Redskins Draft Profile: Kyle Van Noy
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Kyle Van Noy is a versatile linebacker that Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett could use in a variety of ways, and that’s why Van Noy has been rising on my draft board.
Van Noy would be a perfect fit for the Redskins for multiple reasons. First of all, he has the versatility to play inside and outside linebacker. Van Noy could compete for the starting inside linebacker position beside Perry Riley, while also be insurance for the Redskins at outside linebacker should Brian Orakpo walk after 2014
This versatility is what excites me about Van Noy, he could contribute from day one at the inside linebacker position, even if he didn’t start. Van Noy would be the best coverage linebacker on the Redskins and would at the least contribute on obvious passing downs as a rookie. However, I think Van Noy has the potential to be an every down linebacker. The Redskins could find their long term starter beside Perry Riley in Van Noy should Orakpo stay or his long term replacement should he leave.
Van Noy is a playmaker, and has a knack for finding and disrupting the quarterback. If the rumors of Jim Haslett turning the linebackers loose are true, Van Noy would be another weapon to attack the quarterback, something that should help a secondary that struggled in 2013.
There are mixed reviews of Van Noy, so it is difficult to say where he will go in this May’s draft. Some think Van Noy is a late first, early second round prospect. Whereas others view Van Noy as a late second early third round prospect. If the Redskins find Van Noy available at the top of the third round, they would be wise to not waste any time filling out the draft card to select the BYU product. However, Van Noy lasting till the third round is unlikely.
Pick 34 may be a bit high for Van Noy, but as John Keim says: “Pass rushers are like pitchers in baseball, you can never have enough.” Ideally the Redskins could trade down to the middle or late second round to select Van Noy, but I would not be opposed to selecting Van Noy at 34. I believe he can be a day one starter, and a long term asset to the linebacking core. Van Noy would be a fantastic fit in Washington, paired with Orakpo, Kerrigan, and Riley Van Noy would give the Redskins one of the younger more talented linebacking cores in the NFL.
