In NFL defenses, the more versatility you can bring, the more likely you are to not only make a team, but also remain there for some time. Today’s report travels up to South Bend to discuss a versatile linebacker in the heart of the fighting Irish defense, Jack Kiser.
A 4 star recruit as rated by 247 sports, Jack’s high school stats read like a madden stat sheet:
3,771 passing yards and 59 TDs
7,364 rushing yards and 139 TDs
424 tackles, 32 passes defended, 20 INTs, 9 forced fumbles, and two blocked punts.
All while also being named 2018’s Mr. football by the Indianapolis Star. He committed his talents to Notre Dame and saw the field 4 times in 2019, but 2020 is where he began to shine.
In 2020, he would record 20 tackles and 1 interception, while playing in 10 games that year. 2021 saw another increase in his production, racking up 45 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and 2 interceptions as well as 2 defensive touchdowns scored.
2022 was his best season yet, racking up 59 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles across all 13 games, in which he started 6 of them. 2023 saw another production spike, with 62 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception while starting 3 games and playing in 13.
His career is highlighted by production at every stop, and increasing year over year, but does this production match the tape? Let’s dive in and find out!
Player Info
Name: Jack Kiser
Jersey: No. 24
Position: Linebacker
School: Notre Dame
Class: Senior
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 231 lbs.
Jack Kiser’s Strengths
Jack is a downhill running tackler, showing good playing strength and bringing the boom when filling a lane to tackle a runner. He also has very good instincts as a linebacker, consistently diagnosing where the Qb wants to go with the ball prior to the snap.
Jack is scheme versatile, having spent time at all 3 linebacker positions and some safety in some sub packages as well. He also provides production on special teams as a high level contributor, giving another added facet to his game.
He has a motor that won’t quit, allowing him to play deep into the fourth quarter of every game, not to mention he also shows a great amount of durability, rarely missing snaps or games due to injury.
Jack Kiser’s Weaknesses
Jack’s size and frame are a little bit of a tweener; too large and bulky to play safety, too small to play linebacker. This means a defensive coordinator will need to get creative in how to deploy Jack.
He also shows a limited amount of lateral sideline to sideline quickness you’d want to see from your linebackers at the next level, affecting his coverage abilities versus more athletic players. His zone coverage also needs some help and refinement, as he too often loses track of receivers in his zone.
Draft Projection
I currently have Jack as a top 100 player, with a draft grade near the end of the third round. Jack is a high floor, low ceiling player who is going to make every tackle you ask him to, and can be deployed in a multitude of ways, especially on Special teams as well.
However, his lack of elite athleticism could leave him exposed, and may be only truly effective on running downs early in his career. That being said, some teams that could look to target Jack in the NFL Draft:
- Buffalo Bills (While the bills yardage allowed against the run isn’t worrisome, the average yards per carry is. Buffalo could use a young thumper in the middle of their defense, and Jack fits the bill.)
- Indianapolis Colts (Another Colts to Notre Dame Connection? It’s true, but Kiser would be an excellent choice for the middle of this colts defense, especially in downhill attacks to stop the run.)
- Carolina Panthers (Probably one of the worst run defenses in the league would love to have Jack Kiser as a LB and shore up this weakness for them, but also gives them a young star to potentially build around on defense.)
Any team selecting Jack has to know that you’re getting an absolute stud as a tackler and downhill runner. Athleticism may be limited for him, so he may not be an every down linebacker, but he is still an excellent talent to add to your defensive squad.
My comparison for Jack Kiser: Drue Tranquill, Kansas City Chiefs
