2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: EDGE Hau'oli Kikaha

The Atlanta Falcons pass rush in 2014 was nothing short of anemic. Taking a second pass-rusher later in the draft, one such as Hau'oli Kikaha, would be a huge asset for a rotation, which is what new head coach Dan Quinn loves to utilize. Kikaha would be an ideal third-down rusher to add to the core group.

He's built similarly to O'Brien Schofield and has similar athleticism and value to the former Seahawk and current Falcon. If he can prove he's 100 percent healthy, the Falcons could really use him to create pressure off the edge on third downs.

Hau'oli Kikaha

Edge Defender

University of Washington

Combine/Pro Day Measurements

Height: 6'2⅜" Weight: 253 pounds

Arm Length: 32½" Hand Measurement: 9⅝"

40 yard dash: 4.90 sec. 10 yard split: 1.68 sec.

20 yard shuttle: 4.33 sec. 3-cone Drill: 7.13 sec. Bench Reps: 20 reps

Vertical Jump: 34.5" Broad Jump: 9'4"

Stats

2014: 14 Games Played, 72 Tackles, 25.0 Tackles for Loss, 19.0 Sacks, 3 Fumbles Forced, 2 Pass Deflections

2013: 13 Games Played, 70 Tackles, 15.5 Tackles for Loss, 13.0 Sacks, 3 Fumbles Forced, 3 Pass Deflections

2012: Redshirted due to a knee injury

2011: 4 Games Played, 15 Tackles, 3.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 1 QB Hurry

2010: 12 Games Played, 48 Tackles, 7.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.5 Sacks, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection

Scouting Report

Strengths

Kikaha plays with amazing strength for his size and has a great punch right off the line. His footwork and first step are ideal to knock back offensive linemen, and his hand usage allows him to shed blockers easily. He plays his run fits well and understands how to both one- and two-gap in run defense.

He maintains leverage on linemen and shows great stack-and-shed ability when coming from a standing edge position, too. He sets the edge well and understands how to keep containment against rushing quarterbacks. His tackling form is also excellent, and he rarely misses tackles when he has the angle.

Weaknesses

Kikaha isn't a great natural athlete and doesn't have the flexibility to bend the edge in the NFL effectively. Ideally, he's a power-rusher who comes in on third downs and beats up an already worn-down tackle, because his fit isn't as a three-down end.

He doesn't pursue the run well due to small stature and a lack of closing speed. Even though he weighs 253 pounds, his frame looks a bit maxed out. For a guy who relies on a power rush, that's not ideal. He's also not talented in coverage, and his lack of athleticism really shows when he has to drop back.

How does he fit the Comrade Filter?

Kikaha has never been arrested or suspended and was an ideal off-field competitor for the Washington Huskies. His production is off-the-charts high and makes him look like a true football player, as opposed to an athlete who just has football potential.

He's a hard-working player who has a high motor on the field and sets a great example for the players around him. Because of that, he was a captain multiple times in college and could be a perfect fit for the Falcons' locker room standards.

Overview

Despite his high production, Kikaha is a bit of a one-trick pony on defense. He can set the edge well against Pac-12 competition, but going against NFL tackles is tougher, and he doesn't have the quickness to make an impact early there.

He's a technician who should do well as a rotational third-down defender in the NFL and is an effective pass-rusher because of it. Kikaha is a better college player than projected pro player, but he should still have a semi-productive career for a team.

How he would fit into the Falcons' plans

As a bit of a one-trick pony, the former Washington Huskie fits in well as a stand-up edge-rusher attacking the quarterback on third downs. Ideally, the Falcons take him because he falls to the fifth round or later and get a true rotational rusher out of it.

Having Brooks Reed, Kroy Biermann, a likely high-round draft pick and Adrian Clayborn ahead of him in the rotation would make it tough for Kikaha to see playing time, but the Falcons would be wise to bring in the well-rounded pass-rusher for their defense.

All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft. He's also a Draft Analyst for Pro Football Spot.

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