Bryan Kehl, Brigham Young University, Senior, LB, New York Giants

This is obviously another piece of the puzzle to fit into Spags' D. Messages on NYG boards from BYU fans state as:

-The analysts on NFL Network, specifically Mike Mayock (who is the best draft analyst in the business) loved this pick, and really like this kids ability. They said that he is a big, athletic, kid who has a real future as a starter.
He had 4 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss last year.. He looks like a good fit in Spags blitzing scheme

-Kehl also led BYU to a top 15 Defense in 2007, #1 rush defense in the country, never had one RB rush over 100 yards in a game in 2007.

-He scored a great score on the wonderlic test which isn't taken into account but I think intelligence in very important.

- I have watched Kehl played for 2 years. Every game. He is one of the best blitzers BYU has had in a long time, blazing speed, and pretty good tackler. I don't know where this bs about he can't tackle is coming from

Here's the info from Scouts, Inc.:

Strengths: Quick and makes plays in the backfield. Has good size and tall enough to add bulk to frame. Keeps head up, flows well and does a nice of scraping down the line of scrimmage. Displays adequate upper body strength, locks out arms and makes it difficult for offensive lineman to grab on. Takes good pursuit angles and closes down cutback lanes. Has above-average range, plays with a good motor and is a sideline-to-sideline run defender. Frequently walks up to the line of scrimmage, explosive enough to turn the corner and shows decent closing speed coming off the edge. Gets adequate depth, reads quarterback's eyes and covers a lot of ground when asked to drop into zone coverage. Showed improved ball skills last year and flashes the ability to make the big play in coverage. Blocked a punt in 2005 and can contribute on special teams.

Weaknesses: Plays far too upright and gets driven back at times. Hands aren't active enough and he takes too long to shed blocks once reached. Moves well laterally but takes too long to open hips when forced to turn and run, lacks the second gear to recover once caught out of position and is going to have a difficult time matching up with NFL tight ends in man coverage. Shows good balance and jumps over cut blockers but needs to do a better job of using his hands to protect legs. Doesn't show great body control in space, fails to wrap up at times and is an inconsistent open field tackler. Missed the 2003 and 2004 seasons while on a church mission and age is a concern.

Overall: Kehl arrived at BYU in 2002 and appeared in 11 games at linebacker, finishing the season with 14 tackles. In 2005 and 2006, he played in 24 games (13 starts, all in '06) and combined for 100 tackles (nine for losses), three sacks, one forced fumble and seven pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, he played all 13 games and had 91 tackles (11.5 for losses), four sacks, one forced fumble, three interceptions and four pass breakups. Kehl served a two-year church mission from 2003-'04. His older brothers Ed and Brandon both played football for the Cougars. Kehl has to improve his ability to shed blockers and he has his limitations in coverage but he's an active run defender and relentless pass rusher capable of disrupting plays in the backfield. He should also contribute on special teams, which helps his value as a mid-to-late round pick.