While CJ Allen, Jacob Rodriguez and Anthony Hill were the talk of the linebacker group that makes up the top of the Day 2 class going into the combine, it was Kyle Louis who came out of it with heat on his name. Let’s take a look at what Kyle will bring to his new home in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Measurables
Height: 6′-0″
Weight: 220 lbs
Arm: 31 1/4″
Hand: 9 1/2″
40-yard: 4.53
Vertical: 39.5″
Broad jump: 10’9”
School: Pittsburgh
Position: Linebacker
Kyle Louis NFL Draft Overview
Kyle Louis, a redshirt junior from East Orange, New Jersey, arrived at Pitt as a three-star recruit. He saw modest playing time in 2023 before exploding onto the scene in 2024 as a sophomore starter. Kyle led the Panthers with 101 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, seven sacks, and four interceptions. This production earned him first-team All-ACC honors.
As a 2025 team captain, Louis posted 81 tackles, 8.5 TFL, three sacks, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. Pitt ranked among the ACC’s best in total defense, rushing defense, turnovers, and tackles for loss with Louis anchoring the unit from the hybrid “Star” spot.
Strengths
- Possesses sideline-to-sideline coverage speed
- High-level fluidity of motion
- Decisive with good instincts
- Excels in man coverage
- Utilizes frame to quickly slip blocks
- Football IQ positively impacts production
Weaknesses
- Size limitations can lead to stalled forward momentum near line of scrimmage
- Can be baited by the quarterback in coverage
- Can be overly aggressive in angles
- May mistime the catch point
Projection: Round 3
Best Fits: Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, Seattel Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans
Bottom Line on Kyle Louis
Kyle Louis possesses range, instincts, ball production, and scheme versatility. Some will question his size as a full-time defensive starter. It’s a legitimate question mark, and Louis’ career arc may be governed by it.
Kyle profiles similar to Darren Woodson of Arizona State, and I could see a parallel pro path. Woodson played linebacker in college then immediately switched to safety with the Cowboys. There’s potential for the same switch with Louis. Regardless, there is a defensive playmaker here with a nose for the football. Putting him in position to use his speed would maximize his value. Having him as a starting SS that can come down and play LB in subpackages makes too much sense to ignore.
No matter what his future position will be, whichever jersey has his name on the back of it will be getting a talented defensive player in this draft.
Main Image: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
