Leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft starting on April 29th, we will be releasing several draft profiles of prospects who could potentially see themselves on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Next up…
Malcolm Koonce (Outside Linebacker/Edge), University of Buffalo, Senior
OVERVIEW:
Steeler Nation knows reliable depth on defense is critical to a winning team. The 2020 season proved this. With the departure of Bud Dupree and Ola Adeniyi, the Steelers are left with very little depth at the outside linebacker position behind Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt. We know the Steelers will be looking to improve the run game with their early selections, but their 3rd round pick is currently in limbo, between a mid-round cornerback or mid-round linebacker. Don’t be surprised if Malcolm Koonce’s name is called at the 88th overall selection.
PROS:
Koonce is currently listed as an edge player on most NFL draft boards, but he plays more as an outside linebacker. He is a long, lanky player that was an incredibly effective pass rusher in college. At 6’2” and weighing about 250 pounds, he has the ideal size to take on blocks at the line and collapse the pocket. His wingspan (81 inches) is a quarterback nightmare, in swatting down passes at the line. Koonce plays with a high motor. He is able to play well in both a three-point stance and upright. Koonce brings versatility at the outside linebacker position that defensive coordinators dream of. He is an ideal fit for a 3-4 defensive scheme.
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CONS:
Playing at the University of Buffalo, Koonce didn’t receive a lot of national attention, let alone decent competition in the MAC. This makes NFL scouts and coaches weary in how his skill set will translate to the NFL. On tape, Koonce seems to lack quick ball speed off the line and works more in short bursts. In addition, he had trouble closing in on ball carriers from behind and was forced out of plays by larger offensive linemen. There were instances during his time at Buffalo where Koonce would fall out of the play due to his lack of speed.
DRAFT PROJECTION: 2nd to 3rd Round
I see Koonce getting his name called on day 2 of the draft. He is an ideal fit for teams with a 3-4 defense (i.e., Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Denver Broncos); it is just a matter of those teams’ needs in the earlier rounds that’ll dictate Koonce’s availability in the 3rd. With such a deep offensive lineman and cornerback class this year, Koonce may fall to the 3rd round, but don’t be surprised if he sneaks into the 2nd.
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VERDICT:
Koonce is entering the draft with a huge chip on his shoulder. With no NFL combine and a limited Pro Day (he was unable to run any drills due to a foot injury), there is a lot of questions surrounding him. As an indicator of how he is trending on other big boards, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Koonce listed as one of his favorites at outside linebacker. He’ll need time to adjust to the NFL game speed, but this is perfect for the Steelers, as Koonce wouldn’t necessarily be needed as a day one starter. I like Koonce’s motor and length, and think he’ll fit well into a Keith Butler defense. Plus, we all know the Steelers like their MAC players.
Where do you think Koonce will land in April? Let us know in the comments below!
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