NFL Draft Profile: Washington OLB Hau'oli Kikaha

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As part of our coverage leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft we will provide profiles of 200 prospects, including what the scouts around the league are saying and video interviews with each player.

Hau'oli Kikaha (OLB), Washington

6’2” | 253 lbs.

2014 stats:

72 tackles, 25 for a loss, 19 sacks, 3 forced fumbles

Selection:

2nd round, No. 44 overall (New Orleans Saints)

What scouts are saying:

"Kikaha is the most accomplished pure pass rusher in this draft class. Relies on a relentless motor off the edge more than athleticism. He has an elite determination to get to the quarterback. While he seems to specialize in just rushing the passer, Kikaha has the power, hands and frame to improve against the run. It might take some work to get fully comfortable as a stand-up 3-4 OLB, but Kikaha is a very safe draft prospect as long as his medicals check out." - Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

"Explosive first step and arc speed to get around the edge with flexible body control and balance to flatten. Stays low with natural dip, using his hands to slap away blockers' jabs without slowing his momentum. Tough to contain in space and rarely stops his feet, crossing the face of blockers and using his lower body quickness to work around bodies. Fluid change of direction skills to make sharp 90-degree turns with the loose hips to turn and play in coverage - will drop and cover in short zones with natural ball awareness and proximity feel. Strong wrists and arrives with aggressive angles and violent intentions, tuning up his target. Nice job on the edges to hold the corner and close off the outside, tracking well to work off contact and pursue. Plays assignment sound football with elite effort and competitiveness. Fiery, pesky motor that simply doesn't quit. Experienced in a two and three-point stance at left and right defensive end, playing mostly the 4i technique as an underclassman before moving to "BUCK" linebacker as a senior - also played on special teams coverages as a senior. Highly productive and one of NCAA's top pass rushers the last two seasons, leaving Washington with the school record for sacks (36.0)." - Dane Brugler, CBSSports.com

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