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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Keishawn Bierria (Washington) - 2018 NFL Draft Pick #217 by DEN

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Keishawn Bierria (2018 NFL Draft)

College: University of Washington
Position: Linebacker

Overview

Keishawn Bierria was a standout linebacker at the University of Washington, known for his instinctive play, athleticism, and ability to read offenses. He played a key role in the Huskies' defense, contributing to their success in the Pac-12 Conference and showcasing his skills on a national stage.

Strengths

  • Instincts: Bierria has a strong ability to diagnose plays quickly and react accordingly. His football IQ allows him to make plays in the backfield and cover receivers effectively.
  • Range: He possesses good lateral quickness and speed, enabling him to cover a lot of ground both in run support and pass coverage.
  • Tackling: Known for his solid tackling technique, Bierria wraps up well and is effective in taking down ball carriers.
  • Leadership: As a team captain, he demonstrated strong leadership qualities that could translate well to the professional level.

Weaknesses

  • Size: At 6'0" and around 230 pounds, some scouts felt he lacked the ideal size for an NFL linebacker, which could affect his ability to shed blocks against larger offensive players.
  • Pass Coverage: While he is proficient in coverage, there are concerns about his ability to handle quicker, more athletic tight ends and slot receivers at the next level.
  • Injury History: Bierria had dealt with some minor injuries during his college career, which raised questions about his durability over a full NFL season.

Draft Projection

Bierria was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the 2018 NFL Draft. His versatility and experience in a pro-style defense made him an appealing option for teams looking for depth at linebacker, as well as a potential special teams contributor.

Conclusion

Keishawn Bierria's combination of athleticism, instincts, and leadership made him a noteworthy prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft. While he faced some concerns regarding size and coverage skills, his overall potential and contributions at Washington positioned him as a valuable addition for teams seeking to bolster their linebacker corps.