2014 NFL Draft Profile: BYU linebacker Kyle Van Noy

A big question surrounding the offseason was the depth at linebacker for the Eagles. While there are talented players in starting roles, the defense's inside linebacker position could use a successor to DeMeco Ryans and the team could use a more substantial talent at pass rusher. A tweener with the ability to play literally anywhere, BYU's Kyle Van Noy could fill several roles within the middle of the Eagles defense.

College Career

A talented player in high school, Van Noy picked BYU over the likes of Oregon, Oregon State, UCLA and LSU. He played as a freshmen, appearing in 13 games and starting two. He collected 24 tackles (7.5 tackles), two sacks, two forced fumbles and two pass breakups. As a sophomore, Van Noy played in all 13 games (eight starts) and collected 68 tackles (15 for loss), seven sacks and three interceptions.

He started all 13 games as a sophomore and had 53 tackles (22 for loss), 13 sacks, six forced fumbles, two interceptions and two blocked kicks. He was named to the third team AP All-American team. He was also the CFPA National Defensive Player of the Year. Van Noy won several awards as a senior. He had 79 tackles (10 for loss), 14 sacks, an interception and six forced fumbles.

Van Noy finished his college career with 153 tackles (62 for loss), 26 sacks, seven interceptions and 11 forced fumbles. He was invited to the Senior Bowl and had 2 tackles and a sack in the game.

Combine Numbers

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 243 lbs

Arms: 31 5/8"

Hands: 9 5/8"

40: 4.71 seconds

Bench Press: 21 reps

Vertical Jump: 32.5 inches

Broad Jump: 112 inches

3 Cone: 7.22 seconds

Shuttle: 4.20 seconds

Strengths

Van Noy is an aggressive player with intimidating size. He can get pressure from anyway and is quick to get to his spot. He wraps up well on tackles and uses his length well. He has the burst to run over linemen and the lower body strength to take on blocks. He is an above average athlete and is a solid playmaker. He can play inside linebacker or outside linebacker in a 3-4 and at all three positions in the 4-3 defense. He is a jack-of-all-trades.

Weaknesses

Van Noy can cover but he is not all that good at it. He was used as essentially a body in coverage in college. He can get lost in coverage and against the run. He is a master of none and really needs to work on his technique as a pass rusher. His instincts could be better as well.

Eagles Outlook

The Eagles will likely be very intrigued by Van Noy. Chip Kelly tried to recruit him at Oregon and he has the scheme versatility that Howie Roseman appreciates. Van Noy could serve as a rotational pass rushing specialist as a rookie behind both Connor Barwin and Trent Cole. He could move into the inside linebacker position in 2015 as the replacement for Ryans. If the Eagles feel he would be better off sticking to the outside, he could be Cole's replacement. Van Noy could be the new Karlos Dansby for Billy Davis and his defense. The Eagles would likely need to use the No. 22 pick on Van Noy to add him to the roster.

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