North Dakota State University Outside Linebacker Kyle Emanuel was taken in the 5th round of the 2015 NFL Draft (153rd overall) by the San Diego Chargers according to Chargers.com Managing Editor Ricky Henne, whose article is posted here. There is not much information on him yet, however, he was the Buck Buchanon Award in 2014 (FCS’ Top Defensive Player award).
Emanuel was also named first-team Football Championship Subdivision All-American and Missouri Valley Defensive Player of the Year in his senior season at NDSU, where he helped them claim their fourth straight FCS Championship in a row. During the 2014 season, he also led the FCS in tackles and tackles for a loss. Emanuel was also second in forced fumbles in the Missouri Valley Football Conference during the 2014 season. Among other statistics, the highlight of his senior year was a 27-yard interception return in North Dakota State’s matchup versus Missouri State.
Emanuel has a low center of gravity and moves faster than can turn the corner faster and stronger, which will help him get to the Quarterback faster and make him harder to defend. Thinking about the San Diego Chargers’ defense and Defensive Coordinator John Pagano, this writer feels that in the past there has been a lack of impact players that make the big individual play.
This writer feels that he brings energy to the Chargers that it seems they have lacked in the past, and also has the flexibility to play multiple positions. The Chargers seemed to have more than their fair share of injuries, especially to the Defensive Line, and Emanuel would be able to fill in to multiple positions to help San Diego’s defense become better.
In the humble opinion of this correspondent, Kyle Emanuel is a draft prospect who flew under the radar, because he comes from a smaller school than most. However, just because he comes from a small school does not mean he is not talented or skilled, and will bring a lot to help the San Diego Chargers’ defense become better and help the team as a whole get to the next level.
For more information on Kyle Emanuel's profile from college, please check out cbssports.com's article here.