Hau'oli Kikaha

[sureletsrace]

What's the reason for his fairly low (in my opinion) ranking?

I know xwalker said he's got issues with his knees, but other than that, he seems to be a fantastic pass rusher.

From what I've seen, he looks like a better pass rusher than many of the guys projected to go in the first.

Is it just the knees?

 

[xwalker]

What's the reason for his fairly low (in my opinion) ranking?

I know xwalker said he's got issues with his knees, but other than that, he seems to be a fantastic pass rusher.

From what I've seen, he looks like a better pass rusher than many of the guys projected to go in the first.

Is it just the knees?

I think he has good developed skill as a pass rusher but his speed/athleticism might be limited as compared to some higher ranked players.

The other issue is that he is smallish as a 4-3 DE but many think he is not a good option as a 3-4 LB due to lack of ability in space/coverage.

 

[tm1119]

Not sure I ever see him being a full time player in our D. Now, part time pass rushers are perfectly fine and definitely have value....Just not 1st round value. If he were available in the 2nd I'd definitely consider him provided his knee(s) check out.

 

[BAT]

What's the reason for his fairly low (in my opinion) ranking?

I know xwalker said he's got issues with his knees, but other than that, he seems to be a fantastic pass rusher.

From what I've seen, he looks like a better pass rusher than many of the guys projected to go in the first.

Is it just the knees?

I agree. Other than the injuries, he is the perfect Marinelli player: super productive, great get off and hand fighting, and he is an all day sucker. As for being too small, I call BS on that criticism too. He actually lost 15 lbs when they changed schemes from a 4-3 to 3-4, so he could better play standing up. Kikaha has played, and played very well, at 260 plus.

That said, would love to get him at bottom of 2nd or even the 3rd. If he does not run a sub 4.6 at combines, I expect him to fall a little further. He could be another Frederick for us.

 

[locked&loaded]

Looked small and got swallowed up in one on one drills at senior bowl. Definitely a pretty deep class of d line and he isn't really on my radar. But I am not a scout!

 

[TonyRomo17]

Another reason is lack of athlethism, he basically wins with tecnique

 

[BAT]

Another reason is lack of athlethism, he basically wins with tecnique

Similar to Jared Allen. Reminds me a lot of Allen actually. Constantly revving high motor, great technique and smart.

 

[xwalker]

Another reason is lack of athlethism, he basically wins with tecnique

I would generally agree with this. His speed/quickness is definitely a level or two below the top rated guys but his developed skill is higher than some of them.

Mincey played well and does not have elite speed/quickness so it can work; although, Mincey is much more powerful player.

 

[xwalker]

Similar to Jared Allen. Reminds me a lot of Allen actually. Constantly revving high motor, great technique and smart.

Conceptually yes in terms of guys that use developed skill over just raw athleticism, but physically they're much different. Allen is 6-6, 270 with long arms. Kikaha is under 6-3 with shortish arms.

 

[BAT]

Conceptually yes in terms of guys that use developed skill over just raw athleticism, but physically they're much different. Allen is 6-6, 270 with long arms. Kikaha is under 6-3 with shortish arms.

Said his game reminds me of Allen, so yes. Kikaha is short but he's not the shortest DE in the league. And he has similar burst as small and slow guys like Suggs and Dumervil.

Orchard is a tad bigger and longer but only one of them racked up 19 sacks. 17 sacks is not bad though.

 

[dwreck27]

If he's in the 3rd I take him with a smile. Any earlier and I know we were probably reaching for need.

 

[RS12]

Cowboys generally dont like short armed lineman. Of course they took Gardner last year so maybe a philosophy change.

 

[BAT]

Cowboys generally dont like short armed lineman. Of course they took Gardner last year so maybe a philosophy change.

Have not heard Marinelli lament short arms. He goes stark raving bonkers if his defenders do not run to the ball like their hair was on fire. And Coach M actually likes it when his Rushmen can actually get to the QB. Kikaha does both.