Hau’Oli Kikaha 
Washington, RLB/RE
Height: 6.2
Weight: 253
40yd: N/A
Age: N/A
Check out all of The War Room content
Athleticism: B-
A plus athlete despite a history of ACL tears in his left knee. Possesses a good first step off the line of scrimmage and has good quickness and foot speed. Change of direction is average-to-above-average. Able to close quickly on his target. Experienced and athletic enough to drop into coverage. Was asked to spot drop and cover zones at Washington and showed enough ability and instincts to develop.
Pass Rush: B-
His ability as a pass rusher is a strength, but is still somewhat limited at this stage and will need significant development to duplicate his collegiate numbers. Has good first step overall, and rush is predicated on his quickness. Will get stuck up on blocks too often and needs better strength to disengage. Lack of length is a hindrance as well. Ability to bend the edge is just average. Reliant on effort and quickness and lacks much in the way of an arsenal. Willing to get his hands up into passing lanes.
Run Defense: D
Below average as a run defender and will be best suited as a 3-4 linebacker rather than a defensive end. Power and strength doesn’t play a big factor in his game and can be moved off the line. Doesn’t set the edge very effectively and will try to dodge and slip through gaps rather than engage blockers face up. Would need to be relegated to a pass rushing role as a defensive end, and possibly as a linebacker as well.
Technique: B-
A technically sound defender for the most part. Displays strong hands and has good placement. Shows good leverage and pad level playing from a two- and three-point stance. Tackling could be improved, however. Is not a heavy, forceful tackler and doesn’t break down well.
Intangibles: A-
A high character person off the field and a hard-worker on it. Shows very good effort and flashes a motor that runs white-hot. Very willing to chase the play and is a heads up player who is always looking for something to do. Instincts could still warrant some improvement, as he can late to get off the snap and diagnose the play at times.
Red Flags: Durability
Bottom Line: Hau’Oli Kikaha is one of the most productive pass rushers in college football, but his skill set for the NFL does not perfectly reflect his stat line. Kikaha is still a plus pass rusher who has a chance to keep getting better, but is still limited against the run and by his shorter frame. His best chance to succeed will come in a 3-4 defense rush the passer and drop into coverage.
Comparison: Chase Thomas
Grade: 8.0 (3rd Round)
Thank you for reading. Follow me on Twitter – @LWOS_Sibo. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo:
