R6, P181: Kylie Fitts, DE - Utah

College football and the NFL Draft

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UOK
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Fitts signed with UCLA as a four-star recruit and top 10 defensive end prospect nationally from San Bernardino, California. But after one season there (six games, one tackle on special teams), Fitts decided to transfer away from Westwood to Utah, one of his final choices a year earlier. He redshirted in Salt Lake City in 2014 before earning a starting spot for 11 of 13 games played as a sophomore (eight at left end, three at right end). Fitts showed excellent quickness to the ball and strength in the run game while compiling 41 tackles, eight for loss, and seven sacks, plus he used his power and length to rank ninth in the FBS with four forced fumbles. Primed for a big 2016 season, Fitts instead played in just two games (four tackles, three for loss, 1.5 sacks) before succumbing to a foot injury. Various injuries hindered him in 2017, as he only started 10 games, making 23 tackles that included three sacks.

Fitts simply hasn't been able to stay at full strength over the last two seasons and it takes heavy digging to find good tape against quality competition because of it. He could be a target for 3-4 teams as a strong-side outside linebacker, but a lack of anchor at the point of attack could chase him into competition for a role as designated pass rusher. He has the talent and traits to play at a higher level than his current grade, but he'll have to prove he can stay healthy.

STRENGTHS

Has experience playing with a hand down or standing
Plays with good upfield explosion in first two steps as a rusher
Has purpose in his rush and gets good forward momentum headed along the rush arc
Uses efficient hand work to swipe and clear a blocker's hands
Uses a punch and rip move to work around the tackle outside hand
Ankle flexion allows for sharper cornering
Can brake suddenly and change direction to give chase against misdirection runs or bootleg quarterbacks
Uses long limbs for expanded tackle radius in his area
Plays with good pursuit speed and range
Able to spot drop in coverage if needed

WEAKNESSES

Durability is a major concern
Missed all but two games in 2016 due to a foot injury and had to deal with a variety of injuries this past season
Blockers slow him dramatically once they get hands on him
Struggles to match power with power when facing up a blocker
Sets a soft edge against tackles and can be dislodged and pushed out of his run fit
High-cut frame lacks strength in lower body
Can be jostled around and out of the play when stunting inside
Doesn't convert speed to power at effective rate
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Boom-bust guy. Worth a Round 6 gamble.
KFFL refugee.

dplank wrote:I agree with Rich here
RichH55 wrote: Dplank is correct
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G08
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Won 71% of his one on one snaps down at the Senior Bowl. Kid has some juice to him, hope he can stay healthy now that he's in Chicago... I'll see myself out.
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Watched 2017 Arizona, West Virginia, and BYU. This dude really sucks as a pass rusher but he’ll probably hold up against the run.

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Adipost wrote:Watched 2017 Arizona, West Virginia, and BYU. This dude really sucks as a pass rusher but he’ll probably hold up against the run.

https://gfycat.com/RaggedSecondhandIsabellinewheatear
He's got to work on his technique, but I love how he can bend the edge, his burst and his strength.

I think he'll be a surprise if he can stay healthy... big fan.
9 PLAYOFF APPEARANCES IN THE PAST 35 SEASONS

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