Kroy Biermann SELECTED BY: Atlanta Falcons Round 5(19)

SI Grade 3.34 GRADING SYSTEM

BIOGRAPHY: Two-year starter awarded All-America and all-Conference honors after his junior and senior campaigns. Recipient of the Buck Buchanan Award last year, given to the top defensive player in Division IAA. Senior totals included 70/18.5/16 after 78/14/11 as a junior.

POSITIVES: Disruptive small school pass rusher that projects to outside linebacker in the NFL. Plays with excellent pad level, gets leverage on opponents and quickly changes direction or immediately alters his angle of attack. Gets a good amount of momentum going up field, shows speed off the edge and fast pursuing from the backside. Plays with excellent balance, body control and rarely off his feet. Displays an array of moves working to get off blocks and chases all over the field to make positive plays. Instinctive and quickly locates the ball or diagnoses the action.

NEGATIVES: Can be a liability in run defense and exploited by large blockers. Stiff peddling in reverse and does not get depth dropping into coverage.

ANALYSIS: Bierman has been a pass rushing terror the past two seasons and offers possibilities as a rush linebacker in a 34 alignment. He must quickly accustom himself to the speed at the next level and learn to make plays in reverse yet could see action during his rookie season as a pass rush specialist.

PROJECTION: Late Sixth Round