Chicago Bears: 5 Inside linebackers to target in 2018 NFL Draft

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Oklahoma Sooners looks to avoid a sack by linebacker Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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Micah Kiser, Virginia: 6-2, 240 pounds

Micah Kiser was one of the most productive linebackers in the nation. He became a starter in 2015 and proceeded to lead the ACC in tackles for three seasons. His production rose each season, from 117 tackles in 2015, to 134 tackles in 2016, and finally 145 tackles in 2017. The only other player to lead the ACC in tackles three straight seasons was Boston College’s Luke Kuechly.

In addition to being a tackling machine, Kiser has the strength to meet lead blockers and blow past them. Also, he has excellent play-reading skills. He diagnoses plays quickly and gets to the ball. He is good against both the run and pass.

Kiser projects to be a good backup with a chance to start. What hurts him is his lack of athleticism. His instincts help him anticipate, but he isn’t a sideline-to-sideline player. Being in a 3-4 scheme helps him. Kiser makes plays at the line of scrimmage. He won’t wait for a running back to go to him. He has good strength and enjoys contact.

Picking up Kiser would add solid depth. He could even start in a pinch and perform well. He has very good instincts and doesn’t make many mistakes so he should be a solid NFL player for years to come.

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