Kiwi in 3-4?

[Nors]

Mathias Kiwanuka
DE, Boston College
War Room analysis


Strengths: Is tall with a huge wingspan and makes his presence felt on the field. Has a good first step with the speed to get to the edge on most offensive tackles. Gets his hands up in pass defense and bats down passes. Plays hard and shows a closing burst. Can break down and make plays in the backfield or in pursuit in the running game. Has a variety of pass rush moves. Always faces double-teams but keeps coming every play.

Weaknesses: Must add bulk and get stronger. Lacks leverage and doesn't anchor well at the point of attack. Needs to improve his bull rush. Must learn how to use his hands to disengage offensive tackles. Lacks intensity and doesn't play with a mean streak.

Bottom line: Kiwanuka, who could be the top defensive end in the draft, will be in the spotlight all season. He must show greater strength, leverage and intensity to stand up to the scrutiny.


Kiwi really struggling tonight. Scouting knock was he was not strong enough last year. And he stayed in school. For his height local rumour is he's struggled to keep 260 on his frame. Add on a MCL knee and this kid could drop draft day.

I don't see him an add here with Spears, Canty 290-300 size 3-4 DE's but some team may get value when he drops. Second to third rounder.....

[Bob Sacamano]

isn't he 6'7"? he's gonna need to add weight to find a place in the 3-4, which would be most likely DE

[Hostile]

Bookend him with Canty and move Spears inside to DT next to Glover and that is a front line no one could stop.

[Bob Sacamano]

idk, if true, he's struggling to keep on 260

[Danny White]

He won't be there when we pick at 32.

[Trip]

I like that receiver for Vtech, the one that scored on the reverse.

[Bob Sacamano]

He won't be there when we pick at 32.

haha, nice

[Nors]

Hos

This is 3-4, Glover is old and undersized. Kiwi really has no chance of being a Cowboy. Look at NT - Ngata - there's the DLine like beef we need.

I have talked to some on the know at BC, Kiwi has/had strength issues and with knee may drop in draft - Big
upside for a 4-3 d with patience.

[Hostile]

Hos

This is 3-4, Glover is old and undersized. Kiwi really has no chance of being a Cowboy. Look at NT - Ngata - there's the DLine like beef we need.

I have talked to some on the know at BC, Kiwi has/had strength issues and with knee may drop in draft - Big
upside for a 4-3 d with patience.I momentarily forgot your agenda Wilma. Heaven forbid we get good personnel and try to play them.

My bad.

[Bizwah]

Kiwi is certainly athletic.

Is he athletic enough to be a 3-4 OLB?

Good question.

At 6-7, he'd probably be a little too stiff. But if he could have that fluid COD, then, WOW! What a wingspan!

I don't think he'd have good enough size to be a 3-4 end.

[Nors]

Sandy:

Wanna talk football? or trade Barb's? He didn't declare for draft? Why - strength issues. Read his bio - strength issues. See his play and knee - issues.

We drafted 3-4 players, Ware, Spears, Canty. Kiwi is very OVERATED. Wilm not be a Cowboy! He'd fit great in New Orleans!

3-4 DE's that weigh 255 don't cut it.

[Bob Sacamano]

*kids chanting* FIGHT! FIGHT! lol

[Nors]

Weaknesses: Must add bulk and get stronger. Lacks leverage and doesn't anchor well at the point of attack. Needs to improve his bull rush. Must learn how to use his hands to disengage offensive tackles. Lacks intensity and doesn't play with a mean streak.

Bottom line: Kiwanuka, who could be the top defensive end in the draft, will be in the spotlight all season. He must show greater strength, leverage and intensity to stand up to the scrutiny.

[Hostile]

Sandy:

Wanna talk football? or trade Barb's? He didn't declare for draft? Why - strength issues. Read his bio - strength issues. See his play and knee - issues.

We drafted 3-4 players, Ware, Spears, Canty. Kiwi is very OVERATED. Wilm not be a Cowboy! He'd fit great in New Orleans!

3-4 DE's that weigh 255 don't cut it.Since you don't talk football, can I choose trading Barbs?

You see someone mention a 4 man front and decide to remind people of something no one gives a crap about.

3 man front, 4 man front, I don't give a flying frick which one we run as long as they are good and Kiwi is good. If that upsets you grab your pacifier, because I just really don't care.

[Bob Sacamano]

.....

[Bob Sacamano]

http://str8thuggin.com/fight.gif (http://str8thuggin.com/beyonce.htm#)

[2much2soon]

Kiwi is certainly athletic.

