*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
Teams Grading Correa in Round 2
Updated March 31, 2016By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
A lot has been made about how the 2016 NFL Draft is very deep along the defensive line. While there is a ton of talent on the inside of the line, there also are edge rushers who could have a number of players go off the board in the first few rounds. One player who has generated some buzz is Boise State outside linebacker Kamalei Correa. Some have projected him to be a late first-round pick and compared Correa to Packers linebacker Clay Matthews. In speaking with multiple team sources, Correa has been getting second-round grades.
The 6-foot-2, 243-pound Correa is an edge defender who will have to get stronger for the NFL. Teams view Correa as fitting best in a 3-4 defense as an edge rusher. One playoff team that is in the market for that position has a second-round grade on Correa. The general manager of that team said he’s not real physical. Another team picking high that needs pass-rushing help has him on Day 2, and they feel at his size, he projects more to the second day.
Another 3-4 team picking high in the draft said that Correa is a good player, but not Clay Matthews. They say that Correa plays with energy, but is not as good or relentless as Matthews. They feel he is just okay against the run. They have a second-round grade on Correa as well.
Correa totaled 39 tackles with 11 for a loss, seven sacks and three forced fumbles in 2015. His best season came as a sophomore when he notched 59 tackles, 19 for a loss, two forced fumbles and 12 sacks. The junior’s best fit could come as an inside/outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense. He had an impressive workout at the Combine.
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