With their first pick in the fourth round (#113 overall), the Dallas Cowboys selected linebacker Kyle Wilber from Wake Forest. Looks like an edge rusher as a 3-4 OLB.
A DE/OLB hybrid who made the move to backer in 2010 when Wake Forest changed to a 34 front. Lacks the kind of anchor to consistently hold the point of attack in the run game with his hand on the ground. However, he's much more effective setting the edge vs. the run game standing up. He's an instinctive player who reads and reacts quickly to the football and uses his length well to pick his way through traffic. Consistently takes proper angles toward the action, gains proper leverage when attacking the upfield shoulder of a blocker and exhibits the balance to fend off the block and make his way toward the ball carrier. Uses his length well to shed on the edge and has average range in pursuit. He exhibits a good first step when attacking downhill and does close quickly. However, he plays a bit upright and doesn't have the same kind of initial explosion when trying to shed. Needs to learn to play a bit lower.
Impression: An intriguing 34 rush end to me. Has a good first step, can change directions on his pass rush and plays the run with good integrity. Could be posed for a jump up draft boards with a solid year. Reminds me some of Jaguars DE Aaron Morgan.
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Scouting nuggets:
18. Kyle Wilber, Wake Forest,, 6-4, 249. This is a speed rusher with good athletic ability. He has some slipperiness and has potential to develop as a pass rusher. He is very lean, and his ability to anchor is a problem. He could be best as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 or a situational rusher.
Good physical prospect with a decent amount of upside... Great size and arm length (33¼"); plays well with long arms, is able to wrap up well... Good instincts and explosion, has a quick first step for a player of his size... Good closing speed on ball carriers and can deliver a memorable pop...
Great effort player, is not taking plays off or quitting once the play looks beyond his reach, plays to the whistle... Versatile player, Wake Forest moved from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defense prior to his junior season; Wilber played on the line in both three and four man fronts, and also played OLB in a 3-4... Has the measurables and physical tools to play as a 3-4 defensive end... Reminds me of Paul Kruger (Ravens DE-LB); not asked to play the traditional 3-4 DE role but can mix and match in different scheme
Positives:
Very good athlete. Solid run defender — can play off blocks and string plays down to the sideline. Crashes the line and has surprising strength to set the edge. Solid technician — keeps his outside arm free. Good take-off speed. Can outquick blockers to the point and split the double team. Has lined up on both sides and is athletic enough to fall back into coverage and man short areas. Productive starter with scheme diversity.
Negatives:
Has a linear, underdeveloped body and can stand to improve his strength levels and explosion. Tends to play a bit too upright and has some stiffness in his body. Not a glass-eater and lacks bull, anchor strength. Struggles with double teams. Not an elite athlete. Not comfortable moving in reverse.