Zamir Kehla Scouting Report
Profile Link: http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=...=0&#entry257572
Introduction:
This is the second of several scouting reports that I’ll be writing on this upcoming DSFL draft class of CBs. Considering that they are a deciding factor on whether or not an offense will torch you in the passing game, Cornerbacks are an important position that every DSFL GM should be looking for on their draft board. This series of reports will be written so that DSFL GMs won’t need to look far to determine which of the CBs in the upcoming draft class will fit their needs best. Now, without further ado, here is my scouting report on the CB out of UTEP, Zamir Kehla.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Kehla is one of the more traditional Man to Man CBs in this draft, but in a unique way that allows him to play Zone if needed. His above-average speed is perfect for a Man to Man CB, combined with his above-average endurance which will allow him to keep up with even the speediest WR2s and slot WRs if necessary. Despite these clear strengths, he does have his faults. His below-average agility makes it easy for WRs to leave him in the dust if they can turn on a dime, but only if they can maintain a high level of speed after making the turn to prevent him from recovering and getting to them as the ball is received. QBs should always be aiming to throw over Kehla to a WR attempting an on-the-run catch, as his exceptional hands will generally win him most 50/50 balls against smaller receivers. It is also advised to not match him up against a red-zone threat WR or a possession (balanced) TE because his below-average strength will lead to them winning most contested catches over him, although he’ll be able to knock passes out depending on whether or not they have good hands as well. His above-average tackling does well to rectify his weaknesses, although his average intelligence means that for him to play out of scheme effectively, he’ll need to work on improving his instincts.
Pro Comparison:
A good pro CB comparison for Kehla would be a former Green Bay Packers CB, Jaire Alexander. Both Kehla and Alexander are relatively small CBs with good speed and hands, although Alexander is more cerebral than Kehla is, with Kehla being better at tackling. I’d consider Kehla to have a high floor, but with this, the trade-off is with him having an uncharacteristically low ceiling (Disclaimer: As always, I may be incorrect) depending on whether or not his intelligence improves. I’d consider his ceiling to be around AJ Bouye/Chris Harris Jr. level, who, at their best were overlooked elite lockdown corners with great hands, but quickly peaked and ended up regressing into solid second option CBs.
Conclusion:
Overall, Kehla is a CB with a high floor, but with a relatively low ceiling. I’d consider him to be one of the most pro-ready CBs in the draft, with his intelligence, agility, and strength to be the things he needs to work on the most (of course, speed kills, so it wouldn’t hurt to improve that either). He’s accustomed to corner blitzes, and despite not being the hardest hitter, is very proficient at stripping the ball from unsuspecting ball carriers, adding another upside to drafting him. He has good enough hands to easily pick off any under-thrown balls, and seems to be good enough at not getting ahead of himself and running with the ball before securing an interception. I’d suggest that major sports network analysts should put him on the DSFL DROY watch-list early-on. GMs should be looking to take him around the middle of the first round, unless he falls due to (most-likely) attitude issues, considering that he can be a bit hot-headed (most evidenced by his exchange with another rookie CB on Twitter a couple of days ago). Zamir Kehla is a CB that will fit best in a Man to Man scheme with a decent amount of CB blitzes, but can potentially adapt to Zone schemes if his defensive-backs coach assists him in improving his instincts.
Profile Link: http://nsfl.jcink.net/index.php?showtopic=...=0&#entry257572
Introduction:
This is the second of several scouting reports that I’ll be writing on this upcoming DSFL draft class of CBs. Considering that they are a deciding factor on whether or not an offense will torch you in the passing game, Cornerbacks are an important position that every DSFL GM should be looking for on their draft board. This series of reports will be written so that DSFL GMs won’t need to look far to determine which of the CBs in the upcoming draft class will fit their needs best. Now, without further ado, here is my scouting report on the CB out of UTEP, Zamir Kehla.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Kehla is one of the more traditional Man to Man CBs in this draft, but in a unique way that allows him to play Zone if needed. His above-average speed is perfect for a Man to Man CB, combined with his above-average endurance which will allow him to keep up with even the speediest WR2s and slot WRs if necessary. Despite these clear strengths, he does have his faults. His below-average agility makes it easy for WRs to leave him in the dust if they can turn on a dime, but only if they can maintain a high level of speed after making the turn to prevent him from recovering and getting to them as the ball is received. QBs should always be aiming to throw over Kehla to a WR attempting an on-the-run catch, as his exceptional hands will generally win him most 50/50 balls against smaller receivers. It is also advised to not match him up against a red-zone threat WR or a possession (balanced) TE because his below-average strength will lead to them winning most contested catches over him, although he’ll be able to knock passes out depending on whether or not they have good hands as well. His above-average tackling does well to rectify his weaknesses, although his average intelligence means that for him to play out of scheme effectively, he’ll need to work on improving his instincts.
Pro Comparison:
A good pro CB comparison for Kehla would be a former Green Bay Packers CB, Jaire Alexander. Both Kehla and Alexander are relatively small CBs with good speed and hands, although Alexander is more cerebral than Kehla is, with Kehla being better at tackling. I’d consider Kehla to have a high floor, but with this, the trade-off is with him having an uncharacteristically low ceiling (Disclaimer: As always, I may be incorrect) depending on whether or not his intelligence improves. I’d consider his ceiling to be around AJ Bouye/Chris Harris Jr. level, who, at their best were overlooked elite lockdown corners with great hands, but quickly peaked and ended up regressing into solid second option CBs.
Conclusion:
Overall, Kehla is a CB with a high floor, but with a relatively low ceiling. I’d consider him to be one of the most pro-ready CBs in the draft, with his intelligence, agility, and strength to be the things he needs to work on the most (of course, speed kills, so it wouldn’t hurt to improve that either). He’s accustomed to corner blitzes, and despite not being the hardest hitter, is very proficient at stripping the ball from unsuspecting ball carriers, adding another upside to drafting him. He has good enough hands to easily pick off any under-thrown balls, and seems to be good enough at not getting ahead of himself and running with the ball before securing an interception. I’d suggest that major sports network analysts should put him on the DSFL DROY watch-list early-on. GMs should be looking to take him around the middle of the first round, unless he falls due to (most-likely) attitude issues, considering that he can be a bit hot-headed (most evidenced by his exchange with another rookie CB on Twitter a couple of days ago). Zamir Kehla is a CB that will fit best in a Man to Man scheme with a decent amount of CB blitzes, but can potentially adapt to Zone schemes if his defensive-backs coach assists him in improving his instincts.
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