2017 NFL Draft Profile MAC Style: Keion Adams

Keion Adams played defensive end for the Western Michigan Broncos, but he projects to be an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme in the NFL.

Since he wasn’t at the combine, it was hard to gauge interest early, but he has been starting to move up some mock draft boards after performing well at the Bronco’s pro day.

His 20 yard shuttle would have put him tied for 18th among linebackers and defensive ends. The 4.68 that he ran in the 40 would have tied him for 20th. Maybe most importantly, his 27 reps at 225 on the bench would have tied him at 9th.

According the NFL’s very own draft site, strength was a primary concern.

Weaknesses

Lacks ideal size and length on the edge. Can be engulfed by size and driven off his position. Will need to fight back against wash down blocks on the move. Lacks consistent hand usage at point of attack and as a rusher. Needs to learn to become better hand fighter at the top of his rush. Missing a go-to counter move. Will have to improve punch-and-shuck technique when taking on blocks. Willingness to work around blocks on the edge could create wider running lanes for NFL running games. Scouts have some concerns over character red flags.

That last line is the hardest to gauge, because there isn’t a measure on what NFL teams really think of his character. The volume of teams that have brought him in for a visit tells me that they are solid enough on his ability to do some investigation on his character. While that is complete speculation on my part, this tweet is interesting.

Keion Adams can get to the quarterback, and in the NFL, that’s huge. They’ll put up with the inability to set the edge and fight through blocks in the run game, because they can use a guy like Adams situationally. He’ll get a chance because of that ability. If he can prove himself off the field, and against the run, then he could be an every down outside linebacker.