Scott McKillop LB 6'2 240 Pitt

McKillop was a backup as a freshman in 2005, but he still managed to make 27 tackles. He was again a reserve linebacker as a sophomore, but he did post 29 tackles, two for loss, and a sack on the year. McKillop finally got the starting nod as a junior and he made the most of it. He had an amazing 151 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks, and a pick last year.

Strengths

Very few linebackers are as active between the tackles as McKillop. He has excellent instincts and quickly reads the run and aggressively fills a hole to stop the play. He is so quick to see the action that he can get to the perimeter and make plays outside the tackles as well. McKillop is strong at the point of attack and is able to shed blocks to make the tackle. He is a tackling machine that will be near the football on every play in front of him.

Weaknesses

McKillop may only project as a two down player in the NFL. He is an excellent run stopper and very good at getting to the action in front of him, but he may lack the athleticism to be a factor in pass coverage. He does not change direction well and he lacks the footspeed to cover players and cover ground and close on the play.

Future

McKillop is an excellent college linebacker but may be limited a bit in the pros. He has the ability to stop the run and lead a defense but he may never be a big playmaker. If a team has the players around him to help pick up the slack in coverage, McKillop could be a very good starting linebacker because of his combination of instincts and toughness on the field.