Scouting The Draft, Koa Misi, OLB, Utah

You may remember that during our draft talk with Draft Breakdown's Will Spencer, he mentioned an OLB that we should look at if we decide to go in a different direction in the first round. The player was Koa Misi, a guy that I really didn't know a great deal about, so I have been looking at him lately and he seems like a nice fit here.

Misi who's real name is too long to even try and write, spent his first year in college football, playing all over the defensive front seven for Santa Rosa Junior College. After one year, he was ready to make the jump, and decided to ply his trade in Utah. Ever since making that decision he has consistently improved his numbers.

Projected as a late second round selection, he seems like a player that we should of been looking at for some time, and even after the draft talk was published, I have seen him mentioned very little, so here is my take on him:

Measure

Height- 6'3

Weight- 251 lb's

Combine: Top performer in Vertical Jump,3 Cone Drill and 20 yard shuttle

Career Stats

2006- Junior College, Santa Rosa

2007- 13 games, 67 tackles, 8 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks

2008- 13 games, 63 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles

2009- 12 games, 71 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

What does Koa Misi Do Well?

He has extremely active hands, know where the ball is and rips the ball away from players while still maintaining the tackle. Has an excellent initial burst off the edge, and can find the ball in traffic, has the speed and awareness to drop into coverage, but is strong and tough enough to come up and make the tackle in the run game. Athletically gifted, very fluid movement, shows a nice pursuit, a high motor/effort player who will tackle down the field if he gets run out of the play. A team captain at Utah, he has often been praised for his leadership and his work ethic. Plays on coverage units on special teams and is very reliable because of his excellent tackling ability.

What does Koa Misi Need To Improve?

Will need to develop more pass rushing moves, and counter moves. Sometimes can struggle to get off blocks, but did show improvement in this area in 2009. A little bit raw in terms of his game, and will need some polishing, can be too aggressive.Will be another player that will need to transition from a defensive end to a outside linebacker at the next level if he wants to play in a 3-4 system.

Final Word

Koa looks like a nice prospect, a guy who will need a lot of work, but for a late 2nd round that's not too much of a surprise. I like his pace and his solid tackling to go with his initial burst, he seems to have a nice awareness as well, and some football instincts to go with that. Obviously a high character guy, and a team captain to boot. If he is sitting there he is worth a look, could he work in our system? absolutely.

Video Highlights

Here is a collective highlight package of Utah, Misi is #41