Kiko Alonso Scouting Report: NFL Outlook for Oregon LB

 

Kiko Alonso

Buffalo Bills

Second Round: 46th Pick

Kiko Alonso did not play as much as Oregon would have liked during his collegiate career, but he was incredibly productive when he did take the field.

The versatile linebacker has impressive length, quickness and a tenacity that makes him effective on every down. He has a rocky past with arrests and injuries, however, and that is keeping his draft stock relatively low.

Strengths	Weaknesses
+ Very agile and athletic + Can play any linebacker position + High motor, intense player + Versatile, covers and blitzes well	- Off-the-field issues - Significant injury history - Isn't overly instinctual, wastes movement - Needs to fill out his frame more

Measurables

Alonso comes in at 6'3", with 32 1/8" arms but at a relatively light 238 lbs. He didn't work out at the combine due to a wrist injury, but had some pretty solid numbers at Oregon's pro day.

He couldn't bench, but had a 4.74 40-yard dash, 117 inch broad jump and 4.18 20-yard shuttle.

Intangibles

On the field, Alonso is exactly what you want out of a linebacker. He flies around the field, playing with a chip on his shoulder. He hits hard and won't give up ground to anyone.

But off the field, there are some significant concerns.

He had a DUI arrest that caused him to miss the entire 2010 season, and another arrest dealing with alcohol which caused him to miss the 2011 season opener. He also tore his ACL in 2010, and had the wrist injury that kept him out of the combine.

Scheme

Alonso played all over the place for Oregon, usually as an inside linebacker who could roam between the tackles, but was also responsible for coverage.

Against the Run

Alonso isn't the most disciplined defender against the run, but he gets the job done. He sometimes will overrun the play or fail to bust through the gaps in the line, but he'll still get to the ball and make a play.

He attacks blockers and uses his hands well to disengage and pursue the ball-carrier. His high motor makes him involved in almost every rushing play, but he can sometimes take really bad angles.

Alonso really needs the most improvement with that.

Pass Coverage

Alonso is very solid in pass coverage, due partially to his quickness but also his length which allows him to jam defenders and break up plays. He can play zone, but also cover a tight end or slot receiver if needed.

He doesn't have great technique in this area, but his athleticism allows him to cover guys all over the field. With some coaching, he could be a great 4-3 SAM linebacker responsible for blitzing and covering the tight end.

Tackling

Alonso really attacks the ball. He hits hard and hits often, and will always give his body to make a play. When he can get a receiver lined up, he'll lay him out with his shoulder.

And he can also wrap up with good form. 

Future NFL Role

Alonso's biggest asset is his versatility. He could play virtually any position at linebacker, in a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense. He'll be best used with a creative defensive coordinator that lines him up at multiple spots.

NFL Draft Projection

Fifth round, with a chance to sneak into the end of the fourth.