http://www.nfl.com/draft/2010/profiles/ ... ?id=496820Quote:
Five mock-busters who could make the 1st Round: OLB Koa Misi, Utah: Roughly half of the NFL is now planning on operating primarily out of the 3-4 alignment. That fact makes established pass rushers like Misi ones to watch on draft day. Possessing an explosive first step as a defensive end for the Utes, the 6-3, 251 pound Misi impressed scouts in linebacker drills in workouts. Both he and Virginia Tech's Jason Worilds are viewed as locks for the second round, but an early run on the position could push either into the first round. - Rob Rang, The Sports Xchange, NFLDraftScout.com
Video:
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1245666ESPN Insider wrote:
ESPN INSIDER
OVERALL FOOTBALL TRAITS:
Production 2
2006: First-team all-conference defensive end helped Santa Rosa Junior College to a division title and a bowl invitation.
2007: (13/11) 67 tackles, 8 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 2 PBU, 2 FR. Played DE for the first two games, moving to tackle when injuries struck.
2008: (13/13) 68 tackles, 8. 5 TFL, 3 sacks, 6 PBU, 3 FF, 1 FR. Second-team all-Mountain West.
2009: (12/12) 71 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 5 sacks, 3 FF. First team All-Mountain West.
Height-Weight-Speed 3
Adequate height, weight and top-end
Durability
2009: Misses season opener with back injury.
Intangibles 2
Lined up at defensive tackle, defensive end and outside linebacker while at Utah. Father played football for Hawaii. 2007: Academic All-MWC. 2008: Won Utah's defensive Iron Ute award.
OUTSIDE LINEBACKER SPECIFIC TRAITS:
Instincts/Recognition 2
Can be a step slow recognizing screens but shows above-average instincts overall. Keeps head up, locks long arms out and locates the ball quickly. Moving from end to outside linebacker should also help him read keys and locate the ball because won't get engulfed by offensive tackles as much. Showed good awareness and positioning in underneath zone coverage at Senior Bowl.
Strength/Toughness 2
Isn't big enough to consistently hold ground against the run if asked to line up at end in the NFL but plays with good leverage and stouter than size suggests. Above-average upper body strength and appears more than capable of setting the edge at the outside linebacker position.
Range vs. Run 3
Takes sound pursuit angles and shows good lateral mobility when scraping down the line of scrimmage but top-end speed and range appear just adequate on film.
Tackling 3
Flashes the ability to deliver the big hit and wraps up when gets hands on the ball carrier but doesn't show great body control or agility in space. Concerned about open field tackling.
3rd Down Capabilities 3
Physical and has shown the ability reroute tight ends at the line of scrimmage on film. Reason to be optimistic about ability to develop serviceable underneath man-to-man cover skills. While listed at 263 pounds on roster weighed 244 pounds at the Senior Bowl and appeared more fluid there than he did on film. Adequate range in zone coverage but doesn't appear fast enough on film to consistently turn and run with NFL tight ends and backs. Greatest strength is rushing the passer. Doesn't have elite closing speed but quicker than fast. Uses hands to prevent tackle from locking on to frame, gets underneath outside shoulder and then bends back inside. Flashes the ability to get under offensive tackle and drive them back into the quarterback's lap. Gets hands up when sees quarterback start throwing motion and times jumps fairly well. Has ample experience rushing out of a two-point stance.
1 = Exceptional
2 = Above average
3 = Average
4 = Below average
5 = Marginal
http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft/pl ... 2/koa-misiQuote:
EXPERT COMMENTS
ESPN SCOUTS INC
What he brings: Misi is going to make the transition from defensive end to outside linebacker, but we believe it will be a smooth transition. He has experience rushing the quarterback out of a 2-point stance and we had many chances to see him move in space at the Senior Bowl, where he had a strong week. Although he doesn?t have elite measurables, he is tough enough to set the edge against the run and he is a dynamic pass-rusher.
How he fits: Miami's two most productive pass-rushers at the linebacker position -- Joey Porter, who had nine sacks, and Jason Taylor, who had seven -- are gone. Cameron Wake provides a lot of pass-rush upside, but still needs a lot of grooming. Misi's transition from defensive end to outside linebacker will improve the team quickly versus the run and, the Dolphins hope, in time against the pass. link
SI Analysis
Miami fills the need at outside linebacker opposite former CFL star Cameron Wake, taking Misi over the more highly touted Sergio Kindle from Texas. Misi is relentless and physical, possessing the non-stop motor and mindset that Bill Parcells always covets. link
Pro Football Weekly's Nawrocki
The Dolphins greatest need was arguably at the rush linebacker position, having cut Joey Porter and not resigned Jason Taylor. Misi does not have prototypical size or length, but he can convert his strength into power and has a motor that does not stop. He could compete with SLB Charlie Anderson for a starting job out of the gate. link