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2018 NFL Draft Profile: West Virginia Safety Kyzir White

West Virginia’s senior safety hopes to become the next White brother drafted in the NFL

NCAA Football: Big 12 Media Days Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Kyzir White concluded a successful college career by finishing his senior year with 94 tackles, 3 interceptions, 1 sack and 7.5 TFL. White, the youngest brother of former Mountaineer receiver Kevin White, exploded on the scene as a junior in 2016 and exceeded expectations in 2017.

White, like his brothers Kevin and Ka’Raun, started at Lackawanna College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. After two years of hard-hitting in the junior college, White made his way to Morgantown, WV over offers from USC Trojans, Arizona Wildcats, Penn State Nittany Lions and Oklahoma Sooners to name a few.

Kyzir White NFL Combine Results

Height 6'-2"
Height 6'-2"
Weight 218 lbs
Arms 31 5/8"
Hands 10-1/8
Bench Press 21 reps
40-Yard Dash --
Vertical Jump 35.5 inches
Broad Jump 113.0 inches
3-Cone Drill --
20-Yard Shuttle --
60-Yard Shuttle --

Highlights

Strengths

White has prototypical NFL-ready frame with good length and the ability to carry more weight if asked to bulk up. Kyzir was a team-captain in 2017 for the Mountaineers. Kyzir also follows the mold of recent West Virginia safeties with strong run support and hard-hitting intermediate pass routes. Kyzir has shown a willingness to stick his nose in run defense and punishes wide receivers who come across the middle of the field.

Weaknesses

Like many “strong” safeties, Kyzir is better when he is attacking down hill than he is when backpedaling and shifting his hips. He doesn’t have elite change of direction skills or very fluid hips that NFL teams like to see with defensive backs.

Possible Fits

Many teams are looking for a hybrid safety/linebacker player as the NFL moves past the traditional big lines and 60% run offense to the more college-based spread/tempo attacks. Teams are looking for players who can play both the run and pass and stay on the field for all three downs. White could be a fit for a number of teams looking for safety help including the New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers among others.

Outlook and Projections

White should be late 2nd or early 3rd round selection. If the Atlanta Falcons pass of White with the 58th selection in the 2nd round, several teams selecting around the late 60s could be calling his name.

Projection: Late 2nd round - Mid 3rd Round