Kyle Louis

The Player

Louis is a light linebacker with excellent burst and range. He tied for the third-quickest 10-yard split among all linebackers at the combine. He shoots gaps between the tackles and beats blockers to the point of attack in space. He sidesteps and slips blocks in tight spaces and is a sideline-to-sideline run defender. He flashes the ability to shoot his hands and play off blocks, but he’s not big or strong enough to hold his ground when blockers get into his frame. He falls off some tackles and needs to improve his pursuit angles at times.

He’s a playmaker in coverage, and he intercepted six passes with 12 passes defended over the past two seasons. He reads the quarterback, jumps routes, and tracks and catches the ball well. He’s good at turning his head to locate the ball while he’s running backward. He has excellent range: He’s able to undercut intermediate out-breaking routes, he breaks well on the ball when he drops to hook, and he’s capable of turning and running with tight ends. 

He closes well when rushing from deep and off the edge, and he flashes the ability to win with his hands and with change-of-direction quickness versus running backs and offensive linemen. He played 898 snaps in the box, 578 snaps over the slot, and 253 snaps along the defensive line over the course of his college career, according to PFF. He started 26 games at Pitt and also covered punts and kickoffs.

The Draft

Louis impressed at the Senior Bowl and has used the predraft process to improve his draft stock. He is a top-10 off-ball linebacker and a top-100 overall prospect.

The Projection

Louis’s build and testing numbers are comparable to those of Chargers off-ball linebacker Daiyan Henley, who started 33 games over the past two seasons. Some teams might also see Louis as a big nickel linebacker early in his career. Regardless of where he lines up, his versatility and cover skills should allow him to carve out a role and contribute early for a team that has a plan for him.