2018 Raiders Draft Prospect: S Kyzir White

2018 Raiders Draft Prospect Profile

Name: Kyzir White

Position: S

School: West Virginia

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 220 pounds

Stats:

Tackling

From the moment, the tape started and White enters the play, his tackling stands out. While he demonstrates form in his approach, White loves the life-changing hit. Upon contact, the ballcarrier immediately hits the ground with force. However, White recognizes the big hit may not always be the wisest one. When matched up with an elusive receiver with no support, he will drive and plant the wideout. At the next level, White will gain a reputation as a fierce hitter. On the other hand, as much as the league will allow under the current rules.

Speed

Despite a larger frame (220 pounds), White runs well enough to stay near receivers. That is to say, he cannot stay stride for stride with vertical threat, but can shadow intermediate ones. On the other hand, when breaking on a play, White excels with definitive burst.

Coverage

In the NFL, White could either function as a box safety or smaller cover linebacker. If coaches assign him tight ends, White could make the move to linebacker. Tape shows White’s feel for space is better than his explosion. His vision and relative calm will lend itself to a multitude of roles.

Agility

If White stays at safety, he will need a smoother deep backpedal. In the short, intermediate game, White will display excellent strides and pad level. In contrast, vertical routes see a rising pad height and wasted motion.

Ball Skills

During his two seasons in Morgantown, White snared three interceptions. In addition, he knocked down nine passes. Although those numbers may not jump out, tape shows the ability to make sound plays on the ball.

Raiders Fit

The Raiders still need a secondary upgrade. Whether any combination of Joseph, Melifonwu, Gilchrist, and Nelson will work remains a question. White gives Paul Guenther a George Iloka clone, a big hitter that run support and will not be destroyed in coverage. Moreover, White could evolve into a linebacker in subpackages. In essence, White’s size gives him advantages over any safety the Raiders currently employ. With Gates, Henry, and Kelce in the division, the Raiders need a physical safety with size that can run with tight ends.