate enough
– Tremendous upper body strength, matches workout numbers
– Shows pop upon contact as a run blocker and does a tremendous job sticking and holding his blocks
– Classic people move who dwarfs smaller defenders
– Gets good leg drive and looks to finish plays, keeps his lower half under him as a run blocker
– Good football IQ, active eyes and appears able to recognize and pick up stunts/twists
– Absorbs and catches bull rushes well, upper body strength to rebuff defenders
– Lots of starting experience
The Bad
– Limited athlete who doesn’t show much of a burst
– Average feet and prone to getting beat laterally by speed rushes
– Loses his base upon contact in pass protection, too much forward lean and is top heavy, prone to doubling over/flatback
– Lacks the lateral movement to mirror effectively
– Will have to make position switch at the next level, move from tackle to guard
– Only saw work at one position, left tackle, will make the transition that much more difficult
– Older than typical prospect due to mission trips, will be 25 by training camp
Other
– 40 game starter, all at left tackle for the Aggies
– First-Team All Mountain West in 2014
– 144 career knockdowns, including 64 senior season
– 39 reps of 225 at his Pro Day, more than anyone at the Combine
– Transferred to Utah State after one year at Idaho St
– Played defensive end in high school and Idaho St, made switch to offensive line in 2011
– Played with twin brother at Utah State before he suffered a career-ending knee injury
– Married with a wife and daughter
– Lettered in four sports throughout high school, including wrestling
Tape Breakdown
Sometimes, what you perceive about a prospect based on his measurable and what the tape shows are opposites.