From now until the 2019 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#25 Ben Burr-Kirven/ILB Washington – 6’0 230
The Good
– Excellent hand use, block shedding, and doesn’t get stuck to blocks in the run game
– Attacks blockers and doesn’t try to go around and work himself out of his gap
– Plus athlete with top level chase and pursuit, flies around to the football, really good motor
– Quickly closes on the football in run and pass
– Overall, finishes plays as a tackler and doesn’t miss many
– Takes good angles to the football
– Comfortable and coordinated in coverage, instinctive in zone coverage with athleticism to run and carry backs in man to man
– Flashes pass rushing ability on the edge, able to beat tight ends with his ability to disengage
– Highly productive player always involved in the play, made splash in a lot of ways
– Decorated player on and off the field, seemingly good character
The Bad
– Undersized, lacks bulk and length (31 7/8 inch arms)
– Tendency to guess where the back is going, bounce in and out of his gap, while generally disciplined, occasionally seems to freelance
– Can get overpowered by bigger running backs in the hole, doesn’t miss but will allow YAC
– Will get overaggressive, especially late in games, and try to do too much
– Want to see him get more depth in zone coverage when there’s no one occupying his zone
– Didn’t create many tackles for loss despite high tackle count overall
– Only average starting experience
Bio
– 22 career starts for the Huskies
– Career: 338 tackles (11.