Hau’oli Kikaha Game Film

I didn't watch all of them, but he looked significantly better than I thought he would against the run. It wasn't good, but it wasn't horribke either... However, I wasn't really that impressed with him as a pass rusher. Thought he would be a little more explosive.

 

Thanks TTF! I can't wait until I have a few hours to look over all these threads.

 

Boom. Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

I get all that, and that seems like the consensus. The kid gets it done, though. Against tackles, guards, whoever. He disengages blocks and gets by the blocker, and records tackles, hits, and hurries behind the line of scrimmage.

I get that in theory, size and speed can't be taught, and technique can. But at the same time, plenty of guys with size and speed just can't get the technique no matter who is teaching them and no matter how long they try. And it's possible for heart, hustle, and technique can overcome size and speed. The more I watch Kikaha, the more I'd be okay taking him in the first. Might be a reach, but Dupree might be a bust. I don't see Kikaha flopping out of the league. The question of "How much success will he have vs. pros if he doesn't improve?" should be weighed against, "Will a specimen like Dupree's light ever turn on against pros if it didn't in college?" For some raw guys whose measurables outweigh their tape, it does (Dontari Poe), and for others it doesn't (5,000 combine superstars that completely bust). Maybe Dupree will blow this league up the way his size and speed tell is he might. Maybe not. Maybe Kikaha will kick NFL OL's asses like he did the college OL's asses. Maybe not.

I'm pretty sure Dupree will be gone though, so I'm not investing much thought into comparing the two. To me it's a matter of do we take Kikaha at #22? I'd rather not, if the sense is we could get him later. Do we take someone else I don't really want, and try to trade up for him in the 2nd if he gets close? I'd rather not trade up at all. Do we trade back and try to grab him in the late 20s or 30s? I'd be totally down for that, if my top choices (Kevin Johnson, one of the top 4 edge rushers) are out of the picture.

 

Hey pal, do you really need to give NE credit for Vrabel? We found 'em first.

 

yep he has the numbers you look for. not working out has slid him down or he would be right in the mix as 1st rounders. 70 tackles a year for the last two years means he's been doing something besides just pass rushing. TFL and sacks are just icing on the cake. JJ with better speed and size is who he reminds me of.