ILB, Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh

ILB, Scott McKillop, Pittsburgh

Pros:  Productive, instinctual player who sorts through the trash to get to the ballcarrier, seems to have an innate sense of how and when to slide through oncoming blockers

Cons:  Only adequately developed in the upper and lower body. ... Does not have great speed to chase plays from behind, but generally makes up for it by taking good angles.

Styg's Broncos Fit:   This tenacious and intelligent prospect has a lot about him to like, and reminds one of Denver's own Spencer Larsen.  McKillop has tremendous production to go with his intangibles however, and still has upside, having only two very consistent years as a starter under his belt.  By far McKillop is primarily an instinctual player, but he has great intelligence, and he shows patience and efficacy in executing MLB duties.  Not a tremendously strong player, he tends to wear out opponents rather than overpower them, including being a drag-down type of tackler.  But he doesn't shy away from making contact, and he has a rare knack for sniffing out the play.  Protects his body well from trash, and keeps his feet in any situation.  Where he really shines is situational awareness.  When match-ups send him to the slot he knows to get his hands on the receiver early and often, disrupting the routes, and when he is protecting the first down he has a great awareness of the markers and doesn't let routes press to close.  If he can show adequate strength at the combine his stock should rise, but any professional program should bring out the best in McKillop, in physicality and adding strength.

Around MHR:

From Ted's "ST&NO":

a.  On the LB front, I liked Scott McKillop of Pitt as a 3rd-4th round ILB.  He isn't the fastest guy, but he looked stout in the hole, as he did throughout his time at Pitt.  He will be a solid starter in somebody's 3-4 in the NFL.

Around SBNation:

From Scouting Report at Mocking the Draft:

An incredibly productive two-year starter who has the intelligence and savvy to make an NFL roster. Did well adjusting himself and teammates before the snap. Very intelligent football player who likes watching film and learning. Fundamentally sound player. By-the-book tackler. Good size. Was one of Pittsburgh’s team leaders. Does a nice job breaking up passes. Had 11 pass breakups over his final two seasons.

Highlights:

Scouting Reports and Offsite Links:

• McKillop is not the most physically imposing linebacker around, but he is a smart player who always seems to be in the right place at the right time. He is a blue collar type of player who will make up for any physical deficiencies with hard work and tenacity. That is not to say that McKillop is not a great athlete, but at 6-2 and 240 pounds, there are bigger and stronger middle linebackers.  [see more...]
• His brother Chris was a defensive lineman at Pitt from 2003-07...A two-year starter who backed up current Washington Redskin H.B. Blades early in his college career...Twice named first team All-Big East and was the Big East Defensive Player of the Year in 2008...Was a tackling machine for the Panthers but just doesn't have the physical tools you look for at the next level...Not nearly the pro prospect that his press clippings would lead you to believe but he has a chance to make it in the NFL with the right team due to his top-notch intangibles.  [see more...]
• Although McKillop lacks the desired size for NFL linebacker, he plays much better than his size shows.  He has a great motor and is a hard worker.  McKillop is a tremendous playmaker that makes clutch plays that can turn a game around.  He is a great leader on the field as well as off the field, and that will be something that NFL teams will fall in love with.       [see more...]