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Kamalei Correa Scouting Report, OLB, Boise State, 2016 NFL Draft

A player with bags of potential, but does that potential equate to a 1st round grade?

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Introduction


Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii
High School: Honolulu Saint Louis
Recruitment: 3-Star Recruit by ESPN, 3-Star recruit by Rivals
Injuries/Discipline: Nothing notable

Measurables


Height: 6'3"
Weight: 248
Class: Junior
40 Yard Dash: 4.69
Bench Reps: 21
Vertical: 33"
Broad: 108"

Stats


2015: 36 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
2014: 59 tackles, 19 tackles for a loss, 12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
2013: 12 tackles, 1.5 tackle for a loss, 1 sack

Positives


• Good initial burst
• Excellent acceleration
• Good closing speed
• Sound tackler
• Has a variety of pass rushing moves
• Good build for the position
• Good long speed.
• Comfortable rushing from the 2 or 3 point stance.
• Sets the edge well, plays with a good base
• Great effort. Good commitment. Good competitor

Negatives


• Stills looks a little raw
• A lot of success came with his initial step, other moves are under-developed.
• Looks a little stiff when turning the corner.
• Doesn't look natural in coverage, can lose sight of his man
• Can get tied up with blockers, pushed out of the game.
• Really sloppy hand usage
• Can be too over aggressive.
• Was sometimes overpowered.

Conclusion


I do like the potential of Kamalei, he had a superb 2014 season but failed to push on in 2015 where offensive coordinators paid more attention to him. He's the kind of player that has enough to get you interested, but not enough to make you bang the table for him at the top of the draft. Pete Prisco of CBS recently pencilled him in as the Jets selection at #20, but personally I wouldn't be happy with that, it's too high.


He seems like a good guy, and his work rate is second to none. He'll chase a back down all the way until the play is dead and he shows good long speed. However his lack of fluidity really bugs me and his 2nd and 3rd string moves just aren't developed enough. Against teams like Northern Illinois, you're going to be able to just rely on your speed, but against some of the best tackles in football, you need more.


He has all this bottled potential, but you need to be confident that you have the coach to unleash it. We have one hell of a defensive coach in Todd Bowles, but I'd still be wary about using a 1st round pick on him. If we select him in rounds 2 or 3, then I can handle that.

Draft Grade: 70


90-100 = Exceptional Talent
80-90 = Impact Player
70-80 = NFL Starter
60-70 = Solid NFL Potential
50-60 = Draftable - Lot of work needed
>50 = Undraftable, - Long Shot To Stick