2014 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: LB Kevin Pierre-Louis

Kevin Pierre-Louis could be the next great Falcons linebacker if they decide to take him in the 2014 NFL draft. Atlanta has a need for depth at linebacker and the Boston College product would be fun to watch in Mike Nolan’s multiple-front scheme.

While he wouldn’t be a starter right away, he does have value down the road but can immediately contribute as defensive depth. The Falcons could look at him as an insurance policy for Sean Weatherspoon. They have already set up an individual workout with him according to Bills Draft’s Dan Hope.

Kevin Pierre-Louis

Linebacker

Boston College

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'0-1/2" Weight: 232 pounds

Arm Length: 32-1/4" Hand Measurement: 10-1/8"

40-yard dash: 4.51 sec. 10-yard split: 1.53 sec.

20-yard shuttle: 4.02 sec. 3-cone Drill: 6.92 sec. Bench Reps: 28 reps

Vertical Jump: 39.0" Broad Jump: 10'8"

Stats

2013: 13 Games Played, 108 Tackles, 10.5 Tackles for Loss, 6.0 Sacks, 1 Interception, 1 Pass Deflection, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2012: 9 Games Played, 85 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 3 Pass Deflections

2011: 9 Games Played, 74 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 1 QB Hurry, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 4 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown

2010: 13 Games Played, 93 Tackles, 2.5 Tackles for Loss, 3 Pass Deflections

Scouting Report

Strengths

Versatility is the name of the game with Pierre-Louis. He’s lined up all over the field in college and is extremely athletic. He can cover almost any tight end, but he also has the ability to blitz and create pressure with his blitzing skills.

He’s an ideal defender in man coverage against both tight ends and running backs. He’s also an intelligent special teams player who can start off as a gunner. The best fit for him is a multiple-front scheme.

Weaknesses

He does need to play bigger than he currently does. But at 232 pounds, he does have a solid frame to work with. He just needs to add around 5-10 pounds without losing any speed, agility or hip fluidity. Unfortunately, his tackling does need work.

He can wrap up well, but more often than not, he’s diving to make plays that he normally wouldn’t be able to make. This really shows up in his run defense. He already has trouble reading where the play is going to go. Ideally, he will play in a defense that allows him to attack instead of react.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

He is another player who has never been arrested or suspended. The Falcons love taking guys who have no off-field baggage, and he certainly fits that bill. He’s a highly intelligent player on the field and seems to be a team-oriented guy off of it.

Overview

Pierre-Louis is the kind of talent any defensive coordinator would love to have. He’s a raw block of molding clay right now. Once he finally learns how to play the game properly, he could be one of the best linebackers in the league.

It will take him a while to get there, though. The tough part about projections for a guy like Pierre-Louis is that he is so good in so many spots. It makes you wonder just how good he could have been playing just one role his entire career.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

Atlanta would have to take Pierre-Louis with its compensatory fourth-round selection at the latest in order to make sure he’s a Falcon. Pierre-Louis could be great depth and special teams help early on in his career.

However, as he gets older and learns more about the scheme, he could be someone that starts for the Falcons for a long time. He’s very similar to Stephen Nicholas coming out of college and could be much better with coaches who understand how to teach the game.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.