2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kamalei Correa

Kamalei Correa, 6-2/243 Linebacker Boise State

Kamalei Correa Scouting Report
By Charlie Campbell

Strengths:

Dangerous edge rusher

Agility to dodge blockers

Quick feet

Good get-off

Closing speed

Nice ability to redirect

Excellent pursuit defender

Plays with good leverage

Causes disruption behind the line of scrimmage

Chases running backs down from the backside

Consistent source of pass pressure

Produces splash plays

Has some instincts and feel

Ability to bend around the corner

High energy

Good motor

Weaknesses:

Not very physical

Run defense

Shedding blocks in the ground game

Needs to get stronger for downhill runs

A bit undersized for 3-4 outside linebacker

Lacks length

Summary: In the passing-driven NFL, edge rushers who can get after the quarterback are always in demand. Thus, a player like Correa is going to have a big appeal to a lot of teams in the NFL.

Correa was a backup as a freshman before a breaking out as a sophomore in 2014. He totaled 59 tackles, 19 for a loss, two forced fumbles and 12 sacks on the season. As a junior, offenses game planned for him to try to limit the damage he could do. That led to Correa's numbers dipping, but he still had a good season for Boise State.

For the NFL, Correa would fit best as 3-4 outside linebacker. Getting upfield after the quarterback is his best asset. He is fast off the edge with a good get-off and the ability to dodge blockers while chasing down the quarterback. Correa gives good effort and plays with a high level of energy. He has a real presence on the field and makes quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket.

In run defense, Correa is best in pursuit. Team sources say they think Correa is "just okay" against the run. He can have issues getting off blocks on downhill runs coming straight at him. He isn't very physical with blockers and needs to get stronger for the NFL. Correa has to get better at shedding blocks and holding his ground.

In a 4-3 defense, Correa could be a Sam (strongside) linebacker who blitzes off the edge in passing situations. In either scheme. it would be good if Correa could add 10 pounds for tangling with NFL offensive tackles.

Sources at multiple NFL teams told WalterFootball.com that they have a second-round grade on Correa. Perhaps he goes late in the Round 1, but the second round looks like Correa's most likely destination. he has the ability to be a quality edge rusher in the NFL and could be a nice value pick on Day 2.

Player Comparison: Kyle Van Noy/Shaun Phillips Correa reminds me of both Van Noy and Phillips. If Correa doesn't translate to the NFL, he could be like Van Noy. Correa and Van Noy (6-3, 248) are virtually the same size and were similar players in practice. If Correa pans out, I think he could be a player like Phillips. Phillips (6-3, 255) wasn't the biggest of defenders, but he knew how to get pressure in the backfield. Correa could be somewhere in between a disappointment like Van Noy and a solid pro in Phillips.

NFL Matches: New York Giants, New Orleans, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Jacksonville and Baltimore

On the second day of the 2016 NFL Draft, Correa has a lot of potential landing spots. Cleveland could use a pass-rusher to replace the bust who is Barkevious Mingo. Paul Kruger had only 2.5 sacks, so Correa could be in consideration for the Browns' second-round pick.

The Jaguars could use an edge rusher to go with Dante Fowler as their pass defense has been a real weakness. Correa could be in play for Jacksonville. Baltimore needs a young pass-rusher as Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are aging. Correa could be a good understudy behind those veterans.

The Giants are in the market for some linebacker upgrades and more edge rush. Correa could get consideration from them as a Sam (strongside) linebacker who rushes off the edge in passing situations.

New Orleans could use an edge rusher to go with Hau'Oli Kikaha. The Lions could use an edge rusher to pair with Ziggy Ansah. Buffalo could use a replacement for Mario Williams.

The Falcons badly need an edge rusher to go with Vic Beasley as Atlanta had the smallest sack total in the NFL last year. They also need to improve their linebackers. Correa could be in play for the Falcons.

With Bjoern Werner being a bust, the Colts could use a difference-maker and a young pass-rusher to replace Robert Mathis. Cincinnati could use a pass-rusher to go on the other side from Carlos Dunlap and has been interested in edge-rushing linebackers.






RELATED LINKS:


2016 NFL Mock Draft: Charlie's | Walt's


2016 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings


2016 NFL Draft Scouting Reports