Is he athletic enough to be a 3-4 OLB?

Good question.

At 6-7, he'd probably be a little too stiff. But if he could have that fluid COD, then, WOW! What a wingspan!

I don't think he'd have good enough size to be a 3-4 end.


I was thinking LB, too, Ted Hendricks when I heard the height/weight, although I don't think Hendricks was that heavy.

[Nors]

I was thinking LB, too, Ted Hendricks when I heard the height/weight, although I don't think Hendricks was that heavy.

As a 3-4 OLB opposite Ware makes more sense.Not sure he could handle coverage tho -

He'd never handle the pounding as a 3-4 DE.....

[lkelly]

I think Kiwi lost himself some money coming back for his senior year. The knee injury from that cheap shot UVA Tackle isn't going to help. He's playing with a "loose knee" now and isn't nearly as dominating. People will be looking at the knee closely at the combine.

I think he could have been a top 10 or 15 pick last year. Now, he may drop because of the knee and less production. Plus he misses a year of NFL salary.

Not sure his insurance policy cashes in either. I expect it would take a season ending injury to collect on that.

Dallas better draft some offensive talent next year. Their inevitable season swoon into 14-17 point games each year is getting old.

[Bob Sacamano]

Kiwi could have been the 6th overall pick to Tennessee if he declared this year

[Billy Bullocks]

Hos

This is 3-4, Glover is old and undersized. Kiwi really has no chance of being a Cowboy. Look at NT - Ngata - there's the DLine like beef we need.

I have talked to some on the know at BC, Kiwi has/had strength issues and with knee may drop in draft - Big
upside for a 4-3 d with patience.


I would **** strawberries if htis happened. Im at U of O, I see him play week in week out. It's amazing what this guy does. Not only does he collapse the pocket and stuff the run (we've shut down some big time teams so far), he's the reason this is the best defense we've had since we had Joey Harrington. What's amazing, he has sideline to sideline speed, he catches people on sweeps and screens. If he's there for us, I hope we get him.

[Hostile]

I would **** strawberries if htis happened. Im at U of O, I see him play week in week out. It's amazing what this guy does. Not only does he collapse the pocket and stuff the run (we've shut down some big time teams so far), he's the reason this is the best defense we've had since we had Joey Harrington. What's amazing, he has sideline to sideline speed, he catches people on sweeps and screens. If he's there for us, I hope we get him.I am a big time Ngata fan as well.

Do you like Kellen Clemens? I am mixed on him.

[Nors]

I would **** strawberries if htis happened. Im at U of O, I see him play week in week out. It's amazing what this guy does. Not only does he collapse the pocket and stuff the run (we've shut down some big time teams so far), he's the reason this is the best defense we've had since we had Joey Harrington. What's amazing, he has sideline to sideline speed, he catches people on sweeps and screens. If he's there for us, I hope we get him.
spot on - this kid slips to us he's a stud 3-4 NT to groom under fergi.....

[scottsp]

Hos: Yeah, Norsey doesn't usually make much sense. Nothing new.

Though I know you have loved this kid for quite a while now, we all know we do not sniff him barring an unforseen collapse. He's insane talent. Our uninformed pal here doesn't understand that. He's only into throwing stuff against the wall and patting himself on the back when it does stick.

C'mon. You have to resort to such things in order to amass 13,000 posts.

[Nors]

Hos: Yeah, Norsey doesn't usually make much sense. Nothing new.

Though I know you have loved this kid for quite a while now, we all know we do not sniff him barring an unforseen collapse. He's insane talent. Our uninformed pal here doesn't understand that. He's only into throwing stuff against the wall and patting himself on the back when it does stick.

C'mon. You have to resort to such things in order to amass 13,000 posts.

Get a clue. I only watch every BC game here. I only have access to the reason he opted out of draft..... I posted his draft bio that highlights those issues. I only have access to those here in Boston that whisper. I only observe a guy that can't retain wight and has knee issues.


Pony up

Weaknesses: Must add bulk and get stronger. Lacks leverage and doesn't anchor well at the point of attack. Needs to improve his bull rush. Must learn how to use his hands to disengage offensive tackles. Lacks intensity and doesn't play with a mean streak.

Bottom line: Kiwanuka, who could be the top defensive end in the draft, will be in the spotlight all season. He must show greater strength, leverage and intensity to stand up to the scrutiny.

