Report: Colts Put Utah State’s Kyler Fackrell Through Positional Drills At Pro Day

According to DraftInsider.net’s Tony Pauline, the Indianapolis Colts worked out Utah State outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell at his pro day on Wednesday:

"“Kyler Fackrell had a very busy day at pro day,” writes Pauline. “He completed 16 reps on the bench, one more than his Combine mark. He then completed both defensive end and linebacker drills.”“The New York Jets ran Fackrell through a gauntlet of pass-rushing drills, allowing him to display his ability off the edge out of a three-point stance. Later, both the Jets and Indianapolis Colts pushed Fackrell through linebacker drills. I’m told the position drills lasted 45 minutes, and the Jets seem enamored with Fackrell.”“Fackrell weighed in at 245 pounds, looked the part and moved well in drills. He was very good in coverage drills.”"

The 6’5″, 245 pound outside linebacker starred for the Aggies in his senior season, recording 82 tackles–including 15 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 12 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, and 5 fumble recoveries–making all 13 starts.

Fackrell’s exceptional play was rewarded, as the young outside linebacker was named a 1st-Team All-Mountain West selection, as well as earning 4th-Team All-American honors.

While Fackrell may not hear his name called on Day 1, he’s widely expected to be an early round selection by many draft experts for a team that is looking for pass rush help (via his NFL.com draft profile):

"ANALYSISSTRENGTHSPremium length and athleticism. Played quarterback and wide receiver in high school and lettered in basketball and volleyball. Rangy tackler who is able to shadow the ball all over the field. Has length and arm extension to punch and control the point of attack. Functional strength is good enough against the run. Has length and motor for tremendous tackle radius. Had 80 tackles or more in each of his last three full seasons. Had just five sacks, but often dropped into space. Potential is there to become plus pass rusher. Combines forward lean, hip explosion and long arms to crank up speed-­to­-power pocket push. Upfield burst covers substantial ground in first three steps. Has upper body turn and shoulder dip to slip under tackle’s shoulder and around the corner. Don’t sleep on his cover ability in space.WEAKNESSESMissed the entire 2014 season with an ACL tear. Can improve his hand play as pass rusher at the high side of his rush. When edge rush stalls out, has average counter attack. Long-strider who struggles to make sudden inside moves once he gets going upfield. High center of gravity combined with lean lower half make it difficult to play through redirect blocks with contact balance.NFL COMPARISONConnor BarwinBOTTOM LINEWhen it comes to the length and athleticism teams will look for off the edge, Fackrell will be one of the poster boys. His field versatility, coverage talent and potential as a pass rusher could make him one of the fastest rising prospects in this draft and a future contender for a Pro Bowl nod."

That being said, Fackrell isn’t necessarily a perfect prospect at outside linebacker:

However, he may be one of the more complete outside linebackers in this year’s NFL Draft class with his ability to rush the passer, as well as to drop back in coverage:

In Rounds 2-4, he could be worth a serious look for the Colts come draft day, as he could potentially start right away.