Nick Kwiatkoski is a three year starter at inside linebacker for Dana Holgorsen’s West Virginia team. In 2014, he led the Mountaineers with 103 tackles, including a team-high 71 solo stops, a team-high 11.5 tackles for loss, assisted on a sack and four pass breakups and finished fifth in the conference in solo tackles.
In 2015 he racked up 86 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and a fumble recovery. He wrapped up his final campaign earning first team All-Big 12 defensive honors.
He came into West Virginia as a safety but was moved to linebacker out of Pennsylvania’s Bethel Park High School. He was named the 32nd best prospect in the state of Pennsylvania by Rivals.com heading into his senior year. After that ended he received an invitation to play in the Chesapeake Bowl.
As a three-star safety he chose West Virginia over Boston College and Bowling Green and finished his career starting 38 games.
Still Curtain
Measurables:
Height 6’2″
Weight 243 lbs.
Arm Length 31 3/4″
Hand Width 9 1/2″
Workout Results:
40-yd Dash 4.73 seconds
3 Cone Drill 7.16 seconds
20-yd Shuttle 4.22 seconds (Best among LB participants, 5th overall)
Bench Press Reps 19
Broad Jump 120″
Vertical Jump 32″
Strengths:
Kwiatkoski was the heart and soul of the Mountaineer defense, he led the team in tackles for all three years he was a starter there. He had a combined 275 tackles over the last three seasons so there are no questions about his ability to produce. Reacts well to what is going on around him and can adjust to the play well. Good form tackler, rarely missed tackles.
He has very good blitz timing, and can be disruptive once in the backfield. Athletic with good speed about him to get up or downfield. Has a nose for the ball, can get through the crowds to the ball carrier.
Weaknesses:
Concerns about his power and ability to meet a larger running back in the hole. Will run under blocks and trap himself in a bad position. Not the best block shedder, doesn’t have the power to get off. Needs to improve on using his hands more instead of the shoulders and body.
Lateral quickness is a concern, his ability to get sideline to sideline is subpar. Decent in pass coverage.
Overview:
Nick Kwiatkoski has potential, but like everyone, he has his flaws. He could one day develop into a starting linebacker if he can improve in a few areas, but for now he is no more than a rotational player if that.
His name will likely be called at the back end of the draft to a team in need of a guy who can produce in terms of stopping the run, and making plays on the ballcarrier.