[Bob Sacamano]

http://str8thuggin.com/fight.gif (http://str8thuggin.com/beyonce.htm#)

[scottsp]

Get a clue. I only watch every BC game here. I only have access to the reason he opted out of draft..... I posted his draft bio that highlights those issues. I only have access to those here in Boston that whisper. I only observe a guy that can't retain wight and has knee issues.


Pony up

Weaknesses: Must add bulk and get stronger. Lacks leverage and doesn't anchor well at the point of attack. Needs to improve his bull rush. Must learn how to use his hands to disengage offensive tackles. Lacks intensity and doesn't play with a mean streak.

Bottom line: Kiwanuka, who could be the top defensive end in the draft, will be in the spotlight all season. He must show greater strength, leverage and intensity to stand up to the scrutiny.


Haaaah. These are the very posts that make my point. See, there's this thing called satellite television. DirecTv is a beautiful thing. As is the internet. Check into it when you get a chance. Because if I am stuck in Timbuktu, I can still see BC play every game.

You are no authority. Maybe on Ty Law. Speaking of, I so can not wait until he acts upon your "tip" and signs with Dallas to play free safety.

Because after all, if you're all things Boston College and New England and you have all this access, you're plugged in unlike anyone else around here.

You keep plugging, Nors. I'm tellin' ya: you keep working at it and 15,000 is well within reach. You can hit that before we hit Philly.

[Nors]

Haaaah. These are the very posts that make my point. See, there's this thing called satellite television. DirecTv is a beautiful thing. As is the internet. Check into it when you get a chance. Because if I am stuck in Timbuktu, I can still see BC play every game.

You are no authority. Maybe on Ty Law. Speaking of, I so can not wait until he acts upon your "tip" and signs with Dallas to play free safety.

Because after all, if you're all things Boston College and New England and you have all this access, you're plugged in unlike anyone else around here.

You keep plugging, Nors. I'm tellin' ya: you keep working at it and 15,000 is well within reach. You can hit that before we hit Philly.


So you have seen KIwi past year? Wow thats pathetic as you would then know he has weight issues, strength issues and lately been nothing but injured and has done about nothing on field past year.

But attack my post count brother!

[Hostile]

Haaaah. These are the very posts that make my point. See, there's this thing called satellite television. DirecTv is a beautiful thing. As is the internet. Check into it when you get a chance. Because if I am stuck in Timbuktu, I can still see BC play every game.

You are no authority. Maybe on Ty Law. Speaking of, I so can not wait until he acts upon your "tip" and signs with Dallas to play free safety.

Because after all, if you're all things Boston College and New England and you have all this access, you're plugged in unlike anyone else around here.

You keep plugging, Nors. I'm tellin' ya: you keep working at it and 15,000 is well within reach. You can hit that before we hit Philly.I watched Kiwi tonight against Va Tech when I got back from the autographs session.

Kiwi look awful to you? He look emaciated? Gimpy?

[scottsp]

So you have seen KIwi past year? Wow thats pathetic as you would then know he has weight issues, strength issues and lately been nothing but injured and has done about nothing on field past year.

But attack my post count brother!

I'm well aware of his issues. Not only have I seen him. I've been watching him play for most of his career at BC. Hos can validate the fact we've been discussing this young man for a couple of years now. I'm quite familiar with him.

I know his frame and his ability to make plays on the other side of the LOS. Of course, he's going to have some negative points, but not nearly enough to keep him out of the top ten.

[scottsp]

I watched Kiwi tonight against Va Tech when I got back from the autographs session.

Kiwi look awful to you? He look emaciated? Gimpy?

Nope.

[Hostile]

Nope.Only people who watch every game (yet miss the one going on) and are tuned in to BC notice this about him.

Don't feel bad.

[Nors]

Only people who watch every game (yet miss the one going on) and are tuned in to BC notice this about him.

Don't feel bad.



Kiwi did nothing, was abused, Is injured and undersized.

Next -

Hos was on this guy last draft like Anyajj last year - beware as he gets hung up in press clippings going into season.

[scottsp]

Only people who watch every game (yet miss the one going on) and are tuned in to BC notice this about him.

Don't feel bad.


Hos: It's quite typical of him.

"Pat me on the back."
"Look at me. I love attention."

People are onto him. Have been for quite a while.

