Kyle Van Noy, Senior, Linebacker, BYU
Overview:
For those unfamiliar with the BYU product, Kyle Van Noy is simply one of the best all-around outside linebackers in the country. As a junior, Van Noy was the most productive player on a Cougars defense that included NFL first round pick Ezekiel Ansah. Van Noy finished fifth in the country in sacks with 13. He also finished with the sixth most tackles for loss with a total of 22. To add a cherry on top, Kyle was second on BYU in interceptions to boot. He was one of the biggest reasons why Brigham Young finished as a top five defense nationally. It would have been understandable if Van Noy decided to declare for the draft after such a season. Instead, the 6'3" backer decided to return for his senior year.
Final Projection:
With the lust surrounding outside linebackers who can rush the passer, Kyle Van Noy projects as a first round pick. However, it will be hard for him to top his sack totals as a junior, especially without the threat of Ziggy Ansah that teams would have to game plan for. The thing about Van Noy though is he isn't just a pure rush end. He defends the run well, gets into the backfield to create havoc, has a nose for the football and can even defend the pass. It will be interesting to see just how high Van Noy could go with another polished and productive season at BYU.
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