NFL Draft results 2014: Kyle Van Noy to Detroit Lions at No. 40
The Detroit Lions selected BYU’s Van Noy with the No. 40 pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
NFL Draft results: The Detroit Lions have drafted BYU outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy with the No. 40 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Van Noy came in at No. 47 among all prospects ranked on SB Nation's top 200 big board, which placed him fourth among all outside linebackers, behind only Buffalo's Khalil Mack, UCLA's Anthony Barr and Ohio State's Ryan Shazier.
The Lions traded up to this spot, getting the pick from the Seattle Seahawks, who originally got it from the Minnesota Vikings.
Van Noy was a Third-Team All-American in 2012 and 2013, and was named a First-Team All-Independent in 2011, 2012 and 2013. He was named the defensive MVP of the 2012 Poinsettia Bowl and played in every game for Brigham Young during the past four seasons. He finished his college career with 226 tackles, 62 tackles for loss and 26.0 sacks. He added seven interceptions to that total, as well.
While he won’t drop any jaws with top-level athleticism, Van Noy receives praise for his motor and instincts. He’s more than just a so-called “try hard” player, however, and has enough athletic ability to rush the passer or play in space. He was at his best in college when playing on the same defense with Ziggy Ansah. He struggled some last year with teams sliding protection to his side. His instincts and coverage ability should help him get on the field early, even if it’s just in sub packages or a situational role.
Combine results
Height: 6’3
Weight: 243
40-yard dash: 4.71
Bench press: 21
Vertical jump: 32 1/2
Broad jump: 9’4
20-yard shuttle: 4.20
3-cone drill: 7.22
Van Noy's biggest criticism to this point is that he's not the most athletic of players. He didn't shock anyone with stellar numbers at the NFL Scouting Combine. However, he's one of the few linebackers with extensive experience in pass coverage, and his transition to playing standing up linebacker in the NFL will be a lot easier than many other linebackers.
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