[VThokie7]

What did you expect Kiwi to do? It was his first game back after an MCL injury. The commentators even said after talking with him he said he could go straight ahead but whenever he had to change direction he was slowed down drastically. When your facing one of the most mobile QBs in college football your not going to do much damage if you can't even change direction. Antaj Hawthorne doesn't even deserve to be mentoined in the same sentence as kiwi. He was made better by Erasmus James receiving double teams, not to mention his character issues. Kiwi has no character issues and is the only big name on their line. He definately can't play DE in a 3-4 with his frame, but he will definately be a 1st round pick when the draft comes in April. A top 10?? Not after the injuries, but he isn't going to fall as far as you seem to think Nors. You expect him to go undrafted like Antaj??

[Bob Sacamano]

Nors thinks Dat needs to be phased out, 'nuff said

[SkinsandTerps]

People love this guy. Personally I have seen him on tv a few times and play live once I paid specific attention to him. The Rutgers LT OWNED him last year. He made a few plays on the RT however.

I am not sold by any means. BC is known for producing great OL not great DL. I predict he will be a bust.

[Bob Sacamano]

glad we dont' really require his services, already have our premier pass-rusher ;)

[VACowboy]

I love Ngata too. What an absolute stud in the middle of a 3-4 defense.

I'll take Bobby Carpenter over Kiwi.

[Nors]

What did you expect Kiwi to do? It was his first game back after an MCL injury. The commentators even said after talking with him he said he could go straight ahead but whenever he had to change direction he was slowed down drastically. When your facing one of the most mobile QBs in college football your not going to do much damage if you can't even change direction. Antaj Hawthorne doesn't even deserve to be mentoined in the same sentence as kiwi. He was made better by Erasmus James receiving double teams, not to mention his character issues. Kiwi has no character issues and is the only big name on their line. He definately can't play DE in a 3-4 with his frame, but he will definately be a 1st round pick when the draft comes in April. A top 10?? Not after the injuries, but he isn't going to fall as far as you seem to think Nors. You expect him to go undrafted like Antaj??

No - I said his draft stock will fall, he is not a 3-4 fit for us. I said he has had issues retaining weight and has ongoing strength issues. I also added he has a knee injury.

Sorry Kiwi fans - thats the facts.

[DCBoysfan]

He won't be there when we pick at 32.

I like that, I like the guy on Defense for tech the DE Tate reminds me of Dwight Freeny, he was unblockable last nite.

[DCBoysfan]

What did you expect Kiwi to do? It was his first game back after an MCL injury. The commentators even said after talking with him he said he could go straight ahead but whenever he had to change direction he was slowed down drastically. When your facing one of the most mobile QBs in college football your not going to do much damage if you can't even change direction. Antaj Hawthorne doesn't even deserve to be mentoined in the same sentence as kiwi. He was made better by Erasmus James receiving double teams, not to mention his character issues. Kiwi has no character issues and is the only big name on their line. He definately can't play DE in a 3-4 with his frame, but he will definately be a 1st round pick when the draft comes in April. A top 10?? Not after the injuries, but he isn't going to fall as far as you seem to think Nors. You expect him to go undrafted like Antaj??


what is the story on the DE from Tech, Tate I think is his name, he was really impressive last nite, and against Maryland, I can't wait to see him play my Canes next Sat.

[VACowboy]

I like that, I like the guy on Defense for tech the DE Tate reminds me of Dwight Freeny, he was unblockable last nite.


You mean Tapp? I thought the same thing, exactly.

[VACowboy]

Actually, if we were playing a 4-3 defense and needed a DE, tap would be my choice, and we could get him in the second round.

[tiller77]

Darryl Tapp # 55 he is a beast!!! 6'1 265 not the ideal height but is a playmaker on defense he is constantly getting pressure on the QB. I can't wait for the game either I will be at Lane Stadium next Sat!!!

[VACowboy]

Darryl Tapp # 55 he is a beast!!! 6'1 265 not the ideal height but is a playmaker on defense he is constantly getting pressure on the QB. I can't wait for the game either I will be at Lane Stadium next Sat!!!


What is ideal size for a DE? Freeny is 6-1, 265.

[tiller77]

you know as well as I do the NFL salivates over guys 6'3 and taller. Freeney was also considered undersized during the draft.

[tiller77]

Darryl Tapp info (http://www.hokiesports.com/football/players/2005/tapp.html)

some info on Tapp and his career at VT

[burmafrd]

Kiwi is just too light and from all appearences cannot put any more weight on. Strength is not there either. BC has a very good weight program and if he cannot add size and strength there he can't anywhere.
Ngata is a beast- and will be long gone before we get anywhere near him.