I don't mean to be a downer but . . .
If you look at the senior Bowl practices where one DB covers one WR man to man, he had a real hard time staying with any receiver he was to guard. I can't see him covering Kittle, LaPorta in the conference championship game or Kelce in the Super Bowl.
Also, he was targeted 34 times this year in games - 28 of those were completed (82%) for 479 yards and 4 TDs. The passer rating against his coverage was 118.4.
He was a lot better last year.
He chose not to run the shuttle or 3cone at the combine or his pro day.
I would guess because he knew it would be slow?
He ran 40 at 4.62, fifth from the bottom of his class.
I hope he played this year through an injury.
If he wasn't hurt this year, tape and numbers point to him not being able to cover NFL receivers.
I do not understand not trading up 1 or 2 spots and getting the best LB in the draft - Payton Wilson.
I know there are questions about his ACL, but that guy flies all over the field. He is a game changer.
If he lasts for 3/4 years, it would be worth it.
There were so many other players better than Kitchens available.
I don't understand this pick.