Miles Killebrew, S, SUU: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Small schools, and small school prospects, may find it a bit harder to get the recognition or attention that a lot of the prospects that come from larger schools receive. We immediately gravitate toward those prospects we feel played higher-levels of competition or those that played for schools that found themselves on the national stage come bowl season.

However, this bias isn’t always justified. Time and time again, players from small schools make an impression throughout the year and more significantly during the pre-draft process. At Southern Utah University, there are a few players who should be receiving a lot more attention. One of those players is safety Miles Killebrew. We will explore what makes Killebrew an intriguing prospect at the next level.

Measurables

Height: 6’1″

Weight: 225 lbs

Year: Senior

Strengths

When reviewing tape on Miles Killebrew, the first thing that jumps out is the level of physicality in his play. He explodes from his stance, looking to inflict pain on every hit. Despite being extremely physical, Killebrew knows how to tackle. He looks to lock his man up and prevent the play from gaining anything further. He is not afraid of contact and is very confident around the line of scrimmage. He has tremendous size for the position and sports a solid, compact frame with outstanding strength in his legs. Is a versatile talent, showing the ability to play safety or linebacker. Was a leader for the Thunderbirds secondary throughout his career.

The video below is the matchup between SUU and Sam Houston State. It does a nice job reflecting both his strengths as a physical safety and the weaknesses in his game, including bad angles on tackling.

Weaknesses

He is only average as an instinctful player, often waiting for the play to get him rather than anticipating where the ball is going. This combined, with his lack of range, prevent him from being a true free safety in the league. He is prone to taking bad angles, causing him to be a step behind the ball and behind the play. Lack of ideal speed, limiting him to mostly in-the-box duties at the NFL level.

Final Thoughts

While Killebrew lacks the speed and range to be a true safety in the league, his size and aggressiveness make him a prime fit as a strong safety. Often compared to Arizona’s Deone Bucannon, he has the measurables to succeed as a hybrid linebacker, bringing a physical presence to the franchise that takes a chance on his development.

Projection: 3rd-4th Round