Kyle Van Noy

A likely top 64 pick had he left BYU following his junior season, some observers questioned Van Noy's decision to return to school. He said he had "unfinished business," and proved in 2013 that his playmaking ways are a reflection of his terrific instincts and efficient athleticism rather than a reflection of the Cougars' level of competition. Van Noy doesn't wow you with his frame or his straight-line speed, but he ranks among the country's most pro-ready defenders because he does the little things so well. He's subtle rather than physical, which draws complaints from some scouts, but Van Noy is highly effective. A jack-of-all-trades linebacker, Van Noy has 'tweener traits and needs to get stronger to better match up with NFL blockers, but Van Noy's twitchy athleticism and ability to drop in coverage will be appealing to 3-4 defenses.

shows excellent play recognition, taking on blockers with the correct shoulder (allowing him to slide off would-be blockers and into ballcarriers easily) and is equally effective slipping into coverage or sliding past offensive linemen on his way toward a tackle behind the line of scrimmage.

Surprised many coaches and teammates by returning for senior season, then battled through late-season injury to stay on the field and serve as the defense's leader.

relies on instincts and efficiency, rather than physicality. beats blockers to the action, rather than taking them on shedding violently and isn't an explosive tackler. projects best as a traditional outside linebacker in the 4-3 alignment because of this lack of take-on mentality, though he has shown the ability to get to the quarterback.

Compares To

strengths

Quick, instinctive linebacker with excellent reaction skills. Athletic enough in coverage, showing balance and change of direction. Locates the ball quickly and provides good effort in pursuit. Impressed at the Senior Bowl with his fluidity and instincts in coverage by closing quickly to bat away multiple passes during practices.

weaknesses

Not an elite athlete overall. A bit slow to 'shoot his gun' when ballcarriers are running at him and relies too much on a simple bull-rush when coming off the edge. Wasn't as disruptive as a senior, in part due to opponents game-planning to avoid him. However, he was also without 2013 first-round pick DL Ziggy Ansah occupying blockers in front of him.

chad greenway, vikings - greenway might just be the best all-around outside linebacker in the nfl, and comparing any rookie to him is therefore hyperbole. van noy plays with similar instincts and efficiency, however, making plays behind the line of scrimmage as well as dropping back into coverage with impressive consistency. he isn't flashy or physically dominant, but ranks among the safer prospects in the 2014 draft.

--Rob Rang (2/12/14)

First-team All-State

playing linebacker and receiver, helped lead his team to a perfect 14-0 record and 4A state title in 2008

caught 35 passes for 731 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed the ball 10 times for 121 yards

defensively, had 79 tackles (55 solos), 10 tackles for loss, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 14 sacks and one interception for a score

as a junior had 69 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, seven sacks, seven fumbles caused and two interceptions while totaling 805 yards receiving and 13 touchdowns on offense

was an all-conference and all-area selection as a sophomore and was also an all-league performer in track (4x100, 4x200 and 4x400).

Son of Kelly and Layne

also lettered in basketball, baseball and track

also recruited by UCLA, Arizona State, California, Colorado, Nevada, UNLV, Washington, Oregon State, Oregon, Nebraska, Arizona, San Diego State and LSU.